44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02213441-02213 (Affaires étrangères)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON26 février 202422 mars 202412 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • Exiger un cessez-le-feu immédiat dans le conflit israélo-palestinien;
  • Demander à Israël de lever le blocus de la bande de Gaza et d’autoriser la création d’un corridor humanitaire et une intervention humanitaire d’urgence;
  • Demander à Israël de respecter ses engagements en vertu des conventions de Genève et du droit international humanitaire;
  • Respecter son engagement international de promouvoir et de défendre les droits de la personne;
  • Prendre toute autre mesure nécessaire pour protéger les civils, tant israéliens que palestiniens, et contribuer à favoriser un climat propice à l’instauration d’une paix durable.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. Canada will continue to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.Canada is calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance has never been greater. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided to civilians. The International Court of Justice has been clear: Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance and must protect civilians. The Court’s decisions on provisional measures are binding. Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining Canada's support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada is deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Ultimately, a negotiated political solution is needed to achieve lasting peace and security. Canada remains steadfast in it commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity.
Conflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02199441-02199 (Processus démocratique)ValerieBradfordKitchener-Sud—HespelerLibéralON16 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Prime Minister of CanadaSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02198441-02198 (Fiscalité)DaneLloydSturgeon River—ParklandConservateurAB16 février 202422 mars 202413 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02196441-02196 (Santé)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC16 février 202422 mars 202426 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE : Santé Canada propose de changer considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels; Les produits de santé naturels englobent des produits de tous les jours comme les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les lotions SPF que les Canadiens utilisent quotidiennement dans leur régime de vie proactif; Les changements provoqueront la hausse des prix à la consommation et réduiront radicalement l’éventail des produits offerts au moment même où l’inflation atteint un sommet et que l’accès aux soins de santé devient de plus en plus difficile; Santé Canada a récemment proposé l’imposition de nouveaux frais élevés à l’importation, à la fabrication et à la vente de produits de santé naturels en même temps qu’il met en œuvre une nouvelle législation sur l’étiquetage; Cette situation forcera de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada, ce qui réduira le choix de produits de santé naturels accessibles aux Canadiens. PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler avec l’industrie afin de moderniser l’étiquetage et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie; de faire en sorte que les modifications de la réglementation ne soient envisagées qu’une fois que le Cadre sur l’autonomie en matière de soins aura été modifié et que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les activités se dérouleront efficacement et que des politiques et procédures seront en place pour garantir la stabilité du processus de sélection pour les produits de santé naturels.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are adulterated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make the natural health product market safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and taking their feedback into account, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, the Government passed legislation allowing Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Now, Health Canada is proposing fees for industry to allow the Department to create an even safer marketplace for consumers and begin to recoup a portion of the costs of services it provides to industry. Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time, the Department is considering how best to adjust the proposed approach to address the concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is not about limiting the production of NHPs or consumers’ access to them. Rather, these efforts are about making sure the products Canadians use every day are safe, and of high quality.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02194441-02194 (Affaires et commerce)ValerieBradfordKitchener-Sud—HespelerLibéralON16 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :Le projet de loi C-57 constitue une mise à jour importante de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine qui aidera l’Ukraine à se rétablir après avoir repoussé l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président de l’Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, et le Congrès des Ukrainiens Canadiens ont prié le Parlement du Canada d’adopter rapidement ce projet de loi; Les informations erronées selon lesquelles le régime de tarification du carbone du Canada aurait un effet sur cet accord ont été largement démenties.PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de confirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement la mise à jour de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02193441-02193 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202414 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks. 
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02192441-02192 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202414 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks. 
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02191441-02191 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202419 décembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02190441-02190 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202424 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02189441-02189 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202424 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02188441-02188 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202424 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02187441-02187 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202424 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02186441-02186 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 février 202422 mars 202424 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02185441-02185 (Système correctionnel)EarlDreeshenRed Deer—Mountain ViewConservateurAB16 février 202422 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • À la demande du gouvernement libéral, le Service correctionnel du Canada applique le Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons (PESP) dans les établissements correctionnels fédéraux, ce qui revient à encourager l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons;
  • Les drogues illicites dans les établissements fédéraux sont de la contrebande, tout comme les objets qui servent à se les injecter;
  • Les aiguilles qui servent à l’usage de drogues illicites dans les établissements correctionnels représentent un risque grave pour la santé des détenus et des agents correctionnels;
  • Le PESP aggrave les dangers auxquels l’agent correctionnel est déjà exposé dans son lieu de travail;
  • La Stratégie canadienne sur les drogues et autres substances devrait servir à aider les Canadiens toxicomanes à se rétablir d’une dépendance et à recevoir des traitements plutôt qu’à les maintenir dans leur état de dépendance.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin aux activités du Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons, de ne plus autoriser l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons canadiennes et de concentrer leurs efforts sur les moyens d’aider les détenus à se libérer de leurs dépendances.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Like much of Canadian society, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is experiencing the effect of Canada's opioid crisis. CSC began implementing a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) to prevent the sharing of needles, facilitate referrals to health care services and programs, and limit the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in federal institutions. It is important to note that this is just one measure that is available to incarcerated offenders and complements other existing measures. Of note, there have been no reported fatalities involving participants using our harm reduction services.Before an individual can participate in the PNEP program, CSC completes a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA), to confirm that it is suitable to allow the individual to possess a needle, similar to the one currently being used for EpiPens and needles for insulin use. As of February 1st, 2024, there have been no reported assaults on employees or incarcerated offenders involving needles used in the PNEP program.The safety and security of institutions, staff, offenders, and the public is a top priority. Preventing the introduction of contraband and reducing the use of illicit substances by incarcerated offenders in correctional institutions remains an ongoing key priority as they pose a risk to the safety and security of our institutions and impact offender rehabilitation. CSC works closely with local police agencies and communities to prevent and reduce contraband and unauthorized items, including drugs and substances, from entering institutions. Illicit drugs are considered contraband in federal institutions, and inmates found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs may be subject to administrative consequences, disciplinary charges/sanctions, and/or criminal charges.CSC has a National Drug Strategy, which incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to review and address an incarcerated individual’s substance use. Aligned with Commissioner’s Directive 585 National Drug Strategy, each institution has developed and implemented drug strategies to balance detection, deterrence, and treatment. As part of this, and to support the safety and security of everyone in our institutions, CSC continues to implement measures to address the introduction, trafficking, financing, and/or distribution of contraband within our institutions. The elements of the National Drug Strategy include:Reducing the supply of illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing and preventing the supply of illicit drugs through various efforts to investigate and disrupt the introduction and trafficking of contraband in our institutions. CSC also continues to lead intelligence investigations relating to the introduction and trafficking of contraband and strengthen partnerships with police to pursue criminal investigations into drug traffickers targeting our facilities.Reducing the demand for illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing the demand for illicit drugs by supporting innovative and effective approaches to intervening with, treating and rehabilitating offenders who use illicit drugs. CSC offers a suite of health interventions and correctional programming that addresses multiple criminogenic needs, including substance use disorder. Correctional programs are offered at intensity levels that are commensurate to the offenders’ risk level.Increasing the awareness of the negative consequences of illicit drug use - This component focuses on preventing illicit drug use by offenders in institutions. This is accomplished by providing awareness programs, infectious disease testing and associated treatment, and Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). It also involves delivering quality health services to incarcerated offenders to assist them in achieving a drug-free lifestyle.Strict policies concerning contraband and unauthorized activities are in place, which are enforced through dynamic and static security practices, including extensive search procedures for offenders, staff, and visitors. Incarcerated individuals found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs can face administrative consequences, disciplinary sanctions, and/or criminal charges.In addition to staff vigilance, dynamic security and security intelligence information, CSC relies on a combination of detection equipment, search practices and a variety of approved techniques to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband. This includes interdiction measures such as routine searches of persons (including inmates, visitors and staff), vehicles, cells/rooms, and other areas of the institution, which are in accordance with the Institutional Search Plan as well as non-routine searches, which may be authorized based on staff observations and intelligence information. Other measures include regular monitoring of offender activity; random urinalysis testing; and the non-intrusive searching of all visitors entering institutions using tools such as metal detectors, ion scanners, and detector dogs.
Consommation et abus de droguesÉtablissements correctionnelsProgramme de distribution de seringues propres
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02181441-02181 (Santé)YvesRobillardMarc-Aurèle-FortinLibéralQC15 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02179441-02179 (Fiscalité)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON15 février 202422 mars 202413 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02175441-02175 (Système correctionnel)ToddDohertyCariboo—Prince GeorgeConservateurBC15 février 202422 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • À la demande du gouvernement libéral, le Service correctionnel du Canada applique le Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons (PESP) dans les établissements correctionnels fédéraux, ce qui revient à encourager l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons;
  • Les drogues illicites dans les établissements fédéraux sont de la contrebande, tout comme les objets qui servent à se les injecter;
  • Les aiguilles qui servent à l’usage de drogues illicites dans les établissements correctionnels représentent un risque grave pour la santé des détenus et des agents correctionnels;
  • Le PESP aggrave les dangers auxquels l’agent correctionnel est déjà exposé dans son lieu de travail;
  • La Stratégie canadienne sur les drogues et autres substances devrait servir à aider les Canadiens toxicomanes à se rétablir d’une dépendance et à recevoir des traitements plutôt qu’à les maintenir dans leur état de dépendance.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin aux activités du Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons, de ne plus autoriser l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons canadiennes et de concentrer leurs efforts sur les moyens d’aider les détenus à se libérer de leurs dépendances.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Like much of Canadian society, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is experiencing the effect of Canada's opioid crisis. CSC began implementing a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) to prevent the sharing of needles, facilitate referrals to health care services and programs, and limit the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in federal institutions. It is important to note that this is just one measure that is available to incarcerated offenders and complements other existing measures. Of note, there have been no reported fatalities involving participants using our harm reduction services.Before an individual can participate in the PNEP program, CSC completes a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA), to confirm that it is suitable to allow the individual to possess a needle, similar to the one currently being used for EpiPens and needles for insulin use. As of February 1st, 2024, there have been no reported assaults on employees or incarcerated offenders involving needles used in the PNEP program.The safety and security of institutions, staff, offenders, and the public is a top priority. Preventing the introduction of contraband and reducing the use of illicit substances by incarcerated offenders in correctional institutions remains an ongoing key priority as they pose a risk to the safety and security of our institutions and impact offender rehabilitation. CSC works closely with local police agencies and communities to prevent and reduce contraband and unauthorized items, including drugs and substances, from entering institutions. Illicit drugs are considered contraband in federal institutions, and inmates found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs may be subject to administrative consequences, disciplinary charges/sanctions, and/or criminal charges.CSC has a National Drug Strategy, which incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to review and address an incarcerated individual’s substance use. Aligned with Commissioner’s Directive 585 National Drug Strategy, each institution has developed and implemented drug strategies to balance detection, deterrence, and treatment. As part of this, and to support the safety and security of everyone in our institutions, CSC continues to implement measures to address the introduction, trafficking, financing, and/or distribution of contraband within our institutions. The elements of the National Drug Strategy include:Reducing the supply of illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing and preventing the supply of illicit drugs through various efforts to investigate and disrupt the introduction and trafficking of contraband in our institutions. CSC also continues to lead intelligence investigations relating to the introduction and trafficking of contraband and strengthen partnerships with police to pursue criminal investigations into drug traffickers targeting our facilities.Reducing the demand for illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing the demand for illicit drugs by supporting innovative and effective approaches to intervening with, treating and rehabilitating offenders who use illicit drugs. CSC offers a suite of health interventions and correctional programming that addresses multiple criminogenic needs, including substance use disorder. Correctional programs are offered at intensity levels that are commensurate to the offenders’ risk level.Increasing the awareness of the negative consequences of illicit drug use - This component focuses on preventing illicit drug use by offenders in institutions. This is accomplished by providing awareness programs, infectious disease testing and associated treatment, and Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). It also involves delivering quality health services to incarcerated offenders to assist them in achieving a drug-free lifestyle.Strict policies concerning contraband and unauthorized activities are in place, which are enforced through dynamic and static security practices, including extensive search procedures for offenders, staff, and visitors. Incarcerated individuals found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs can face administrative consequences, disciplinary sanctions, and/or criminal charges. In addition to staff vigilance, dynamic security and security intelligence information, CSC relies on a combination of detection equipment, search practices and a variety of approved techniques to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband. This includes interdiction measures such as routine searches of persons (including inmates, visitors and staff), vehicles, cells/rooms, and other areas of the institution, which are in accordance with the Institutional Search Plan as well as non-routine searches, which may be authorized based on staff observations and intelligence information. Other measures include regular monitoring of offender activity; random urinalysis testing; and the non-intrusive searching of all visitors entering institutions using tools such as metal detectors, ion scanners, and detector dogs.
Consommation et abus de droguesÉtablissements correctionnelsProgramme de distribution de seringues propres
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02171441-02171 (Santé)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON15 février 202422 mars 202414 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Des millions de Canadiens comptent sur les produits de santé naturels pour favoriser leur santé et leur bien-être;
  • Le Comité permanent de la santé, après de longues consultations, a déterminé que les produits de santé naturels ne devraient pas être réglementés comme les médicaments chimiques;
  • Le Canada réglemente déjà de façon rigoureuse les produits de santé naturels pour assurer la sécurité des Canadiens;
  • Les nouveaux changements auront une forte incidence sur l’abordabilité et les choix des consommateurs.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement libéral d’abroger les modifications apportées à la Loi sur les aliments et drogues (produits de santé naturels) aux articles 500 à 504 du projet de loi C-47, Loi portant exécution de certaines dispositions du budget déposé au Parlement le 28 mars 2023.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are adulterated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make the natural health product market safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and taking their feedback into account, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, the Government passed legislation allowing Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Now, Health Canada is proposing fees for industry to allow the Department to create an even safer marketplace for consumers and begin to recoup a portion of the costs of services it provides to industry. Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time, the Department is considering how best to adjust the proposed approach to address the concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is not about limiting the production of NHPs or consumers’ access to them. Rather, these efforts are about making sure the products Canadians use every day are safe, and of high quality.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02170441-02170 (Processus démocratique)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB14 février 202422 mars 20247 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02166441-02166 (Transport)L’hon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLibéralON14 février 202422 mars 20245 octobre 2023Pétition au ministre des TransportsATTENDU QUE :
  • Des municipalités, des associations de propriétaires et des milliers de résidents craignent sérieusement que les maisons flottantes non réglementées en Ontario causent des dommages, notamment environnementaux, sociaux et économiques, et des impacts sur la sécurité publique dans nos cours d’eau si aucune réglementation n’est mise en place;
  • Le gouvernement de l’Ontario a récemment consulté les Ontariens sur cette question, et il semble disposé à réglementer ces maisons flottantes. Mais ses mains sont liées et il a besoin de votre soutien pour adopter des changements conformes aux recommandations énoncées ci-après;
  • Le problème est qu’en Ontario, Transports Canada classe ces structures en tant que « bâtiments », alors qu’en Colombie-Britannique, Transports Canada les place dans la catégorie des « maisons flottantes ». Ainsi, la manière dont Transports Canada assure la supervision de ces structures diffère selon les provinces;
  • Par conséquent, comme ces structures sont classées en tant que « bâtiments » en Ontario, elles sont actuellement exemptées de toute forme de supervision et de réglementation provinciales et municipales, notamment en matière de respect des codes du bâtiment, de protection de l’environnement, de sécurité publique, de taxation et de gestion des emplacements;
  • En Colombie-Britannique, où Transports Canada les classe en tant que « maisons flottantes », ces structures doivent être conformes à des normes de construction strictes et elles peuvent être assujetties à la réglementation provinciale et municipale pour assurer la protection de l’environnement, le respect des codes du bâtiment et la gestion de l’utilisation/de l’emplacement;
  • Une fois que ce changement aura été fait, les municipalités pourront créer des règlements sur les maisons flottantes qui cadreront avec les normes provinciales et municipales.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens de la province de l’Ontario, prions le ministre des Transports de :Demander respectueusement à votre Ministère de classer les maisons flottantes, existantes et nouvelles, en tant que maisons flottantes et non en tant que bâtiments en Ontario, en conformité au précédent établi par votre Ministère en Colombie-Britannique en 2001.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe Government of Canada is attentive to public concerns about floating accommodations on Ontario (ON) waters, and their potential environmental, social, and public safety impacts. Within the rubric of Transport Canada’s (TC’s) legislative and regulatory mandate, these structures are defined as vessels under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (the CSA 2001):a boat, ship or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for navigation in, on, through or immediately above water, without regard to method or lack of propulsion, and includes such a vessel that is under construction. It does not include a floating object of a prescribed class.While these floating accommodations often have no means of propulsion, they can be navigated under tow and, as such, are subject to pertinent regulations under the CSA 2001. TC’sregulatoryauthority under the CSA 2001 covers safety equipment, construction, navigation, and environmental protection. The department does not regulate where these vessels can operate, nor the duration for which they can stay anchored or moored in any given location.Vessels of this nature must meet the requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations and Transport Publication 1332 - Construction Standards for Small Vessels (2010), including having necessary safety equipment and meeting construction requirements. They must also meet the applicable requirements of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical Regulations, under which, for example, the discharge overboard of raw sewage is prohibited.While the floating accommodations of concern in ON are anchored near shore, independent of shore installations, and capable of navigation (i.e., can be moved to another location), those in British Columbia (BC) that are referenced as “float homes”, and that are not considered vessels, are permanently moored to the dock or shore, dependent on shore services (e.g., electrical power, fresh water, phone, waste management, etc.), and cannot be used for navigation. These float homes are normally located within the confines of a harbour or a marina.Such accommodations are treated as real estate, built in conformity with the BC Float Home Standard, and overseen by the BC Float Home Committee. Because of their features, these BC float homes are not considered vessels under theCSA 2001. In this regard, the CSA2001and the BC Float Home Standard are addressing different structures.In June 2023, the ON Government amended Regulation 161/17 (under the Public Lands Act) to prohibit floating accommodations from docking overnight on provincial waterways. The updated regulation clarifies the difference between floating accommodations and watercraft, applies only to public lands in ON, and does not address floating accommodations located on private water lots or on waterways under the authority of other governments (e.g., portions of the Trent Severn Waterway). The regulatory amendments do not impact TC’s definition of a vessel under the CSA 2001.TC, Parks Canada (PCA), and the ON Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) each have authorities related to floating accommodations, depending on whether they are secured to a waterbed and/or surface land controlled provincially or federally. TC, PCA, and the ON Government have met on multiple occasions to discuss floating accommodations.Going forward, TC will continue to work with its federal, provincial, and municipal partners, to help ensure safe navigation and environmental protections for ON’s navigable waterways. TC is interested in better understanding the public’s concerns regarding floating accommodations and the long-term anchoring of vessels generally and hosted an online consultation in fall 2023 to better understand the perspectives of Canadians.Should those consultations indicate sufficient interest in having an opportunity to restrict long-term anchoring, TC would consider incorporating restrictions to this effect in the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR). The VORR provide a mechanism for local authorities and municipal and provincial governments to regulate boating activities on their waters, and delegate enforcement powers to local enforcement authorities. Local authorities submit applications to TC on a regular basis seeking new restrictions. A restriction on long-term anchoring could be added for those instances where the anchoring poses a safety or environmental risk.
LogementPetits bateauxRéglementation
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02165441-02165 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB14 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02161441-02161 (Santé)DougShipleyBarrie—Springwater—Oro-MedonteConservateurON14 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02160441-02160 (Fiscalité)Lisa MarieBarronNanaimo—LadysmithNPDBC14 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02157441-02157 (Processus démocratique)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB14 février 202422 mars 202412 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Nous, les citoyens du Canada, avons perdu confiance en Justin Trudeau ainsi qu’en la coalition formée par le Parti libéral et le Nouveau Parti démocratique;
  • Nous demandons à la Chambre de tenir un vote de censure;
  • Nous réclamons la tenue d’une élection 45 jours après le vote s’il est gagné;
  • Le gouvernement actuel n’agit pas dans l’intérêt de tous les citoyens;
  • Les politiques du gouvernement actuel ne sont pas adaptées à la crise à laquelle le Canada doit faire face, notamment en raison des coûts du logement, des violations des libertés civiles, de l’inflation la plus élevée de l'histoire, des politiques d'immigration déséquilibrées, des impôts élevés qui conduisent à la pauvreté ainsi que de l’affaiblissement de notre économie par l'importation de ressources naturelles que le Canada possède déjà et qu'il sous-exploite;
  • Après huit années au pouvoir, le premier ministre n'inspire pas confiance aux Canadiens, lui qui a fait l'objet de cinq enquêtes en matière d'éthique, et la réputation du Canada à l'échelle mondiale a été entachée pendant qu'il dirigeait le pays, à un point tel que le Canada a été écarté des déclarations relatives à des événements géopolitiques importants.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de tenir un vote de censure et une élection fédérale 45 jours après le vote.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLAs Canadians, we are blessed to live in a free and democratic country.In 2021, we collectively exercised the democratic rights guaranteed to us by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canada Elections Act. In the 44th General Election since Confederation, a total of 17,209,811 Canadian citizens exercised their right to vote, and to freely choose from among 2,010 fellow citizens who put themselves forward as candidates. We should all take pride in the fact that Canadians continue to be so deeply engaged in our democratic process and its institutions.Under our system of Parliamentary and responsible government, we continue to govern with the confidence of the House of Commons. We are accountable to Parliament and to Canadians, whether through Parliament proceedings, the scrutiny of the free press, and the many formal and informal ways in which Government and elected Members of Parliament engage with concerned citizens, organizations, and civil society every day.We continue to work to make Canada a place where we can all thrive. Our agenda as a Government includes measures to make life more affordable for Canadians, whether through investing in child care and dental care, or by improving important benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, OAS, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. We are helping Canadians create new middle class jobs by tackling supply chain challenges, doubling the Tradespeople’s Tool Deduction, and promoting international trade to bring Canadian goods and services to the global marketplace. And we are protecting our environment for future generations by greening our electrical grid, electrifying our transport sector, and investing in the critical mineral sector that makes Canada a world leader.The Government is proud of this record. We continue to work hard to retain the confidence of Parliament for the remainder of this term, and Canadian citizens will once again exercise their democratic rights in the 45th General Election.
Confiance dans le gouvernement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02155441-02155 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK13 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intendend parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02154441-02154 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK13 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intendend parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02153441-02153 (Droits de la personne)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK13 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :
  • Le Canada a traditionnellement respecté, honoré et affirmé le rôle des traditions de foi dans les Forces armées canadiennes;
  • L’aumônerie des Forces armées canadiennes contribue à la santé, au moral et au bien-être spirituel des hommes et des femmes des forces armées de toutes confessions ou n’ayant aucun lien avec une religion;
  • Le gouvernement libéral mine les droits et libertés des hommes et des femmes des forces armées en interdisant l’expression de diverses religions.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :
  • d’affirmer que les Forces armées canadiennes doivent être libres d’appuyer les hommes et les femmes des forces armées au moyen de la prière en public, conformément aux traditions honorables et durement acquises des Forces armées canadiennes, plus particulièrement le jour du Souvenir.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeThe Defence Team deeply values the work of military chaplains to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, and we will continue to build a diverse, inclusive military that attracts and retains talented people, as well as a chaplaincy that reflects the diversity of spiritual and faith beliefs of Canada and supports both the free expression of religious belief and the right of military members not to express a religious belief.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service holds deep respect for the diverse religious and spiritual belief systems and practices of serving and retired CAF members, their families and Canadians. As such, CAF chaplains prioritize cultivating inclusive environments where all can feel welcome at ceremonies and events in which chaplains participate or offer leadership. This is why prayer and other faith-specific language that may be offered by CAF chaplains is very much subject to the context, participants and intended nature of the gathering or ceremony in which they are participating, including whether the ceremony or event is secular or non-secular in nature, open to the public at large, or private.With respect to Remembrance Day, specifically, most important to the Chaplain General is maintaining the focus on honouring the sacrifice of all who have gone before us in service to Canada, and to offer thanksgiving for their service and sacrifice. It is paramount that chaplains continue to offer words of remembrance, encouragement, and hope to CAF members and their families.
Forces armées canadiennesLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02150441-02150 (Santé)EricDuncanStormont—Dundas—South GlengarryConservateurON12 février 202422 mars 202412 février 2024PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks. 
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02149441-02149 (Processus démocratique)RobMorrisonKootenay—ColumbiaConservateurBC12 février 202422 mars 20249 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02148441-02148 (Processus démocratique)FrankCaputoKamloops—Thompson—CaribooConservateurBC12 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02146441-02146 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 février 202422 mars 202414 septembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02145441-02145 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 février 202422 mars 20242 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members’ Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02144441-02144 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 février 202422 mars 20242 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02143441-02143 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 février 202422 mars 202411 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l'attention de la Chambre des communes : ATTENDU QUE :La liberté de choix en matière de soins de santé devient de plus en plus restreinte et menacée par la législation et les dispositions légales du gouvernement du Canada; C’est un droit fondamental des individus de pouvoir choisir le moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens veulent être libres de décider du moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens sont aptes à prendre leurs propres décisions en matière de santé sans l’ingérence de l’État.Par conséquent : les signataires de la pétition demandent au Parlement de garantir à chaque Canadien le droit à la liberté de choix en santé en édictant la Charte de la liberté de choix en santé rédigée pour l’Association de protection des produits de santé naturels le 4 septembre 2008.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are adulterated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make the natural health product market safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and taking their feedback into account, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, the Government passed legislation allowing Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Now, Health Canada is proposing fees for industry to allow the Department to create an even safer marketplace for consumers and begin to recoup a portion of the costs of services it provides to industry. Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time, the Department is considering how best to adjust the proposed approach to address the concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is not about limiting the production of NHPs or consumers’ access to them. Rather, these efforts are about making sure the products Canadians use every day are safe, and of high quality.
Droits de la personneSanté
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02142441-02142 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 février 202422 mars 20249 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity. On January 23, 2024, in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of China at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Canada made specific reference to Falun Gong practitioners when it called on China to end all forms of enforced disappearance.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02139441-02139 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB12 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02138441-02138 (Système correctionnel)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC12 février 202422 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • À la demande du gouvernement libéral, le Service correctionnel du Canada applique le Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons (PESP) dans les établissements correctionnels fédéraux, ce qui revient à encourager l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons;
  • Les drogues illicites dans les établissements fédéraux sont de la contrebande, tout comme les objets qui servent à se les injecter;
  • Les aiguilles qui servent à l’usage de drogues illicites dans les établissements correctionnels représentent un risque grave pour la santé des détenus et des agents correctionnels;
  • Le PESP aggrave les dangers auxquels l’agent correctionnel est déjà exposé dans son lieu de travail;
  • La Stratégie canadienne sur les drogues et autres substances devrait servir à aider les Canadiens toxicomanes à se rétablir d’une dépendance et à recevoir des traitements plutôt qu’à les maintenir dans leur état de dépendance.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin aux activités du Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons, de ne plus autoriser l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons canadiennes et de concentrer leurs efforts sur les moyens d’aider les détenus à se libérer de leurs dépendances.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Like much of Canadian society, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is experiencing the effect of Canada's opioid crisis. CSC began implementing a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) to prevent the sharing of needles, facilitate referrals to health care services and programs, and limit the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in federal institutions. It is important to note that this is just one measure that is available to incarcerated offenders and complements other existing measures. Of note, there have been no reported fatalities involving participants using our harm reduction services.Before an individual can participate in the PNEP program, CSC completes a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA), to confirm that it is suitable to allow the individual to possess a needle, similar to the one currently being used for EpiPens and needles for insulin use. As of February 1st, 2024, there have been no reported assaults on employees or incarcerated offenders involving needles used in the PNEP program.The safety and security of institutions, staff, offenders, and the public is a top priority. Preventing the introduction of contraband and reducing the use of illicit substances by incarcerated offenders in correctional institutions remains an ongoing key priority as they pose a risk to the safety and security of our institutions and impact offender rehabilitation. CSC works closely with local police agencies and communities to prevent and reduce contraband and unauthorized items, including drugs and substances, from entering institutions. Illicit drugs are considered contraband in federal institutions, and inmates found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs may be subject to administrative consequences, disciplinary charges/sanctions, and/or criminal charges.CSC has a National Drug Strategy, which incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to review and address an incarcerated individual’s substance use. Aligned with Commissioner’s Directive 585 National Drug Strategy, each institution has developed and implemented drug strategies to balance detection, deterrence, and treatment. As part of this, and to support the safety and security of everyone in our institutions, CSC continues to implement measures to address the introduction, trafficking, financing, and/or distribution of contraband within our institutions. The elements of the National Drug Strategy include:Reducing the supply of illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing and preventing the supply of illicit drugs through various efforts to investigate and disrupt the introduction and trafficking of contraband in our institutions. CSC also continues to lead intelligence investigations relating to the introduction and trafficking of contraband and strengthen partnerships with police to pursue criminal investigations into drug traffickers targeting our facilities.Reducing the demand for illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing the demand for illicit drugs by supporting innovative and effective approaches to intervening with, treating and rehabilitating offenders who use illicit drugs. CSC offers a suite of health interventions and correctional programming that addresses multiple criminogenic needs, including substance use disorder. Correctional programs are offered at intensity levels that are commensurate to the offenders’ risk level.Increasing the awareness of the negative consequences of illicit drug use - This component focuses on preventing illicit drug use by offenders in institutions. This is accomplished by providing awareness programs, infectious disease testing and associated treatment, and Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). It also involves delivering quality health services to incarcerated offenders to assist them in achieving a drug-free lifestyle.Strict policies concerning contraband and unauthorized activities are in place, which are enforced through dynamic and static security practices, including extensive search procedures for offenders, staff, and visitors. Incarcerated individuals found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs can face administrative consequences, disciplinary sanctions, and/or criminal charges.In addition to staff vigilance, dynamic security and security intelligence information, CSC relies on a combination of detection equipment, search practices and a variety of approved techniques to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband. This includes interdiction measures such as routine searches of persons (including inmates, visitors and staff), vehicles, cells/rooms, and other areas of the institution, which are in accordance with the Institutional Search Plan as well as non-routine searches, which may be authorized based on staff observations and intelligence information. Other measures include regular monitoring of offender activity; random urinalysis testing; and the non-intrusive searching of all visitors entering institutions using tools such as metal detectors, ion scanners, and detector dogs.
Consommation et abus de droguesÉtablissements correctionnelsProgramme de distribution de seringues propres
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02137441-02137 (Processus démocratique)LloydLongfieldGuelphLibéralON8 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02136441-02136 (Fiscalité)DanAlbasCentral Okanagan—Similkameen—NicolaConservateurBC8 février 202422 mars 202413 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02135441-02135 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB8 février 202422 mars 20249 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity. On January 23, 2024, in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of China at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Canada made specific reference to Falun Gong practitioners when it called on China to end all forms of enforced disappearance.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02134441-02134 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB8 février 202422 mars 202418 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted of that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, applicants may be eligible for relief, on a case-by-case basis, using mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant(1) Canada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive economic, institutional and people-to-people ties. Canada strongly believes that a stable and prosperous Hong Kong depends on respect for human rights. Canada has consistently underscored this essential fact, both in Canada’s public pronouncements and communication with the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities. Canada has consistently expressed its deep concern that the National Security Law is eroding respect for human rights. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers expressed concerns in April 2023 about the National Security Law’s impact on the Hong Kong judicial system. In that report, the Special Rapporteur explained that the National Security Law can interfere with the independence of the judiciary, the ability of lawyers to exercise their profession independently, and the due process that guarantees the right to a fair trial in Hong Kong. Canada will continue to monitor all trials related to charges under the National Security Law and anti-sedition law, closely monitor developments in Hong Kong’s judiciary system, and will undertake appropriate action in response to emerging developments.(4) While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility. For Canada, foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. With regards to human rights, Canada has repeatedly expressed its concern over the continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and rights through joint statements with the G7 and the Media Freedom Coalition. Since 2019, these statements have specified shared concerns on the imposition of the National Security Law, the selection process of the Chief Executive in Hong Kong, changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system which barred opposition candidates from participation, and the deteriorating media environment in the region. Furthermore, Canada and like-minded countries each publicly expressed concerns about the Hong Kong authorities’ issuance of international bounties for pro-democracy advocates living overseas and reiterated opposition to the extraterritorial application of the National Security Law.During China’s recent Universal Period Review (UPR) appearance on its human rights record before the UN Human Right Council (January 23, 2024), Canada publicly called on China to repeal the National Security Law and to discontinue all cases against individuals in Hong Kong charged with exercising their human rights and freedoms. Furthermore, Canada and like-minded countries publicly expressed concerns at the UPR about the issuance by Hong Kong authorities of international bounties for pro-democracy advocates living overseas, and reiterated opposition to the extraterritorial application of the National Security Law. Moving forward, Canada will continue to express concern over the continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and rights through joint efforts with like-minded countries.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02133441-02133 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB8 février 202422 mars 20242 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02132441-02132 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB8 février 202422 mars 202430 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit.Attendu que :
  • La soi-disant « politique d’aide internationale féministe » du gouvernement libéral traite avec mépris les valeurs culturelles et l’autonomie des femmes dans les pays en développement, en soutenant des organisations qui violent les lois locales sur l’avortement et qui favorisent l’avortement au détriment de priorités en matière de développement international comme l’accès à de l’eau potable, l’accès à des aliments de base et le développement économique;
  • L’approche libérale en matière de développement international ciblant les femmes et les filles a récemment été critiquée par la vérificatrice générale parce qu’elle n’est assortie d’aucune mesure des résultats;
  • Dans le cadre de l’Initiative de Muskoka (lancée par le précédent gouvernement conservateur), des investissements historiques ont été faits pour favoriser le bien-être des femmes et des filles dans le monde entier. Cette initiative mettait l’accent sur l’optimisation des ressources et garantissait que les investissements soient consacrés aux priorités définies par les femmes localement.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’aligner les dépenses en matière de développement international sur l’approche adoptée dans le cadre de l’initiative de Muskoka, en consacrant les fonds de développement international à la satisfaction des besoins fondamentaux des femmes vulnérables dans le monde, plutôt qu’à la promotion de programmes idéologiques susceptibles d’être contraires aux valeurs locales des pays en développement, et en mesurant les résultats obtenus.
Response by the Minister of International Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anita VandenbeldCanada is a global leader in protecting and advancing the health, rights and well-being of the poorest and most vulnerable, with the empowerment of women and girls at the core of Canada’s international assistance policies and programmes. Canada spearheaded the Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn, and Child health (MNCH) during its G8 presidency in 2010, and committed $2.85 billion between 2010 and 2015. In 2015, Canada renewed its support for MNCH by committing an additional $3.5 billion over the 2016 to 2020 period. In 2016-2017, Under the Her Voice Her Choice initiative, Canada committed a further $650 million for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programming between 2017 and 2020. The added focus on SRHR was informed by consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders, the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), and research evidence published in the 2018 Guttmacher-Lancet Commission on SRHR. Canada’s current commitment, the 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights (10YC), builds on decades of Canadian leadership in global health. Through this commitment, starting this fiscal year (2023-2024), Canada will reach an average of $1.4 billion annually to support women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health around the world, of which $700 million is allocated to comprehensive SRHR. This is Canada’s longest, largest, and most comprehensive global health commitment to date and is a key vehicle for implementing Canada’s FIAP, strengthening health systems post COVID-19, and supporting the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.Through the 10YC, Canada continues to advance these priorities, while also promoting a complementary emphasis on comprehensive SRHR that supports country-led efforts to advance the health and rights of women and girls and address the socio-economic and cultural barriers that limit their attainment of gender equality. Through the 10YC, Canada is supporting initiatives such as school meals programs, water and sanitation programming, micronutrient supplementation, community-based nutrition programs, midwifery training, and enhanced neo-natal care. Canada also continues to support large-scale investments to combat infectious diseases and strengthen health systems with key global health players, including the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria ($5.3 billion, 2002-2025) Gavi Vaccine Alliance ($2.3 billion, 2000-2025), and the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents ($630 million, 2015-2025).Canada is committed to ensuring its interventions in developing countries are locally-informed and led. Canada’s work is built on the value it places on local partnerships, and partners are carefully selected to ensure that government, local organizations and women and youth themselves, are central in the design and delivery of international assistance programming. This approach is consistent with the principles outlined in Canada’s Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (ODAAA), which requires that Canada’s aid responds to local perspectives and priorities. Aligned with the FIAP and ODAAA principles, Canada supports local ownership and works to ensure that all initiatives are grounded in local needs, priorities and contexts, which are the basis for deep and relevant engagement with local communities, including being designed and implemented with and by local partners and aligned with national legislation and country priorities. Within Canada’s global health investments, all efforts are made to ensure that, where appropriate, government, local organizations and beneficiaries, including youth and women’s-rights organizations, are involved throughout the project cycle, from design to evaluation. This ensures that programming remains responsive to local needs, values and priorities.Under the 10YC Accountability Framework, Canada has committed to publishing annual reports on the 10YC implementation progress, including tracking of funding and results achieved. The inaugural 2020-2021 Report on the 10-Year Commitment is an example of Canada’s commitment to transparency, dialogue and partnership, moving beyond discussions about money committed and spent to a different conversation about using evidence and experience to improve and drive results and impact for communities around the world. The 2021-2022 Report on the 10-Year Commitment was published in December 2023.
Aide au développement internationalFemmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02131441-02131 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB8 février 202422 mars 202428 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members’ Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02130441-02130 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB8 février 202422 mars 202413 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:• A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (Budget 2023, chapter 4)• 2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement• 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression• 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action PlanThe first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country.
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02129441-02129 (Santé)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON8 février 202422 mars 202414 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Des millions de Canadiens comptent sur les produits de santé naturels pour favoriser leur santé et leur bien-être;
  • Le Comité permanent de la santé, après de longues consultations, a déterminé que les produits de santé naturels ne devraient pas être réglementés comme les médicaments chimiques;
  • Le Canada réglemente déjà de façon rigoureuse les produits de santé naturels pour assurer la sécurité des Canadiens;
  • Les nouveaux changements auront une forte incidence sur l’abordabilité et les choix des consommateurs.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement libéral d’abroger les modifications apportées à la Loi sur les aliments et drogues (produits de santé naturels) aux articles 500 à 504 du projet de loi C-47, Loi portant exécution de certaines dispositions du budget déposé au Parlement le 28 mars 2023.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are adulterated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make the natural health product market safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and taking their feedback into account, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, the Government passed legislation allowing Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Now, Health Canada is proposing fees for industry to allow the Department to create an even safer marketplace for consumers and begin to recoup a portion of the costs of services it provides to industry. Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time, the Department is considering how best to adjust the proposed approach to address the concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is not about limiting the production of NHPs or consumers’ access to them. Rather, these efforts are about making sure the products Canadians use every day are safe, and of high quality.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02128441-02128 (Fiscalité)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON8 février 202422 mars 20245 février 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024e-4667e-4667 (Affaires sociales et égalité)JeffreySalisburyMikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON3 novembre 2023 à 11 h 58 (HAE)1 février 2024 à 11 h 58 (HAE)8 février 202422 mars 20241 février 2024Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Les personnes handicapées ont souvent de la difficulté à obtenir un emploi et doivent assumer des coûts plus élevés en matière de soins de santé et de logement; La Prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées (PCPH) a été retardée pendant deux ans, car la première tentative pour instaurer cette prestation, le projet de loi C 35, a été retardée par les élections de 2021; La PCPH procurera un soutien financier dont ont grandement besoin les personnes handicapées, nombre d’entre elles vivant dans la pauvreté; Le ministre responsable a déclaré aux Canadiens que la mise en œuvre de la PCPH devrait prendre au moins 18 mois après le 22 juin 2023, date à laquelle le projet de loi C-22, la Loi sur la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées, a obtenu la sanction royale; Le soutien insuffisant offert actuellement par les programmes fédéraux et provinciaux de prestations d’invalidité représente un risque considérable pour la vie et la santé des personnes handicapées qui vivent dans la pauvreté engendrée par les lois au Canada; Le gouvernement fédéral a refusé de verser aux personnes handicapées une prestation intérimaire d’urgence; Des versements rétroactifs sont versés aux personnes admissibles à d’autres prestations d’invalidité, comme le crédit d’impôt pour personnes handicapées et la Subvention canadienne pour l’épargne-invalidité; Le gouvernement n’a pas encore prévu dans son budget de dépenses les fonds nécessaires à la PCPH.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada : 1. De verser des prestations rétroactives aux personnes admissibles à la PCPH pour la période entre la date de la sanction royale de la Loi sur la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées et le moment où la PCPH commencera à être versée; 2. De prévoir les fonds nécessaires pour la PCPH dans son budget de 2024 afin de prouver son engagement de verser la PCPH aux personnes handicapées dès que possible.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiThe Government fully recognizes that many Canadians with disabilities are in desperate need of the additional financial support that the Canada Disability Benefit will provide. The intent, therefore, continues to be to move forward with the regulatory development process as quickly as possible. To that end, the 2023 federal budget committed $21.5 million in 2023/2024 to continue work on the future delivery of the benefit, including engagement with the disability community and provinces and territories on the regulatory process. This work is building on previous engagement activities, including roundtables and an on-line public survey, that took place in 2021 and 2022, as well as community-led engagement which continued into 2023. Engagement is also taking place with the provinces and territories, who play a central role in providing supports and services for persons with disabilities, and with Modern Treaties and Self Government Agreement holders as well as National Indigenous Organizations.This engagement is necessary to ensure that the regulations are informed by the lived experience of persons with disabilities, in the spirit of ‘nothing without us’, and it is also an explicit requirement of the Canada Disability Benefit Act, where Parliament specifically required the Minister to “provide persons with disabilities from a range of backgrounds with meaningful and barrier-free opportunities to collaborate in the development and design of the regulations.” In the development of regulations for the benefit, we are balancing the need for meaningful and thorough engagement with the need to get the benefit into the hands of those who need it as quickly as possible.In relation to the petition’s request that back payments be made under the Act to cover the period between the Act’s Royal Assent and when benefit payments commence, the Act does not provide authority for the benefit to be paid for periods prior to the regulations coming into force. Funding for the benefit will be determined through the federal budgetary processes, which Parliamentarians will have an opportunity to review and debate.
Personnes ayant des limitations fonctionnellesPrestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02126441-02126 (Sécurité publique)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202412 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02125441-02125 (Sécurité publique)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202412 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02124441-02124 (Sécurité publique)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202412 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02123441-02123 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202415 septembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02122441-02122 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202415 septembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02121441-02121 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202415 septembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02120441-02120 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202415 septembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02119441-02119 (Travail et emploi)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202428 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02118441-02118 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02117441-02117 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02116441-02116 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02115441-02115 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02114441-02114 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02113441-02113 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202426 janvier 2024PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02112441-02112 (Santé)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02111441-02111 (Fiscalité)RobertKitchenSouris—Moose MountainConservateurSK8 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02110441-02110 (Affaires et commerce)BrendaShanahanChâteauguay—LacolleLibéralQC8 février 202422 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :Le projet de loi C-57 constitue une mise à jour importante de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine qui aidera l’Ukraine à se rétablir après avoir repoussé l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président de l’Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, et le Congrès des Ukrainiens Canadiens ont prié le Parlement du Canada d’adopter rapidement ce projet de loi; Les informations erronées selon lesquelles le régime de tarification du carbone du Canada aurait un effet sur cet accord ont été largement démenties.PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de confirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement la mise à jour de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02109441-02109 (Affaires étrangères)BrianMasseWindsor-OuestNPDON8 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE le premier ministre devrait prendre les mesures nécessaires en vue de régler le conflit israélo palestinien.PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Demander un cessez-le-feu immédiat dans le conflit israélo-palestinien;
  • Demander à Israël de lever le blocus imposé à la bande de Gaze et d’autoriser la création d’un corridor humanitaire et une intervention humanitaire d’urgence;
  • Demander à tous les pays de respecter leurs engagements aux termes des Conventions de Genève et du droit international humanitaire;
  • Demander à tous les pays de respecter leur engagement international de promouvoir et de défendre les droits de la personne;
  • Prendre toute autre mesure nécessaire pour protéger les civils, israéliens et palestiniens, notamment les familles, les enfants, les travailleurs de la santé, les otages, les journalistes et les travailleurs, afin de favoriser un climat propice à l’établissement une paix durable.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. Canada will continue to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.Canada is calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance has never been greater. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided to civilians. The International Court of Justice has been clear: Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance and must protect civilians. The Court’s decisions on provisional measures are binding. Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining Canada's support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada is deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Ultimately, a negotiated political solution is needed to achieve lasting peace and security. Canada remains steadfast in it commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity. 
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesConflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02108441-02108 (Affaires étrangères)BrianMasseWindsor-OuestNPDON8 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE le premier ministre devrait prendre les mesures nécessaires en vue de régler le conflit israélo palestinien.PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Demander un cessez-le-feu immédiat dans le conflit israélo-palestinien;
  • Demander à Israël de lever le blocus imposé à la bande de Gaze et d’autoriser la création d’un corridor humanitaire et une intervention humanitaire d’urgence;
  • Demander à tous les pays de respecter leurs engagements aux termes des Conventions de Genève et du droit international humanitaire;
  • Demander à tous les pays de respecter leur engagement international de promouvoir et de défendre les droits de la personne;
  • Prendre toute autre mesure nécessaire pour protéger les civils, israéliens et palestiniens, notamment les familles, les enfants, les travailleurs de la santé, les otages, les journalistes et les travailleurs, afin de favoriser un climat propice à l’établissement une paix durable.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. Canada will continue to call on all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.Canada is calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance has never been greater. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided to civilians. The International Court of Justice has been clear: Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance and must protect civilians. The Court’s decisions on provisional measures are binding. Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining Canada's support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada is deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $100 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Ultimately, a negotiated political solution is needed to achieve lasting peace and security. Canada remains steadfast in it commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity. 
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesConflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02106441-02106 (Processus démocratique)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON7 février 202422 mars 20245 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, whichrecognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02105441-02105 (Santé)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB7 février 202422 mars 202427 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Les incitatifs pour les infirmières devraient être offerts à toutes les infirmières pour favoriser des relations saines et des milieux de travail sains;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux pour reconnaître les diplômes en soins de santé des professionnels qualifiés qui ont été formés et instruits à l’étranger;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux et mettre en œuvre de meilleures stratégies et mesures incitatives pour attirer et retenir les travailleurs de la santé au Manitoba;
  • Des infirmières, jeunes comme expérimentées, ainsi que des professionnels de la santé quittent notre province et profitent d’occasions offertes par d’autres provinces qui donnent des incitatifs et des avantages très avantageux à leurs professionnels de la santé;
  • Au Manitoba, beaucoup de personnes âgées ont un revenu fixe et ne peuvent se payer leurs médicaments de prescription;
  • Les infirmières sont surmenées en raison des charges de travail élevées.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Manitoba, prions la Chambre des communes de travailler avec les gouvernements des provinces et les autres intervenants du secteur de la santé pour :1. Prendre le recrutement et la rétention des infirmières au sérieux pour résoudre la crise dans les soins de santé;2. Garantir à toutes les personnes qui contribuent avec leurs impôts au Manitoba et à notre économie qu’elles auront accès à des soins de santé au Manitoba;3. Revoir la charge de travail des infirmières et le programme d’incitatifs pour qu’il inclut toutes les infirmières, sans égard à leur ancienneté ou à leur type de poste;4. Réévaluer une partie des changements qui ont été apportés au cours des dernières années, et transformer les installations de soins de santé en installations fonctionnelles, pour que les résidents du Manitoba, en particulier les communautés de Tyndall Park, Maples, Burrows, Kildonan et même Lakeside aient un endroit où aller.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealthcare is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. While the federal government provides financial support to the provinces and territories for healthcare services, the responsibility for matters related to management of the health care system and health workforces falls within provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As part of their responsibility to administer and deliver healthcare services, provinces and territories establish training curricula and manage licensure, and regulate healthcare professionals through arms-length regulatory bodies, such as professional colleges and associations.At the same time, the federal government acknowledges that it has a key leadership role to play in supporting solutions to the challenges facing health systems across the country, including those related to Canada’s health workforce. We remain committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments to protect and strengthen the publicly funded health care system.Budget 2023 delivered nearly $200 billion to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding also includes $25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority: family health services; health workers and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and a modernized health system. Additionally, provinces and territories are being asked to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals, and to advance labour mobility.On October 12, 2023 federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health issued a public statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting Canada’s health workforce so our health workers are able to provide high-quality, accessible and effective health services for people living in Canada. In particular, FPT governments committed to concrete actions focusing on retention, domestic education supply and demand, foreign credential recognition and ethical recruitment, labour mobility, and health workforce data and planning. These commitments included undertaking credential processes overseas in order to improve processing of licensure of international physicians and nurses within 90 days and support for a Nursing Retention Toolkit developed by the federally-appointed Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Leigh Chapman, in consultation with Canada’s nursing community. The toolkit highlights retention initiatives that employers or health authorities can implement to support their nursing workforce.The details on the Ministers commitments can be found here: Federal, provincial and territorial statement on supporting Canada's health workforce.
ManitobaPersonnel infirmierSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02104441-02104 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK7 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02103441-02103 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK7 février 202422 mars 202422 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02102441-02102 (Fiscalité)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC7 février 202422 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024e-4576e-4576 (Transport)WarrenSkaalrudAlistairMacGregorCowichan—Malahat—LangfordNPDBC13 septembre 2023 à 13 h 25 (HAE)11 janvier 2024 à 13 h 25 (HAE)7 février 202422 mars 202412 janvier 2024Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Allouer des fonds permet de planifier plus efficacement et facilite les déplacements vers les régions les plus problématiques du corridor;La Island Corridor Foundation s’avère un partenariat sans but lucratif régi par 14 Premières Nations et 5 districts insulaires régionaux;Le corridor de l’île passe par chacune des villes et municipalités d’envergure et relie le port de Nanaimo au port en eau profonde de Port Alberni;Les Premières Nations et l’ACRD de Port Alberni exigent toutes les deux une seconde route pour veiller à ce que les fournitures, les produits et les personnes puissent circuler lorsque la route 4 est bloquée;La population de l’île de Vancouver devrait atteindre un million de personnes d’ici 2030; Élargir les artères achalandées des routes de l’île de Vancouver coûterait bien au-delà d’un milliard de dollars; de plus, les Premières Nations et les résidents de l’île de Vancouver risqueraient de s’opposer vivement au projet, comme ce fut le cas lors de propositions antérieures.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Travailler avec les ressources prévues et selon une approche égalitaire de nation à nation afin de réconcilier et de résoudre les préoccupations de longue date des Premières Nations concernant certains segments du corridor;2. Créer un fonds d’un milliard de dollars grâce aux multiples mécanismes de financement de la Colombie Britannique et du gouvernement fédéral pour le transport en commun et garantir un financement à la fondation si le projet est approuvé et mis en œuvre;3. Reconnaître la Island Corridor Foundation comme un partenariat sans but lucratif œuvrant dans l’intérêt de la population;4. Consacrer ce financement à la création d’un service moderne de transport de marchandises et de passagers sur l’île de Vancouver afin de conserver et de développer le bien stratégique qui a été reconnu par les ministres fédéraux et de la province responsables du transport et de l’infrastructure le 14 mars 2023.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe Government of Canada is committed to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Government understands the importance of advancing sustainable transportation solutions that benefit communities, foster economic growth, and fortify overall resilience in the face of evolving challenges.  Launched in August 2021, the Rural Transit Solutions Fund is the first federal fund targeting the development of locally driven, innovative transit solutions in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada. The program is helping to close the funding gap for rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, so that residents have more options to get around more easily meet their daily needs, including supporting connections with other modes of passenger transportation.Canada has also invested over $33 billion through its Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. A program delivered through bilateral agreements with provinces and territories. The program has a dedicated Public Transit stream which supports the construction, expansion, and improvement of public transit infrastructure that improve capacity, safety and access to public transit systems.Canada has committed to establishing a permanent, predictable federal fund to support public transit and active transportation solutions beginning in 2026-27. More details will be made available later this year.As a registered Canadian Charity, the Island Corridor Foundation continues to engage with Canada in advancing its core mandate – preserving and using the rail corridor. The Province of British Columbia also provided $18 million in Spring 2022 to support community and Indigenous engagement on the future of the Corridor. This work is ongoing. Canada continues to engage with the province regularly and at different levels on transportation priorities. 
Île de VancouverTransport ferroviaire et chemins de fer
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02100441-02100 (Justice)DeanAllisonNiagara-OuestConservateurON7 février 202422 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communes ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les Canadiens qui sont atteints de troubles de santé mentale devraient recevoir des traitements et de l’aide;
  • Les troubles de santé mentale sont complexes et les pensées suicidaires peuvent faire partie de la liste des symptômes;
  • Les vies des Canadiens atteints de troubles de santé mentale pourraient être à risque s’ils deviennent admissibles à l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) uniquement en raison d’un trouble mental, surtout si les traitements et mesures d’aide ne sont pas facilement accessibles.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de rejeter la mesure législative visant à rendre l’AMM disponible pour les personnes pour lesquelles le seul problème médical invoqué est un trouble de santé mentale.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviThe Government of Canada believes that Canadians deserve to live in comfort and dignity, with access to care, including end-of-life care, that is appropriate to their needs and that respects their wishes. It recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a very personal choice, and is committed to a measured, thoughtful and compassionate approach to help ensure that Canada’s MAID system meets the needs of people in Canada, protect those who may be vulnerable, and supports autonomy and freedom of choice of individuals. The safety and security of our most vulnerable people remains at the forefront of our actions as the Government takes a careful and considered approach on the implementation of MAID for persons where the sole underlying condition is mental illness.Important progress has been made to prepare for MAID eligibility for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness. However, in consultations with the provinces, territories, medical professionals and other stakeholders, the Government of Canada has heard – and agrees – that the health system is not yet ready for this expansion.On February 29, 2024, Bill C-62 received Royal Assent and immediately came into force. The legislation delays by three years eligibility for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness, until March 17, 2027. Additionally, the new law requires that a joint parliamentary committee undertake a comprehensive review relating to the eligibility for MAID of persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness within two years. This measure will further serve to examine progress made by provinces, territories, and partners, in achieving overall health care system readiness.This three-year extension will provide provinces and territories with additional time to ensure their health care systems are ready, as well as provide practitioners with more time to participate in training and become familiar with available supports, guidelines and standards.This delay is also in line with the recommendations of the Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) in their report, MAID and Mental Disorders: The Road Ahead, which was tabled on January 29, 2024. While recognising that considerable progress has been made in preparing for the expansion of eligibility for persons suffering solely mental illness, AMAD recommended that it not be made available in Canada until the health care system can safely and adequately provide MAID for these cases.Supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Work with provinces and territories, and stakeholders, including through Government of Canada investments, will continue to support individuals and communities across the country who need help, now and in the future.The Government of Canada has made significant investments in this space. For example, Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest close to $200 billion over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to improve health care for Canadians, including $25 billion to the Provinces and Territories via tailored bilateral agreements which will focus on four key priorities, including improving access to mental health and substance use services and the integration of these services in community family health services. This investment will build on the Budget 2017 investments, which include $2.4 billion from 2023-24 to 2026-27 that has yet to flow to PTs for mental health and addictions services.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target population include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.In addition, Budget 2023 announced $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. 9-8-8 went live and operational on November 30, 2023 and is providing people across Canada with access to suicide prevention support through trained responders by phone calls and text, 24/7/365, in English and French.  The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), which has recruited 39 local, provincial, and national crisis and distress lines to the 9-8-8 responder network to offer suicide prevention supports across Canada. Since its launch, 9-8-8 has received approximately 1,000 phone calls and 350 texts each day.Mental health and the well-being of Canadians is a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in mental health services and work with Provinces and Territories and key stakeholders to support the mental health needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02099441-02099 (Environnement)JulieDabrusinToronto—DanforthLibéralON7 février 202422 mars 20245 février 2024Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE notre planète subit une crise climatique causée principalement par la combustion de combustibles fossiles. ATTENDU QUE les coûts de la poursuite de cette combustion sont considérables, notamment des vagues de chaleur extrême causant des inondations, des sécheresses et des incendies de forêt. ATTENDU QUE le gouvernement de l’Ontario augmente la production d’énergie à l’aide de combustibles fossiles.LES SOUSSIGNÉS demandent au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • mettre en œuvre une réglementation rigoureuse en matière d’énergie propre interdisant la construction de nouvelles centrales au gaz et éliminer graduellement celles qui existent d’ici 2030.
  • établir des cibles claires assorties d’échéanciers et d’objectifs intermédiaires pour l’atteinte de la carboneutralité par le secteur de l’électricité d’ici 2035
  • élaborer et financer suffisamment une série de mesures fédérales en matière de financement et d’abordabilité, ainsi que d’autres politiques complémentaires, pour faire en sorte de produire une électricité abordable, sûre et carboneutre pour tout la population canadienne d’ici 2035.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEAccess to reliable and affordable emissions-free electricity will be the backbone of Canada’s net-zero economy. Decarbonizing electricity production by 2035 will play a significant role in enabling the rest of the economy to meet emissions reduction goals by 2050. The Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator initiative is one tool through which the Government of Canada supports Canada’s net-zero goals. With up to $8 billion in funding to support large-scale investments in key industrial sectors across the country, the Net Zero Accelerator ensures that Canada:
  • remains competitive in a net-zero economy
  • reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Significant investments have been made through the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator to ensure the Government of Canada achieves affordable, secure, emissions-free electricity for everyone living in Canada by 2035.These investments include:Almost $95M to support the development of three innovative small modular reactor (SMR) designs. SMRs are being designed for a range of applications, with the potential to replace conventional coal and fossil fuel power generation and help remote sites move off diesel with a non-emitting source of energy. SMRs also have the potential to replace the use of fossil fuels in heavy industrial applications. The three SMR projects include:
  • $27.2 million in support of Westinghouse Electric Canada so its next-generation SMR, the eVinci micro-reactor, can be successfully licensed in Canada. The eVinci™ microreactor is an emissions-free energy source and has the potential to provide a more accessible and transportable source of low-carbon energy.
  • $47.5 million in support of Moltex Energy Inc. to develop a Stable Salt Reactor that will produce emissions-free energy through a proprietary process that recycles existing used nuclear fuel.
  • $20 million investment that will help Terrestrial Energy complete a key pre-licensing milestone through the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to assess the acceptability of the Generation IV technology that the company is developing as part of its $68.9 million Integral Molten Salt Reactor project, which will provide affordable energy for utilities and industry. The Generation IV technology allows the molten salt reactor to generate electric power 50 per cent more efficiently than conventional nuclear power plants that use water cooled and moderated reactor technology.
Over $54 million to support General Fusion’s development of a fusion technology. Fusion is an emissions-free technology.The Strategic Innovation Fund has also supported the development of clean technologies to better manage existing electricity supplies, enhance grid resilience and improve access to rural and remote communities.
  • Over $35 million to research and develop smart grid technology to help better manage the electricity supply in Atlantic Canada through a partnership between Siemens Canada, New Brunswick Power and Nova Scotia Power. Under this project, Siemens will research and develop smart grid technology to help better manage the provinces’ electricity and help improve power delivery to underserved communities, better integrate renewable energy into the power grid and reduce future electricity costs for consumers.
The Government is leveraging Canada’s innovation toolkit, which includes a mix of direct and indirect supports with a proven track record of securing long-term benefits for Canadians. Through the Strategic Innovation Fund, the Government is providing direct, targeted, and patient capital to firms to develop and commercialize innovative clean energy solutions at scale. The program also collaborates with federal partners to ensure that highly innovative projects receive the support they need to advance Canada’s transition towards emissions-free electricity by 2035.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the environment and clean energy.Budget 2023 directed the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) to invest at least $10 billion through its Clean Power priority area, and at least $10 billion through its Green Infrastructure priority area. This was done to position the CIB as the Government of Canada’s primary financing tool for supporting clean electricity generation, transmission, and storage projects, including for major projects. The CIB's consistent approach to collaboration with provinces and private sector partners on key clean power projects provides opportunities for important coordination in this space between municipal and federal priorities across the country, facilitating more targeted and diverse programming. The CIB’s efforts in this priority sector offer opportunities for closing economic gaps in key electricity projects, attracting private capital and catalyzing major and municipal clean power projects in key regions.The CIB is an impact investor focused on accelerating infrastructure investments to create benefits for Canadians. The CIB makes investments in five priority sectors: clean power, green infrastructure, public transit, trade and transportation and broadband. As of December 31, 2023, the CIB has made total investment commitments of $11.6 billion across 56 projects worth $31.7 billion.The CIB is one tool in the toolbox of initiatives to invest in infrastructure, and works closely with Infrastructure Canada, Natural Resources Canada and other government departments. As of December 31, 2023, the CIB’s investment commitments in clean power totaled $2.9 billion across 10 projects, while attracting $2.3 billion in private and institutional capital. Seven clean power projects are in active construction. Recent examples of the CIB’s clean power investments include: the Bekevar Wind Farm in Saskatchewan, a $173 million investment commitment to build the province’s largest wind power project; the Darlington Small Modular Reactor (SMR) in Ontario, a $970 million investment commitment to develop and construct Canada’s first SMR and catalyze future projects in several other provinces; and, the Lulu Island District Energy project in British Columbia, a $175 million investment commitment to expand the current district energy system using zero-carbon sewer heat recovery technology. For more information on CIB projects that are investing in clean power, please visit: Clean Power | Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) (cib-bic.ca)
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada, along with other G7 countries, has committed to transitioning to a net-zero electricity grid as a foundational measure to help achieve a net-zero economy by 2050. A clean, reliable, and affordable electricity grid is key to building a strong, clean economy and a competitive advantage that makes Canada an attractive place for businesses from around the world to invest. The federal government is building on Canada’s advantages to deliver affordable power to Canadians, grow the economy and fight climate change.The federal government has already taken steps in helping to transform the electricity sector with the 2018 publication of the amended regulations to phase out unabated coal-fired generation by 2030, along with complementary regulations to ensure the efficient performance of natural gas-fired electricity generating units.In 2023, the Government of Canada released a vision paper named Powering Canada Forward: Building a Clean, Affordable, and Reliable Electricity System for Every Region of Canada, as the basis for the development of a Clean Electricity Strategy, to be released this year. This vision paper acknowledges the reality that Canadian provincial electricity operators will need to expand their grids substantially over the coming decades to meet increased demand from Canadians. In fact, the Canada Energy Regular forecasts that provinces and territories will need to more than double their current electricity production to meet residential, commercial, and industrial consumption requirements in 2050.  It is crucial that the coming expansion of the grid be clean to ensure that Canada meets its economy-wide net zero targets by 2050 and Canada avoids making costly investments in fossil-fuel generation that run the risk of becoming stranded in the future. The Government of Canada also notes that the deployment of lower-cost renewable electricity is now surging globally and in North America and this has the potential to save Canadians money.The federal approach is also backed by over $40 billion in new funding from measures announced in the 2022 and 2023 Fall Economic Statement and Budget 2023 to support each province and territory’s efforts to achieve a net zero grid.Additionally, the Canada Electricity Advisory Council was launched last year as an independent body of 19 experts to provide the Government of Canada with advice on actions needed to achieve its net-zero emissions goals as they pertain to electricity. The Electricity Council’s advice will be a key contributor to the federal strategy.While provinces and territories are responsible for electricity generation and delivery infrastructure within their borders, the federal government has an important role to play through its ability to convene partners and coordinate efforts while also attracting new investments, developing effective regulations including to reduce emissions and ensure nuclear safety, and advancing targeted approaches—all the while ensuring its contributions are responsive to the unique circumstances and opportunities in every region of the country.Finalizing the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) later this year will support this commitment. As the demand for electricity increases over the coming decades, the CER will ensure that the expanded supply is clean, affordable, and reliable. The CER is being developed now as electricity projects can take years to develop, and predictable regulations help reduce risk by providing substantial lead time to electricity providers.On February 16, 2024, the Government of Canada released an update on the consultations and the design options being considered for the final CER. These options address the feedback received during the previous six months of extensive consultations and aim to enhance the flexibility for provincial operators to continue to deliver reliable and affordable power while maintaining Canada’s ability to achieve its emissions reduction goal. Before finalizing the CER, the Government of Canada will continue to engage on these options under consideration with key interested parties, including provinces and utilities.  
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Department of Finance response to part 3 is as follows:The Department of Finance would like to highlight that as an important pillar of Canada’s clean economy jobs plan, the government is focused on implementing five new major investment tax credits, to support clean electricity, clean hydrogen, clean technology adoption, clean technology manufacturing, and carbon capture, utilization, and storage. In particular, the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit aim to help accelerate investments needed to support Canada’s clean electricity sector.In the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the government announced a 30-percent Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit to help companies adopt clean technologies. The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit would be available to eligible investments in certain electricity generation equipment, stationary electricity storage systems, low carbon heating equipment, and non-road zero-emission vehicles and related charging and refuelling infrastructure. Budget 2023 announced that investments in electricity or heat generation from geothermal energy would also be eligible for the tax credit. In Budget 2023, the government also proposed to introduce a 15-percent, refundable Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit to accelerate the investments needed to expand the capacity of Canada’s clean electricity grid and ensure it delivers more sustainable, more secure, and more affordable electricity across Canada. The credit would be available to eligible investments in non-emitting electricity generation, abated natural gas-fired electricity generation, stationary electricity storage systems, and equipment for the transmission of electricity between provinces and territories.The 2023 Fall Economic Statement also proposed to expand eligibility for the Clean Technology and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credits to support the generation of electricity, heat, or both electricity and heat, from waste biomass. 
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is taking ambitious action to combat the climate crisis, including through targeted programs to accelerate the growth of clean energy production, such as the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program (SREPs), launched in 2021 and recapitalized with an additional $3.5 billion in funding, creating thousands of more jobs while providing clean, affordable, and reliable power to Canadian communities. Eligible projects for this program include established renewables (e.g. wind, solar, small hydro, biomass), emerging technologies, (e.g. geothermal, concentrated solar, energy storage, renewable heating), and grid modernization (e.g. distributed energy resources, electric vehicle integration, microgrid, transmission). As of November 27, 2023, SREPs has approved 71 deployment projects (e.g., wind, solar, storage), enabling the deployment of approximately 2,600 megawatts of new renewable energy capacity and displacing 3.5 megatonnes of CO2e per year. The majority of these projects are in jurisdictions which still generate electricity using fossil fuels, preventing the need for the construction of new gas plants as energy demand rises and coal-fired electricity generation units are decommissioned in line with Canada’s bold commitment to clean air and climate action, through the phase out of thermal coal power. SREPs has also approved 49 capacity building projects, and over half of both deployment and capacity building projects have Indigenous ownership.One example in Ontario is SREPs’ recent $16.7 million investment to support Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to increase the number and diversity of clean energy resources that can participate in delivering electricity in Ontario, including energy storage projects, and distributed energy resources such as small scale solar and wind to Ontario’s grid.Significant investments in renewable energy in Alberta include $32 million to support the Michichi Solar project and $31.7 million for the Kneehill Solar project. These projects are a partnership between Sawridge First Nation (a Cree people that are in the original signatory to Treaty No. 8) and Capstone Infrastructure Corporation. Each of these projects includes a 25 MW solar farm and grid modernization technologies to contribute clean energy to the Alberta electricity grid, while supporting an equitable transition to low-carbon economy, Indigenous ownership and encouraging market adoption of similar technologies. Combined these projects generate enough electricity to power more than 12,000 average Alberta homes. Michichi and Kneehill solar are reducing GHG emissions by approximately 43,000 tonnes of CO2e a year combined; the equivalent of approximately 13,000 gas-powered cars off the road.The Government of Canada is also supporting Ontario to scale up clean power production in the face of rising demand through strategic investments in nuclear power generation. Through up to $50 million in funding, from the Electricity Predevelopment Program, for Bruce Power’s pre-development work on new conventional power in Southern Ontario, and over $970 million in financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) for the Darlington Small Modular Reactor, the Government of Canada is investing in Ontario’s job-creating supply chain while displacing the need for new gas generation on the grid and creating baseload power to compliment renewable energy generation.Another key targeted program aimed at reducing fossil fuel use is the Clean Energy for Rural and Remote Communities (CERRC) program. Launched in 2018, CERRC has an overall funding commitment of $443 million until 2027 to reduce diesel use for heat and power in Indigenous, rural and remote communities. To date, the program has supported more than 140 projects nationally, including capacity building initiatives, large capital renewable energy projects, innovative technology demonstration projects, and bioheat projects. The program is helping create environmental, social and economic benefits to support healthier and more sustainable communities.Through the Energy Innovation Program (EIP) the Government of Canada is advancing clean energy technologies that will help Canada meet its climate change targets, reducing emissions while supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. By supporting innovative research, development and demonstration projects, and related scientific activities we are accelerating electrification and maximizing the benefits of renewable heat and power.The Government of Canada is addressing key electricity infrastructure through the Smart Grid Program; up to $100 million has been invested for utility-led projects to reduce GHG emissions, better utilize existing electricity assets and foster innovation and clean jobs. The Smart Grid Program was renewed in Budget 2023, with a new Call for demonstration projects launched October 31, 2023. The Regulatory Innovation Capacity Building Focus Area of the current Smart Grids Call aims to support electric grid modernization and energy innovation by funding projects that promote regulatory experimentation, the adoption of flexible regulatory procedures, skills and knowledge development, and meaningful participation and engagement in the regulatory ecosystem.In addition to strategic investments, Canada is seizing on its position as a global clean energy investment destination through a variety of Clean Economy Investment Tax Credits (ITCs). The ITCs are incentivizing investment in green manufacturing, renewable energy, carbon management technologies, and much more. The full value of the credits are linked to prevailing wages to ensure the creation of sustainable jobs for Canadian workers as Canada builds a net-zero future.Further to these investments, the Government of Canada is working in partnership with provinces and territories to lift regulatory barriers to the growth of the green industries. Alongside the Governments of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-49 to amend the Atlantic Accord Acts in order to unlock Canada’s enormous potential to generate renewable offshore wind-power by leveraging Canada’s existing offshore energy expertise. Bill C-49 will allow for the creation of thousands of sustainable jobs in Atlantic Canada, resulting in the generation of a significant clean energy surplus, which can power North American industries, and power the creation of a globally-oriented and decarbonized hydrogen sector.To help accelerate investments that promote sustainable, affordable and reliable electricity systems, the Government of Canada also launched the Canada Electricity Advisory Council in May 2023. This independent body of 19 experts will provide the Government of Canada with advice – through the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources – focusing on several key areas for creating a net-zero emitting electricity system by 2035, and through it, a net-zero emitting economy by 2050. This includes studying and advising government on additional steps to enable the transition in an affordable manner for Canadians; how to enable the pace of investment and project development needed; how to support Indigenous communities taking part in- and benefiting from those investments; how to facilitate regional cooperation where beneficial; and how to accelerate innovation to ensure affordability, reliability, and value growth far into the future. The Council provided its interim advice to the Government in December 2023 and will provide its final advice in a report later in 2024, which will be a key contributor to the federal Clean Electricity Strategy.In the years ahead, we will work with our provincial, territorial, and industry partners to bring forward new approaches and avenues ensuring Canada meets its short term and longer-term climate goals. Canada’s first Clean Electricity Strategy expected to be published in 2024, will lay out the integrated package of policies, tools and actions that the Government plans to use to support, facilitate and accelerate the electricity sector’s transition to net-zero while ensuring Canada’s clean energy future reflects and builds upon unique circumstances and opportunities emerging in different parts of the country.
Approvisionnement en électricitéGaz à effet de serre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02098441-02098 (Justice)JulieDabrusinToronto—DanforthLibéralON7 février 202422 mars 202414 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les Canadiens qui sont atteints de troubles de santé mentale devraient recevoir des traitements et de l’aide;
  • Les troubles de santé mentale sont complexes et les pensées suicidaires peuvent faire partie de la liste des symptômes;
  • Les vies des Canadiens atteints de troubles de santé mentale pourraient être à risque s’ils deviennent admissibles à l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) uniquement en raison d’un trouble mental, surtout si les traitements et mesures d’aide ne sont pas facilement accessibles.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de rejeter la mesure législative visant à rendre l’AMM disponible pour les personnes pour lesquelles le seul problème médical invoqué est un trouble de santé mentale.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviThe Government of Canada believes that Canadians deserve to live in comfort and dignity, with access to care, including end-of-life care, that is appropriate to their needs and that respects their wishes. It recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a very personal choice, and is committed to a measured, thoughtful and compassionate approach to help ensure that Canada’s MAID system meets the needs of people in Canada, protect those who may be vulnerable, and supports autonomy and freedom of choice of individuals. The safety and security of our most vulnerable people remains at the forefront of our actions as the Government takes a careful and considered approach on the implementation of MAID for persons where the sole underlying condition is mental illness.Important progress has been made to prepare for MAID eligibility for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness. However, in consultations with the provinces, territories, medical professionals and other stakeholders, the Government of Canada has heard – and agrees – that the health system is not yet ready for this expansion.On February 29, 2024, Bill C-62 received Royal Assent and immediately came into force. The legislation delays by three years eligibility for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness, until March 17, 2027. Additionally, the new law requires that a joint parliamentary committee undertake a comprehensive review relating to the eligibility for MAID of persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness within two years. This measure will further serve to examine progress made by provinces, territories, and partners, in achieving overall health care system readiness.This three-year extension will provide provinces and territories with additional time to ensure their health care systems are ready, as well as provide practitioners with more time to participate in training and become familiar with available supports, guidelines and standards.This delay is also in line with the recommendations of the Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) in their report, MAID and Mental Disorders: The Road Ahead, which was tabled on January 29, 2024. While recognising that considerable progress has been made in preparing for the expansion of eligibility for persons suffering solely mental illness, AMAD recommended that it not be made available in Canada until the health care system can safely and adequately provide MAID for these cases.Supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Work with provinces and territories, and stakeholders, including through Government of Canada investments, will continue to support individuals and communities across the country who need help, now and in the future.The Government of Canada has made significant investments in this space. For example, Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest close to $200 billion over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to improve health care for Canadians, including $25 billion to the Provinces and Territories via tailored bilateral agreements which will focus on four key priorities, including improving access to mental health and substance use services and the integration of these services in community family health services. This investment will build on the Budget 2017 investments, which include $2.4 billion from 2023-24 to 2026-27 that has yet to flow to PTs for mental health and addictions services.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target population include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.In addition, Budget 2023 announced $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. 9-8-8 went live and operational on November 30, 2023 and is providing people across Canada with access to suicide prevention support through trained responders by phone calls and text, 24/7/365, in English and French.  The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), which has recruited 39 local, provincial, and national crisis and distress lines to the 9-8-8 responder network to offer suicide prevention supports across Canada. Since its launch, 9-8-8 has received approximately 1,000 phone calls and 350 texts each day.Mental health and the well-being of Canadians is a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in mental health services and work with Provinces and Territories and key stakeholders to support the mental health needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02097441-02097 (Fiscalité)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC7 février 202422 mars 20245 février 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02096441-02096 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB7 février 202422 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community. Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017. Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices. The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities. In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02095441-02095 (Fiscalité)KodyBloisKings—HantsLibéralNS7 février 202422 mars 202413 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée22 mars 2024441-02094441-02094 (Travail et emploi)WarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservateurSK7 février 202422 mars 202421 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2024441-02093441-02093 (Processus démocratique)AdamChambersSimcoe-NordConservateurON6 février 202421 mars 20245 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, whichrecognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2024441-02092441-02092 (Santé)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB6 février 202421 mars 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Les incitatifs pour les infirmières devraient être offerts à toutes les infirmières pour favoriser des relations saines et des milieux de travail sains;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux pour reconnaître les diplômes en soins de santé des professionnels qualifiés qui ont été formés et instruits à l’étranger;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux et mettre en œuvre de meilleures stratégies et mesures incitatives pour attirer et retenir les travailleurs de la santé au Manitoba;
  • Des infirmières, jeunes comme expérimentées, ainsi que des professionnels de la santé quittent notre province et profitent d’occasions offertes par d’autres provinces qui donnent des incitatifs et des avantages très avantageux à leurs professionnels de la santé;
  • Au Manitoba, beaucoup de personnes âgées ont un revenu fixe et ne peuvent se payer leurs médicaments de prescription;
  • Les infirmières sont surmenées en raison des charges de travail élevées.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Manitoba, prions la Chambre des communes de travailler avec les gouvernements des provinces et les autres intervenants du secteur de la santé pour :1. Prendre le recrutement et la rétention des infirmières au sérieux pour résoudre la crise dans les soins de santé;2. Garantir à toutes les personnes qui contribuent avec leurs impôts au Manitoba et à notre économie qu’elles auront accès à des soins de santé au Manitoba;3. Revoir la charge de travail des infirmières et le programme d’incitatifs pour qu’il inclut toutes les infirmières, sans égard à leur ancienneté ou à leur type de poste;4. Réévaluer une partie des changements qui ont été apportés au cours des dernières années, et transformer les installations de soins de santé en installations fonctionnelles, pour que les résidents du Manitoba, en particulier les communautés de Tyndall Park, Maples, Burrows, Kildonan et même Lakeside aient un endroit où aller.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealthcare is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. While the federal government provides financial support to the provinces and territories for healthcare services, the responsibility for matters related to management of the health care system and health workforces falls within provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As part of their responsibility to administer and deliver healthcare services, provinces and territories establish training curricula and manage licensure, and regulate healthcare professionals through arms-length regulatory bodies, such as professional colleges and associations.At the same time, the federal government acknowledges that it has a key leadership role to play in supporting solutions to the challenges facing health systems across the country, including those related to Canada’s health workforce. We remain committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments to protect and strengthen the publicly funded health care system.Budget 2023 delivered nearly $200 billion to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding also includes $25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority: family health services; health workers and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and a modernized health system. Additionally, provinces and territories are being asked to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals, and to advance labour mobility.On October 12, 2023 federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health issued a public statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting Canada’s health workforce so our health workers are able to provide high-quality, accessible and effective health services for people living in Canada. In particular, FPT governments committed to concrete actions focusing on retention, domestic education supply and demand, foreign credential recognition and ethical recruitment, labour mobility, and health workforce data and planning. These commitments included undertaking credential processes overseas in order to improve processing of licensure of international physicians and nurses within 90 days and support for a Nursing Retention Toolkit developed by the federally-appointed Chief Nursing Officer, Dr.Leigh Chapman, in consultation with Canada’s nursing community. The toolkit highlights retention initiatives that employers or health authorities can implement to support their nursing workforce.The details on the Ministers commitments can be found here: Federal, provincial and territorial statement on supporting Canada’s health workforce.
ManitobaPersonnel infirmierSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2024441-02091441-02091 (Système correctionnel)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC6 février 202421 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • À la demande du gouvernement libéral, le Service correctionnel du Canada applique le Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons (PESP) dans les établissements correctionnels fédéraux, ce qui revient à encourager l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons;
  • Les drogues illicites dans les établissements fédéraux sont de la contrebande, tout comme les objets qui servent à se les injecter;
  • Les aiguilles qui servent à l’usage de drogues illicites dans les établissements correctionnels représentent un risque grave pour la santé des détenus et des agents correctionnels;
  • Le PESP aggrave les dangers auxquels l’agent correctionnel est déjà exposé dans son lieu de travail;
  • La Stratégie canadienne sur les drogues et autres substances devrait servir à aider les Canadiens toxicomanes à se rétablir d’une dépendance et à recevoir des traitements plutôt qu’à les maintenir dans leur état de dépendance.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin aux activités du Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons, de ne plus autoriser l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons canadiennes et de concentrer leurs efforts sur les moyens d’aider les détenus à se libérer de leurs dépendances.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Like much of Canadian society, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is experiencing the effect of Canada's opioid crisis. CSC began implementing a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) to prevent the sharing of needles, facilitate referrals to health care services and programs, and limit the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in federal institutions. It is important to note that this is just one measure that is available to incarcerated offenders and complements other existing measures. Of note, there have been no reported fatalities involving participants using our harm reduction services.Before an individual can participate in the PNEP program, CSC completes a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA), to confirm that it is suitable to allow the individual to possess a needle, similar to the one currently being used for EpiPens and needles for insulin use. As of February 1st, 2024, there have been no reported assaults on employees or incarcerated offenders involving needles used in the PNEP program.The safety and security of institutions, staff, offenders, and the public is a top priority. Preventing the introduction of contraband and reducing the use of illicit substances by incarcerated offenders in correctional institutions remains an ongoing key priority as they pose a risk to the safety and security of our institutions and impact offender rehabilitation. CSC works closely with local police agencies and communities to prevent and reduce contraband and unauthorized items, including drugs and substances, from entering institutions. Illicit drugs are considered contraband in federal institutions, and inmates found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs may be subject to administrative consequences, disciplinary charges/sanctions, and/or criminal charges.CSC has a National Drug Strategy, which incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to review and address an incarcerated individual’s substance use. Aligned with Commissioner’s Directive 585 National Drug Strategy, each institution has developed and implemented drug strategies to balance detection, deterrence, and treatment. As part of this, and to support the safety and security of everyone in our institutions, CSC continues to implement measures to address the introduction, trafficking, financing, and/or distribution of contraband within our institutions. The elements of the National Drug Strategy include:Reducing the supply of illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing and preventing the supply of illicit drugs through various efforts to investigate and disrupt the introduction and trafficking of contraband in our institutions. CSC also continues to lead intelligence investigations relating to the introduction and trafficking of contraband and strengthen partnerships with police to pursue criminal investigations into drug traffickers targeting our facilities.Reducing the demand for illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing the demand for illicit drugs by supporting innovative and effective approaches to intervening with, treating and rehabilitating offenders who use illicit drugs. CSC offers a suite of health interventions and correctional programming that addresses multiple criminogenic needs, including substance use disorder. Correctional programs are offered at intensity levels that are commensurate to the offenders’ risk level.Increasing the awareness of the negative consequences of illicit drug use - This component focuses on preventing illicit drug use by offenders in institutions. This is accomplished by providing awareness programs, infectious disease testing and associated treatment, and Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). It also involves delivering quality health services to incarcerated offenders to assist them in achieving a drug-free lifestyle.Strict policies concerning contraband and unauthorized activities are in place, which are enforced through dynamic and static security practices, including extensive search procedures for offenders, staff, and visitors. Incarcerated individuals found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs can face administrative consequences, disciplinary sanctions, and/or criminal charges.In addition to staff vigilance, dynamic security and security intelligence information, CSC relies on a combination of detection equipment, search practices and a variety of approved techniques to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband. This includes interdiction measures such as routine searches of persons (including inmates, visitors and staff), vehicles, cells/rooms, and other areas of the institution, which are in accordance with the Institutional Search Plan as well as non-routine searches, which may be authorized based on staff observations and intelligence information. Other measures include regular monitoring of offender activity; random urinalysis testing; and the non-intrusive searching of all visitors entering institutions using tools such as metal detectors, ion scanners, and detector dogs.
Consommation et abus de droguesÉtablissements correctionnelsProgramme de distribution de seringues propres
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2024441-02090441-02090 (Processus démocratique)BrendanHanleyYukonLibéralYT6 février 202421 mars 20245 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2024e-4568e-4568 (Infrastructure)BarbieGreyson-MayorGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC12 septembre 2023 à 10 h 00 (HAE)10 janvier 2024 à 10 h 00 (HAE)6 février 202421 mars 202412 janvier 2024Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :Les centres de loisirs et de bien-être sont des endroits où les membres de la collectivité peuvent se réunir, tisser des liens et rester en santé tout en s’adonnant à des activités physiques; La recherche démontre que les centres de loisirs et de bien-être favorisent la santé personnelle et le bien-être de leurs utilisateurs; Les installations récréatives jouent un rôle central dans la réadaptation des travailleurs ayant subi des blessures au travail; Les collectivités rurales sans installations récréatives sont désertées par leurs aînés, leurs jeunes et leurs familles, ce qui nuit au maintien de professionnels qualifiés et de bénévoles et entraîne des pertes pour les collectivités; Les avantages que procurent les centres de loisirs et de bien-être aux individus et aux collectivités sont depuis longtemps connus et documentés; La pratique de loisirs et d’une vie active est essentielle à la santé physique et mentale de la personne; La pratique de loisirs atténue les comportements autodestructeurs et antisociaux; Elle bâtit des familles solides et des communautés en bonne santé; Elle réduit les coûts des soins de santé et des services sociaux; La pratique de loisirs et les installations récréatives peuvent constituer une locomotive économique importante, les investissements dans celles-ci procurant un rendement direct et indirect, et elles constituent des mesures proactives et préventives, en plus de contribuer au tissu social des collectivités; Nos collectivités ont besoin d’un nombre accru de telles installations (comme le West Coast Multiplex, qui attend dans les cartons depuis plus de 20 ans) pour proposer une variété de programmes accessibles à tous les membres de nos collectivités; Le partenariat précédent du Programme d’infrastructure « Investir au Canada », auquel les gouvernements du Canada et de la Colombie-Britannique, a permis de renflouer de manière durable les fonds nécessaires pour répondre aux besoins des collectivités en matière d’installations récréatives. Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de renouveler, de maintenir et d’accroître considérablement le financement du volet Infrastructures communautaires, culturelles et récréatives afin de donner suite aux projets de construction, d’agrandissement et de remplacement d’installations récréatives sur la côte Ouest, à Port Alberni et dans la région d’Oceanside.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring communities across Canada have access to stable and predictable infrastructure funding.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of recreational facilities in creating sustainable, livable and healthy communities. The Community, Culture and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program has funded 796 projects across the country to improve community, culture and recreational spaces. This includes 23 projects on Vancouver Island, among them the Amphitrite Point Project in Ucluelet and the recently completed gathering space in the community of Macoah in the Toquaht Territory. Another source of funding for community buildings has been the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Fund (GICB). While more project proposals were received than could be funded under the GICB, this program is currently funding 109 projects across Canada with applications from the most recent intake currently being assessed. Two projects have been announced so far on Vancouver Island, including the Pacific IPCA Innovation Centre retrofit and upgrade in Tofino. The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) also provides $2.4 billion per year that helps communities build and revitalize their public infrastructure. Individual projects are selected by municipalities at a local level, and eligible categories of investment are broad, including culture and recreation. From 2015 to 2024, the program will have transferred over $24 billion to communities across Canada. The current CCBF agreements will expire in March 2024 and work is underway to renew them for the next 10 years. Discussions are well under way and funds are expected to be provided to communities under the new agreements in fiscal year 2024/25.Since Budget 2022, the Government has been taking steps to leverage infrastructure funding to spur community housing and wellness outcomes that can help address current supply and affordability issues in a targeted way in communities across the country.Infrastructure Canada will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, Indigenous communities, and local partners on infrastructure programming, including community and recreational infrastructure, to unlock the full potential of our investments, meet regional needs, and advance shared priorities.
Installations sportives et récréativesProgramme d'infrastructure Investir dans le Canada
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2024441-02088441-02088 (Affaires sociales et égalité)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB6 février 202421 mars 202422 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 mars 2024441-02087441-02087 (Affaires et commerce)LloydLongfieldGuelphLibéralON6 février 202421 mars 20246 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :Le projet de loi C-57 constitue une mise à jour importante de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine qui aidera l’Ukraine à se rétablir après avoir repoussé l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président de l’Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, et le Congrès des Ukrainiens Canadiens ont prié le Parlement du Canada d’adopter rapidement ce projet de loi; Les informations erronées selon lesquelles le régime de tarification du carbone du Canada aurait un effet sur cet accord ont été largement démenties.PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de confirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement la mise à jour de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02086441-02086 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 février 202420 mars 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • La demande pour les refuges pour femmes est malheureusement en croissance;
  • En raison du coût élevé de la vie et de la crise du logement, il est plus difficile pour les femmes et les enfants vivant de la violence domestique de s’enfuir et de trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre;
  • Alors que ce gouvernement libéral augmente considérablement les dépenses pour la bureaucratie et les consultants, il coupe 145 millions de dollars pour le financement des refuges pour femmes.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir le financement pour les refuges pour femmes.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home.Providing a safe and secure space for persons fleeing domestic violence is a priority for the Government of Canada. The National Housing Strategy (NHS), a 10-year, more than $82 billion plan launched in 2017, is giving more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum and prioritize populations most in need, including women and their children. The Government of Canada aims to put 33% of the strategy’s investments, with a minimum of 25%, toward serving the unique needs of women and their children.NHS programs and initiatives support the creation of shelters, such as the $13.2 billion Affordable Housing Fund, previously known as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which aims to create 2,000 new shelter spaces and repair 2,000 shelters for survivors of family violence. The Government of Canada has committed to create 1,388 new shelter spaces or transitional housing units for survivors of gender-based violence, and to repair/renew a further 347 spaces or units.The Government of Canada recognizes that Indigenous women and children face unique challenges and barriers to housing. For those who experience violence, a shelter is often a first step to rebuilding their lives and protecting them from further violence. The NHS includes programming and funding exclusively for shelters in Indigenous communities and in the North.As part of the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced funding of $724.1 million to develop a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy to expand culturally-relevant supports for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people facing gender-based violence. From this funding, $420 million is allocated to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) over five years to support the construction of a minimum of 38 shelters and 50 transitional homes across the country. In addition, we have committed $44.8 million to build a total of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping family violence. To date, construction is complete for four shelters, with the remaining eight shelters expected to be completed in 2024. These Indigenous-led shelters will provide vital refuge and culturally appropriate critical supports and services to help survivors of family violence recover from the trauma of their experiences, access support programming and create a stable environment where they can begin to regain an independent life. They are also a crucial element of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an important contribution to the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.To date, the Indigenous-led Steering committees have selected 47 projects for funding (25 shelters and 22 transitional housing) and provided $195.9 million in capital for the creation of 349 units. A total of 24 projects have advanced to the point of receiving an agreement, and $27 million in funding has been advanced. The committees have conditionally approved an additional 23 projects, which may be provided final approval once complete proposals are received. Budget 2021 included an additional $315.4 million for the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) to increase support for women and children fleeing violence. The program has since shifted in scope to encompass survivors of gender-based violence consistent with the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence which the Government of Canada and provinces and territories (excluding Quebec) endorsed in November 2022.CMHC is in the process of negotiating agreements with provinces and territories to deliver and cost-match the additional federal funding for survivors of gender-based violence through the CHB. This funding will be available for provinces and territories to deliver until 2028. Each province and territory has flexibility to cost-match this funding through a housing benefit for any vulnerable population, including survivors of gender-based violence. To date, agreements for additional funding for survivors of gender-based violence through the CHB have been signed with 3 provinces and territories.  CMHC launched a Call for Proposals in November 2021, which has remained open on a continual basis until March 1, 2024. CMHC and Indigenous Services Canada work with Indigenous-led committees comprised of representatives from Indigenous organizations, subject matter experts in shelters and housing delivery, as well as people with lived experience. The Government of Canada understands that a need for urgent shelter remains and is committed to working collaboratively to support the work of the Indigenous-led committees and expediting funding for projects that are approved. 
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerGender-based violence is one of the most pervasive, deadly and deeply rooted human rights violation of our time. This is why the Government of Canada is taking action.The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and the organizations providing supports and services to them. While preventing and addressing GBV is a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, the Government of Canada acted swiftly in 2020 to provide an initial $90 million in COVID-19 emergency funding, through Women and Gender Equality Canada, to organizations across Canada serving those experiencing GBV. A year into the pandemic, the government responded to high demand and pressing needs by more than tripling the funding support and extending the timeframe for this emergency measure through Budget 2021. Since April 2020, approximately $300 million in total funding has been committed to organizations, providing emergency funding to over 1,400 organizations including women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other GBV organizations. As a result, more than 2 million individuals experiencing violence had a safe place to go, and access to supports across Canada. These investments served as an emergency response to the crisis above and beyond the ongoing work under the Federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy.Like other COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by the federal government since 2020, this temporary measure has come to an end. However, the Government of Canada remains committed to addressing GBV:
  • Budget 2021 invests $601.3 million over five years in initiatives to advance towards the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This included $200 million (of the $300 million) specifically for COVID-19 emergency funding.
  • Budget 2022 invests a further $539.3 million over five years to support provinces and territories with the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
On November 9, 2022, Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women launched a historic 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence –. This Plan is a concrete step in fulfilling a long-standing commitment of Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments to work together towards a Canada free of gender-based violence. The Plan is supported by an investment of $539.3 million over five years, committed in Budget 2022, to support the provinces and territories in their implementation efforts. This funding is provided to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements.As of December 2023, the Government of Canada announced agreements with all provinces and territories. These agreements, along with the respective provincial/territorial implementation plans are available on Women and Gender Equality’s website. 
FemmesMaisons de refuge
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02085441-02085 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 février 202420 mars 20241 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members’ Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02084441-02084 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 février 202420 mars 202422 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:• A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (Budget 2023, chapter 4)• 2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement• 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression• 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action PlanThe first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country.
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024e-4351e-4351 (Sécurité publique)laviniarojasLaurelCollinsVictoriaNPDBC16 mars 2023 à 14 h 43 (HAE)14 juillet 2023 à 14 h 43 (HAE)5 février 202420 mars 202417 juillet 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Les Lignes directrices pour l’autorisation des pièces pyrotechniques à l’usage des consommateurs et à grand déploiement ont été révisées par des scientifiques américains, qui ont constaté qu’à l’article « 2.3.3 Lignes directrices pour l’autorisation des pièces pyrotechniques à l’usage des consommateurs et à grand déploiement Les produits chimiques suivants ne sont normalement pas permis dans les pièces pyrotechniques », le mot « normalement » est erroné. L’utilisation du plomb, du chrome, de l’arsenic et de produits chimiques cancérigènes ne devrait jamais être autorisée;Les résultats de l’analyse chimique sont inquiétants : 0,5 % du poids total des feux d’artifice à l’usage des consommateurs, ce qui comprend l’enveloppe, pourrait être constitué de plomb ou d’arsenic. L’inhalation d’une telle quantité de plomb ou d’arsenic dans l’aérosol généré serait toxique; Selon le Dr Terry Gordon, professeur au département de médecine et membre de la division de médecine environnementale, ces substances, même si nous y sommes exposés pour une courte durée chaque année, sont beaucoup plus toxiques que les polluants que nous respirons chaque jour;Selon une étude réalisée par l’Association canadienne du droit de l’environnement et le Collège des médecins de famille de l’Ontario, on ne fait que commencer à comprendre à quel point ces produits toxiques sont nocifs pour l’environnement;Le gouvernement fédéral a le pouvoir en vertu de la Constitution de contrôler la pollution de l’air, principalement grâce aux pouvoirs dont il dispose de protéger la santé et la sécurité publique, et de réglementer les effets transfrontaliers;L’octroi d’une aide financière aux provinces pour l’achat de feux d’artifice est nuisible pour l’environnement; Les organismes de protection des animaux, déjà en difficulté financière, reçoivent un grand nombre d’animaux blessés. La Société mondiale pour la protection des animaux a signalé beaucoup de cas d’animaux et d’oiseaux blessés par des feux d’artifice.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le remplacement des feux d’artifice par des projections lumineuses.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.While fireworks have been part of celebrations across Canada for more than 100 years, some communities are exploring new ways to enhance their firework shows or replace fireworks entirely with a light show. The Government of Canada supports light shows in community events provided all relevant regulations are followed. The Government of Canada will also continue to allow firework displays that are conducted in accordance with the Explosives Act and the Explosives Regulations, 2013, and will continue to work to ensure that fireworks can be safely enjoyed while minimizing their impact on the environment and human health, including:
  • Evaluating all fireworks before they are placed on the Canadian market using the Authorization Guidelines for Consumer and Display Fireworks, which detail the strict acceptance criteria for fireworks.
  • Assessing all chemical compositions in fireworks to ensure there are no prohibited chemicals such as lead, chromium, arsenic, and other carcinogens.
  • Regularly testing fireworks at the Canadian Explosives Research Laboratory to ensure they meet the strict criteria in the Guidelines. During these tests, the sound levels for the fireworks are routinely measured to confirm they are under advised noise thresholds.
  • Inspecting all display firework shows to confirm they are conducted in full compliance with the Explosives Regulations, 2013 to ensure the safety of the public and firework operators.
The Government of Canada is committed to the well-being of our communities and will continue to work to ensure the responsible and safe use of fireworks without excluding light shows and other means of celebration.
Feux d'artificeSécurité publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024e-4596e-4596 (Animaux)laviniarojasLaurelCollinsVictoriaNPDBC28 septembre 2023 à 10 h 16 (HAE)26 janvier 2024 à 10 h 16 (HAE)5 février 202420 mars 202426 janvier 2024Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Cette année, la Wildlife Rescue Association of BC a observé plus de 30 prises liées à des pièges à colle. Il s’agissait principalement d’oiseaux et de chauves-souris, mais de petits mammifères, y compris des animaux de compagnie, peuvent également se retrouver coincés sur des pièges à colle, ce qui leur cause de la souffrance et risque d’entraîner leur mort;Il est extrêmement troublant que ces dispositifs soient ouvertement montrés, étant donné qu’ils risquent d’exposer les enfants à leur existence et aux pratiques qu’ils représentent;Dix-huit États et territoires de l’Inde, la Norvège, les Pays-Bas, l’Allemagne, l’Angleterre, l’Islande, l’Irlande, la Nouvelle-Zélande, deux États et un territoire de l’Australie, ainsi que de nombreux États des États-Unis, ont interdit l’usage de pièges à colle contre les rongeurs;Des recherches et des études ont été menées sur l’incidence des pièges à souris collants sur les souris. Voici quelques unes de leurs conclusions qui révèlent les effets négatifs des pièges à colle sur les souris : Les pièges à colle causent d’immenses souffrances physiques et psychologiques aux souris. Lorsqu’elles se retrouvent coincées sur la surface adhésive, les souris éprouvent une détresse extrême et s’efforcent de se libérer. Elles se blessent en tentant de s’échapper, ce qui se traduit par des os brisés, des articulations démises, des peaux déchirées, ou même l’automutilation. Les souris prises dans les pièges à colle souffrent pendant plusieurs jours avant de mourir. Pendant ce temps, elles éprouvent du stress et de la douleur et souffrent de déshydratation, un processus atroce;Les pièges à colle vont à l’encontre des principes de traitement sans cruauté et de bien-être animal. Toutes les organisations de défense des animaux ont condamné l’utilisation des pièges à colle en raison de leur caractère cruel.Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’interdire immédiatement les pièges à colle contre les rongeurs à l’échelle du Canada en raison de leur caractère éminemment cruel envers les animaux et de leur incidence environnementale.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviRodent glue traps are not currently regulated under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA).In 2018, Health Canada published a proposal to amend the Pest Control Products Regulation (PCPR) so that some of these types of devices would no longer be exempt from the application of the PCPA.  Although the public consultation period for this proposal closed on February 28, 2019, the proposed regulatory amendments have not yet been formalised. As the proposal moves forward, there will be additional upcoming opportunities to provide comments on this matter. It is important to note that provinces and territories (PTs), federal and municipal governments have shared responsibilities in regulating pesticides. While Health Canada authorizes pesticides, it does not decide whether those products will be used. PTs responsibilities for pesticides generally include, regulating the sale, use, transportation, storage and disposal of pesticides. Furthermore, PTs conduct compliance monitoring that complements federal compliance programs, and issue licences and/or permits to pesticide applicators, operators and vendors. PTs are also responsible for and have measures in place to address both wildlife management and animal welfare. PTs have their own laws to protect animals and  in most, the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), a Non-Government Organization (NGO), enforces animal protection legislation.
Cruauté envers les animauxLutte contre les animaux et plantes nuisibles
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02081441-02081 (Fiscalité)LoriIdloutNunavutNPDNU5 février 202420 mars 202413 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02080441-02080 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON5 février 202420 mars 202421 novembre 2023 Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’AgroalimentaireATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation scolaire sont reconnus dans le mode entier comme étant essentiels à la santé, au mieux-être et à l’éducation des écoliers, plus de 388 millions d’enfants d’au moins 161 pays ayant reçu des repas gratuits ou subventionnés à l’école;
  • Selon de nouvelles données de Statistiques Canada (2022), 1 enfant canadien sur 4 vit dans un ménage souffrant d’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation scolaire;
  • Dans son budget de 2022, le gouvernement a réaffirmé les engagements inscrits dans les lettres de mandat de décembre 2021 de la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et de la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire, soit la collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, des partenaires autochtones et des intervenants afin d’élaborer une politique nationale en matière d’alimentation dans les écoles et d’examiner comment un plus grand nombre d’enfants canadiens pourraient recevoir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, à la suite de quoi des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école catholique Thomas More et résidants de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox et Addington, prions la ministre des Finances, la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire de donner priorité au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation scolaire dans le budget de 2024, pour que ce programme puisse être mis en œuvre dans les écoles à l’automne de 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02079441-02079 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON5 février 202420 mars 202423 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
     
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02078441-02078 (Affaires et commerce)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB5 février 202420 mars 202426 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE : Le 22 septembre dernier, en pleine guerre, le président de l’Ukraine est venu au Canada pour signer l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine;Le projet de loi C-57 prévoit l’adoption de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine, qui aidera l’Ukraine à se reconstruire après avoir vaincu l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky et le Congrès ukrainien canadien ont appelé le Parlement du Canada à adopter rapidement cette loi;La mésinformation concernant l’incidence du système canadien de tarification du carbone sur cet accord a été largement démentie.PAR CONSÉQUENT : nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de réaffirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxC-57, Loi portant mise en œuvre de l'Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l'Ukraine de 2023Ukraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02077441-02077 (Affaires et commerce)YvanBakerEtobicoke-CentreLibéralON5 février 202420 mars 20241 février 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :Le projet de loi C-57 constitue une mise à jour importante de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine qui aidera l’Ukraine à se rétablir après avoir repoussé l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président de l’Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, et le Congrès des Ukrainiens Canadiens ont prié le Parlement du Canada d’adopter rapidement ce projet de loi; Les informations erronées selon lesquelles le régime de tarification du carbone du Canada aurait un effet sur cet accord ont été largement démenties.PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de confirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement la mise à jour de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02076441-02076 (Affaires et commerce)BenCarrWinnipeg-Centre-SudLibéralMB5 février 202420 mars 202413 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :Le projet de loi C-57 constitue une mise à jour importante de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine qui aidera l’Ukraine à se rétablir après avoir repoussé l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président de l’Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, et le Congrès des Ukrainiens Canadiens ont prié le Parlement du Canada d’adopter rapidement ce projet de loi; Les informations erronées selon lesquelles le régime de tarification du carbone du Canada aurait un effet sur cet accord ont été largement démenties.PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de confirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement la mise à jour de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02075441-02075 (Fiscalité)RichardCanningsOkanagan-Sud—Kootenay-OuestNPDBC5 février 202420 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024e-4518e-4518 (Affaires sociales et égalité)NatashaTotinoLeslynLewisHaldimand—NorfolkConservateurON16 août 2023 à 15 h 20 (HAE)14 décembre 2023 à 15 h 20 (HAE)5 février 202420 mars 202415 décembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :Les espaces réservés aux femmes, y compris les vestiaires, les refuges et les prisons pour femmes, jouent un rôle crucial pour garantir un environnement sûr aux femmes;Des modifications récemment apportées aux lois et aux politiques ont mis en péril la sécurité de ces espaces;Il est impératif de prendre des mesures pour préserver ces espaces;De nombreuses survivantes d’agressions ou de harcèlement sexuels comptent sur les refuges et les groupes de soutien pour se sentir en sécurité;Les espaces réservés aux femmes sont conçus pour offrir intimité et protection aux femmes biologiques;Accorder l’accès sur la seule base de l’auto-identification exposera à des risques des femmes vulnérables qui dépendent de ces espaces pour leur bien-être;Les espaces réservés aux femmes (vestiaires, refuges, prisons) garantissent la sécurité des femmes;Les vestiaires offrent de l’intimité pour les besoins personnels comme le remplacement des produits menstruels;Le maintien de ces espaces est essentiel à la préservation de la dignité, du respect et de l’autonomie corporelle.Nous, soussignés, hommes et femmes intègres vivant au Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de 1) Donner la priorité à la préservation des espaces réservés aux femmes en instituant des lignes directrices qui placent les considérations de sécurité au premier plan;2) Formuler des politiques, et plus précisément élaborer des lois et des politiques claires et concises reconnaissant l’importance d’espaces distincts pour les personnes de sexes différents, tout en offrant des lignes directrices sur les mesures d’adaptation à prendre pour les personnes transgenres dans le respect des droits et de la sécurité de toutes les personnes concernées;3) Engager le dialogue avec les principales parties prenantes en collaborant avec les organisations de défense des droits des femmes, les groupes de défense des LGBT et les réseaux de soutien des survivantes, afin de s’assurer que les modifications apportées aux politiques tiennent compte de divers points de vue; 4) En appuyant cette pétition, nous exhortons collectivement les législateurs à défendre les espaces réservés aux femmes au moyen de lois et de politiques soigneusement conçues et respectueuses de l’intimité. Ensemble, nous pouvons favoriser l’existence d’une société dans laquelle chacun se sent en sécurité et respecté. Unissons nos forces afin de préserver pour les générations futures de femmes et de filles ces espaces tant désirés et historiquement reconnus.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerCanada is proud of the work we have done to achieve gender equality, on our work to end gender-based violence and our commitment to create an inclusive and prosperous society where women and gender diverse people can thrive. We are a country that is built on the values of diversity, inclusion and respect for human rights. Equality rights are enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, from coast to coast to coast.  However, as we celebrate the progress we have made when it comes to gender equality, there remains much work ahead of us to truly achieve a society that is equal for all.Many people in Canada continue to experience violence every day because of their sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. The Government of Canada is committed to applying Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) in decision-making to ensure that policies and programs are responsive to and inclusive of diverse needs and consider impacts on diverse groups of people. The Government of Canada has also developed and published action plans that address gender-based violence (National action plan to end gender-based violence - Women and Gender Equality Canada), and the advancement of rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people (Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan 2022 - Women and Gender Equality Canada) to create a more inclusive and equitable country.Provinces and territories control the key levers to reach people experiencing gender-based violence and hate, and to promote prevention and awareness of gender-based violence, such as developing their own policy frameworks and funding; and delivering education, health care, and social services, along with the administration of justice.  This includes funding for transitional homes and shelters, and other critical spaces for women and gender diverse people to seek refuge from when they are escaping violence. While there are limits to the jurisdiction the Federal Government has in terms of control over private spaces or spaces that are provincial jurisdiction, the Federal Government has implemented national plans working with the provinces to address the specific challenges vulnerable demographics face. In August 2022, the Government of Canada launched the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan to advance rights and equality for 2SLBTQI+ people in Canada. The Plan seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression. The Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan was developed based on the experiences, evidence and voices of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and interested parties through an extensive engagement process.The National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence was launched in November 2022 by Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women. [1] It was informed by over 1,000 recommendations from Indigenous partners, frontline organizations, experts, victims and survivors. The Plan recognizes that all jurisdictions have different roles to play but share responsibility in changing the attitudes and behaviours that sustain gender-based violence. The Plan emphasizes primary prevention approaches that address the root causes of gender-based violence to stop violence before it occurs. The Plan recognizes that prevention work must happen in a range of contexts including private, public and community spaces, workplaces, educational settings and online.  Prevention efforts must be gender-informed/sensitive and inclusive, intersectional, trauma and violence-informed, and culturally appropriate to?best meet the needs of diverse populations, including women and gender diverse individuals.  The National Action Plan to End GBV recognizes that gender-based violence services, including shelters, provide critical, lifesaving supports and safe spaces; and deliver social, health, and community services that protect and empower victims and survivors including, women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people experiencing violence. Organizations and individuals working in communities have in-depth knowledge about the needs of clients, the systemic barriers clients face, and the solutions needed. The safety and well-being of victims and survivors are at the centre of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence recognizing that they are the experts in their own personal experiences, with diverse backgrounds and needs.Women and Gender Equality Canada worked with provincial and territorial governments to establish bilateral funding agreements that support each jurisdictions’ work to end gender-based violence. As of December 2023, bilateral funding agreements have been announced with all provinces and territories.  Through investments like the National Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence and the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Government of Canada has demonstrated our commitment to end violence against these communities, but we know more work is ahead of us. You can follow the implementation and progress of these two action plans on WAGE’s website Bilateral agreements to end gender-based violence - Women and Gender Equality Canada . [1] Gender-based violence is a priority for the Government of Québec, which has invested significant funds to end violence against women. However, although it supports the overall objectives of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the Government of Québec cannot adhere to it because it intends to retain its full responsibility in this area on its territory. Through an agreement that respects its autonomy, the Government of Québec receives federal funding to support the programs, initiatives, and services to end gender-based violence that it puts in place based on the needs of its territory.
FemmesInstallations
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02073441-02073 (Fiscalité)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC5 février 202420 mars 20249 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le système actuel de l’impôt sur le revenu des personnes âgées offre aux couples de nombreuses possibilités de réduire leurs impôts, alors que les célibataires n’en ont aucune;
  • Les couples de personnes âgées peuvent fractionner leur revenu de pension, ce qui leur permet de payer moins d’impôts, d’être admissibles au crédit d’impôt en fonction de l’âge et d’avoir à rembourser peut ou pas de Sécurité de la vieillesse (SV);
  • Les célibataires âgés ne bénéficient pas de ces avantages, paient plus d’impôts, renoncent souvent au crédit d’impôt en fonction de l’âge et doivent souvent rembourser une partie de la SV;
  • Lorsqu’un partenaire décède dans un couple, son régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER), son fonds enregistré de revenu de retraite (FERR) et son compte d’épargne libre d’impôt (CELI) peuvent être transférés dans le REER, le FERR et le CELI du partenaire survivant;
  • Le REER et le FERR d’une personne célibataire sont encaissés au décès et déclarés comme revenu, ce qui entraîne des impôts plus élevés, souvent de 50 %;
  • Le coût de la vie pour une personne célibataire équivaut aux deux tiers du coût de la vie pour un couple;
  • Selon Statistique Canada, les ménages composés d’une seule personne augmentent plus rapidement que tout autre type de ménage au Canada;
  • Sur les six millions de personnes âgées au Canada, plus d’un tiers sont célibataires, dont beaucoup de femmes, et ce groupe démographique va continuer à croître.
Nous, soussignés, célibataires âgés et autres citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de: Offrir aux célibataires âgés des avantages fiscaux équivalents à ceux qui existent actuellement pour les couples âgés, à savoir: a) Offrir aux personnes âgées célibataires une réduction de 30 % de leur revenu imposable (par exemple, si une personne âgée célibataire a un revenu imposable de 100 000 $, réduire le montant imposable de 30 %, soit 70 000 $); b) Permettre, au décès, aux célibataires âgés titulaires d’un REER, d’un FERR ou d’un CELI de le transférer au REER, au FERR ou au CELI d’un bénéficiaire de leur choix.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada understands that, after a lifetime of hard work, Canadians have earned a secure and dignified retirement. In this regard, single seniors may benefit from a number of targeted tax relief measures, such as the Age Credit and Pension Income Credit. Seniors, and those who support them, may also benefit from tax credits such as the Disability Tax Credit, the Medical Expense Tax Credit, the Home Accessibility Tax Credit and the Canada Caregiver Credit.Single seniors may also benefit from general tax relief that the government has introduced. For example, the government has increased the amount of money Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax to $15,000 by 2023 for all but the wealthiest Canadians. Now that this increase has been fully implemented, about 4.6 million seniors are benefitting, including close to 400,000 whose federal income tax has been reduced to zero.This measure builds on the success of key initiatives like the middle-class tax cut, which is benefitting over nine million Canadians. Single individuals who benefit from that measure are seeing an average tax reduction of $330 every year.The tax relief currently available to seniors and pensioners allows a single senior to have at least $26,495 in taxable income (assuming at least $2,000 in income eligible for the Pension Income Credit) before paying federal income tax in 2024.Upon their death, single seniors may transfer a RRSP or RRIF to a financially dependent child or grandchild who ordinarily resided with them because of a mental or physical infirmity. Single seniors may also transfer the value of their TFSA to a beneficiary tax-free.Beyond the tax system, single seniors may also be eligible for targeted support. For example, the government has more than doubled the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit for low-income single seniors. As well, single seniors aged 75 and older are benefiting from the ten percent increase to the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension that began in July 2022. Notably, the government reversed the previous government’s decision to move the eligibility age for OAS and GIS from 65 to 67, which will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of Canadians as they become seniors.Currently, single seniors can receive up to up to $1,065.47 per month in GIS benefits, up to $713.34 per month in OAS benefits between the ages of 65 and 74, and up to $784.67, if age 75 and older. For the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), for 2024, the maximum monthly amount of the retirement pension that could be received when starting to receive the pension at age 65 is $1,364.60. Whether, and how much of each benefit/pension a single senior could receive, will depend on their specific circumstances, including qualifying residence and their income for OAS and GIS, and their contribution history for CPP.The Government of Canada will continue to support the needs of single seniors.
FiscalitéPersonnes âgéesPersonnes seules
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024e-4517e-4517 (Justice)JulieRiouxPamDamoffOakville-Nord—BurlingtonLibéralON11 août 2023 à 8 h 56 (HAE)9 novembre 2023 à 8 h 56 (HAE)5 février 202420 mars 202410 novembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que :Il y a urgence concernant l’épidémie de violence contre les femmes et les enfants dans le contexte des cas légal de la garde des enfants;Il existe de l'utilisation abusive de la notion d’« aliénation parentale” et de concepts pseudo-similaires.Nous, soussignés, femmes canadiennes et des personnes qui les appuis qui ont été victimes de violence familiale et des injustices de notre système judiciaire de la famille., prions le Gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître l'injustice et les violations des droits de la personne actuellement facilitées par le système judiciaire de la famille du Canada, reconnaissant que le tribunal lui-même est complice de la maltraitance continue des femmes et des enfants;2. Mettre en place des modifications législatives portant sur l'utilisation de l'aliénation parentale et des pseudo-concepts associés, afin que notre système judiciaire puisse commencer à protéger les femmes et les enfants sans attendre un lent changement de jurisprudence;3. Mettre en place des modifications législatives pour interdire la thérapie de réunification et ses concepts associés;4. S'engager davantage à donner suite aux autres recommandations du rapport du rapporteur spécial des Nations.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada is committed to making the family justice system as fair as possible for all, including for victims of family violence. Promoting the best interests of the child and addressing family violence are two of the key objectives of amendments to the Divorce Act in former Bill C-78, An Act to amend the Divorce Act, the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act and the Garnishment, Attachment and Pension Diversion Actand to make consequential amendments to another Act, most of which came into force on March 1, 2021.The amended Divorce Act contains a broad evidence-based definition of family violence which recognizes its many forms and the significant harm it can cause to both victims and witnesses. The definition also includes a child’s direct or indirect exposure to family violence and clarifies that behaviour does not have to be a criminal offence to be considered family violence under the Divorce Act.The amended Divorce Act requires the court to consider the impact of any family violence on the best interests of the child when determining parenting arrangements. This includes the impact on the ability and willingness of any person who engaged in the family violence to care for the child, and the appropriateness of making an order requiring parents to cooperate on issues affecting the child. The amended Act sets out a list of specific factors to help judges determine the impact of the family violence, such as the nature and seriousness of the violence and the harm or risk of harm caused by it. When considering the best interests of the child factors, the court is required to give primary consideration to the child’s physical, emotional, and psychological safety, security, and well-being.Cases where children resist or refuse contact with a parent are often challenging and complex. There are many reasons why a child may reject a parent and resist or refuse to spend time with them. This rejection can be a consequence of experiences such as parental conflict before or after parents separate, family violence, or personality factors. However, when a child’s rejection of a parent seems to be without justification, and it appears that the other parent has encouraged the child to turn against the rejected parent, the child may be referred to as “alienated.”The best interest of the child remains the sole legal test for decisions concerning parenting arrangements. In determining the best interests of the child in a case where there is an allegation that a child is resisting contact with a parent, the court will look at the circumstances of the case to determine whether the child is in fact resisting contact, and if so, why this is occurring. In cases where family violence is also alleged, the court will also consider the specific criteria related to family violence in determining the child’s best interests under the Divorce Act.Education and training on family violence for those working in family law are extremely important. 
Droit de garde des enfantsDroit de la familleViolence faite aux femmesViolence familiale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02071441-02071 (Médias et télécommunications)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC5 février 202420 mars 202419 janvier 2024Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • les pénalités actuelles pour violation des règles de télémarketing et d’utilisation des données aux termes de la Loi canadienne anti-pourriel sont légères et inefficaces;
  • le gouvernement fédéral a échoué à protéger les 68 061 Canadiens qui ont été victimes de fraude en 2021;
  • le Centre antifraude du Canada a rapporté que la fraude a entraîné des pertes de 383 millions de dollars dans la dernière année;
  • chaque jour, un grand nombre de Canadiens est harcelé par des appels téléphoniques et des messages texte non sollicités.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre immédiatement en œuvre une stratégie complète pour mettre un terme au harcèlement que constituent pour les consommateurs canadiens les appels téléphoniques et les messages texte non sollicités.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneReceiving spam phone calls and text messages, including scam calls and messages, is a serious concern for many Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada has introduced a variety of measures to help Canadians in that regard.Telemarketing and unwanted callsThe Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), as Canada’s national telecommunications regulator, enforces rules under the Telecommunications Act that help Canadians reduce the number of unsolicited communications that they receive. The National Do Not Call List (DNCL) Rules allow Canadians to add their telephone numbers to a list of numbers that telemarketers are not allowed to call. The DNCL has been in operation for 15 years and includes 14.7 million telephone numbers. Furthermore, the CRTC enforces other rules that address, among others, the time of day when telemarketing is permitted, as well as the need for telemarketers to identify themselves. Additional rules apply when telemarketers deliver a pre-recorded message, sometimes referred to as ‘robocalls’. The CRTC takes violations of these rules very seriously and can issue penalties if a telemarketer breaks them. During the 2022–2023 fiscal year, the CRTC issued over $600,000 in financial penalties against telemarketers.To combat scammers, the CRTC also works with telecommunications service providers (TSPs) to block and trace such calls. For example, the CRTC requires TSPs to block calls when caller identification (ID) either exceeds 15 digits or when it isn’t in a Canadian format, e.g., 000-000-0000. Additionally, in December 2021, the CRTC approved a request from Bell Canada to permanently implement a call blocking solution that uses artificial intelligence to prevent scam calls originating from outside of Canada from reaching Canadians. From July 2020 to November 2023, it prevented over 2.8 billion calls from doing so. Similarly, the CRTC is working with TSPs to develop a way to trace scam calls back to their point of origin.The CRTC also works with industry to alert Canadians if an incoming call may be part of a scam. This is important given the rise of caller ID spoofing, where the caller ID is falsified. On November 30, 2021, TSPs implemented a new approach, referred to as STIR/SHAKEN, to combat such calls. This approach works by notifying Canadians whether an incoming call originates from a real number. While it is not currently possible to authenticate all incoming calls, it is expected that, over time, this approach will become more effective as TSPs upgrade their networks and more Canadians use telephones that are compatible with this approach.There are also other steps that Canadians can take to reduce the number of telemarketing and spam calls that they receive, such as to file a complaint directly with the DNCL Operator at http://www.lnnte-dncl.gc.ca/en/Consumer/File-a-complaint or by calling 1-866-580-3625. The best way for Canadians to assist the CRTC in identifying violations is to file complaints. Such complaints help the CRTC to gather intelligence, identify high-impact cases to investigate, and take enforcement action against violators. Canadians are also encouraged to speak with TSPs about any call management or call blocking options they offer that could be helpful. CASLCanadians deserve an effective law that protects them from spam and other electronic threats that lead to harassment, identity theft and fraud. Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) plays an important role in building trust in the digital environment, which is essential for continued economic growth: CASL helps protect Canadians from spam and other electronic threats, while ensuring that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace. A 2015 Cloudmark study found that within a year of CASL being introduced, there was a 37% reduction in spam originating from Canada and 29% less spam email in Canadians’ inboxes.CASL prohibits, among other things, sending unsolicited commercial electronic messages (email and text messages spam, for example, but not voice spam calls which fall under the DNCL), altering transmission data, and the installation of computer programs (such as malware) without user’s consent. It does this to protect Canadians from spam and other electronic threats, while ensuring that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace.CASL is enforced by three federal agencies. The CRTC, an independent  administrative tribunal that operates at arm’s length from the federal government, is responsible for interpreting and enforcing CASL provisions related to spam and other electronic threats that can lead to harassment, identity theft, and fraud. The CRTC can issue administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) for violations of sections that prohibit the sending of unsolicited commercial electronic messages, the alteration of transmission data and the installation of software without consent. The Competition Bureau can seek AMPs or criminal sanctions under the Competition Act for acts of false or misleading representations and deceptive marketing practices in the electronic marketplace. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada also has powers under an amended Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) related to the collection of personal information through illicit access to other people’s computer systems and the harvesting of electronic addresses. AMPs that could be imposed under CASL can be substantial. The maximum amount of an AMP to be imposed by the CRTC, per violation, for an individual is $1 million. For a business, it is $10 million.The CRTC has taken action against several violators of the anti-spam provisions, often in collaboration with domestic and international law enforcement.  Recently, The CRTC’s Chief Compliance and Enforcement Officer announced penalties totalling $300,000 to four Canadians for their involvement in the Dark Web marketplace CanadianHQ. To date, the CRTC’s CASL  enforcement efforts have resulted in over $3.2 million issued in AMPs.Canadians can also contribute to fighting spam by reporting spam messages to the Spam Reporting Centre. Each submission provides valuable information and is an essential part of the intelligence the Spam Reporting Centre gathers on spam and other electronic threats. The information provided may be used to investigate serious cases and take necessary action concerning contraventions to CASL, which can include imposition of AMPs. Submissions to the Spam Reporting Center can be made online at: https://www.fightspam.gc.ca/eic/site/030.nsf/frm-eng/MMCN-9EZV6S.Scam calls and messagesIf Canadians receive a call that appears to be part of a scam, they are encouraged to report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC). The CAFC is jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau, and works as the central agency in Canada to collect information and criminal intelligence on scams. More information on how Canadians can identify and report scams can be found on the CAFC website at http://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Allégations de fraude et fraudesPourrielsTéléphonie et systèmes téléphoniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02070441-02070 (Droits de la personne)LloydLongfieldGuelphLibéralON5 février 202420 mars 202421 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens de Guelph (Ontario) et membres de l’église unie de la rue Dublin, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur notre préoccupation concernant l’augmentation du discours hostile à l’égard des personnes trans et non binaires.Attendu que nous estimons que ce discours est fondé sur l’ignorance. En tant que membres de l’église de la rue Dublin, nous avons trouvé l’apprentissage nécessaire pour obtenir la certification de congrégation affirmative extrêmement utile pour comprendre nos voisins 2ELGBTQI+ et leurs difficultés;Attendu que les résolutions récentes du Parti conservateur illustrent notre inquiétude. L’une d’entre elles interdirait aux personnes transgenres de moins de 18 ans de recevoir des soins de santé qui tiennent compte de leur genre. Une autre obligerait les femmes transgenres à utiliser les installations pour hommes. Ces deux résolutions sont très mal informées;Attendu que les directives médicales actuelles prévoient déjà des consultations et des thérapies pour les enfants qui ne se sentent pas à l’aise avec le sexe qui leur a été assigné à la naissance. Toute intervention permanente n’est généralement envisagée qu’après 18 ans. Ces soins axés sur l’affirmation du genre sont essentiels pour la santé mentale des jeunes patients. Ils réduisent considérablement le risque de suicide. Cela signifie également que la plupart ne voudront pas d’intervention médicale et que les rares qui le souhaitent n’auront pas de regrets. Interdire les soins d’affirmation du genre avant 18 ans menace donc la vie et le bien-être des jeunes transgenres et peut même augmenter les demandes d’intervention après 18 ans chez des personnes de plus en plus désespérées et privées de thérapie préalable;Attendu que les femmes transgenres ne sont pas des prédatrices; qu’elles sont beaucoup plus susceptibles d’être attaquées ou maltraitées dans les prisons, les refuges, les vestiaires et les toilettes pour hommes que de causer des problèmes dans les installations pour femmes.Par conséquent, les pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes :
  • D’émettre une déclaration ferme du gouvernement appuyant l’identité et l’expression sexuelles et la protection des personnes transgenres, y compris les enfants;
  • D’inscrire dans la Charte des droits et libertés les droits importants des enfants, des jeunes et des adultes trans et non binaires déjà énoncés dans le projet de loi C-16;
  • De mettre en œuvre d’autres mesures de sensibilisation pour aider à contrer ce discours dangereux à l’égard des personnes trans.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur government strongly condemns transphobia in all its forms and remains consistent in its support for transgender and non-binary Canadians. We have passed legislation to protect Canadians from discrimination and hate crimes based on gender identity and gender expression and to affirm their equal status in Canadian society. We have also criminalized conversion therapy, ensuring that 2SLGBTQ+ people of all ages are never forced to be anything other than who they truly are.Section 15(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees equality to all individuals without discrimination based on several grounds. Although the grounds of “gender identity” and “gender expression” are not explicitly listed in the text of s. 15(1) of the Charter, it is important to note that the enumerated grounds are not exhaustive. Courts have found laws and policies which misgender or otherwise do not recognize the gender identity of transgender and non-binary individuals could constitute discrimination, contrary to s. 15 of the Charter.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerResponse by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth.Canada is a country built on the values of diversity, inclusion and respect for human rights. Equality rights are enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation and gender identity and expression, from coast to coast to coast. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting and protecting the rights of the most vulnerable communities, including the 2SLGBTQI+ community, and especially of queer youth.Despite these enshrined rights, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. In this current climate, there is a disturbing rise in hate and violence against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, which contributes to an increased climate of fear for 2SLGBTQI+ people. 2SLGBTQI+ communities are telling me that they are afraid. According to Statistics Canada, police reported hate crimes targeting sexual orientation rose by 70% between 2020 and 2021. Further, 56% of transgender men and 54% of transgender women and gender diverse people who responded to the 2021 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan Survey said they experienced violence and discrimination. Finally, in February 2024, the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights tabled report to the House that called on leaders at all levels of government in Canada to speak out strongly in favour of Canadian values of equality and inclusion for the 2SLGBTQI+ community in the face of rising hate.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current, including transgender and gender diverse youth.This Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ people, including transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Highlights include:- A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ people, including trans people (See Budget 2023, chapter 4)- A one-time emergency investment of $1.5M to Fierte Canada Pride to help pride organizations address increased security and insurance costs during the 2023 Pride season, see Statement- The National Action Plan to end Gender-Based Violence, which serves as a framework for a Canada free of gender-based violence, including violence against 2SLGBTQI+ people, and is supported by an investment of $539.3M over five years.- The criminalization of so-called ‘conversion therapies in 2022, see Statement- Amending the Canadian Human Rights Act in 2017 to protect gender identity and gender expressionIn addition, through Canada’s first 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, the Government of Canada will build on our work to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country. Launched in 2022, and supported by an investment of $100 million, the Action Plan enables the federal government to advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan will achieve these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The Action Plan commits the Government of Canada to engage everyone in Canada in fostering a 2SLGBTQI+ inclusive present and future and commits up to $5.6 million to enhance inclusion and break down stigma and discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including transgender and gender diverse people, through an awareness campaign. In May 2023, the Government completed public opinion research to inform the development of the awareness campaign, see  report and in August 2023, the Government awarded a competitively-sourced contract to a marketing firm to develop, manage and implement this campaign.The Government of Canada is watching closely as the situation surrounding policies touching transgender and non-binary people across Canada develops. In the present context, the Government of Canada is supporting 2SLGBTQI+ organizations across the country so that they can join and participate in these important discussions. It is not just up to the 2SLGBTQI+ community to speak up and defend their rights, collectively as Canadians we all have a duty to defend minority rights. The Government of Canada and the department of Women and Gender Equality is deeply concerned about the coordinated and organized efforts to target and spread hatred towards hate the 2SLGBTQI+ community. It is now more important than ever to show our solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI+ community because every time a Canadian feels free to affirm who they are, or who they love, our country is stronger for it.
Charte canadienne des droits et libertésDroits de la personneIdentité de genre et expression de genreMinorités sexuelles et de genres
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 mars 2024441-02069441-02069 (Fiscalité)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON5 février 202420 mars 202421 novembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02068441-02068 (Fiscalité)BonitaZarrilloPort Moody—CoquitlamNPDBC2 février 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02067441-02067 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC2 février 202418 mars 202413 décembre 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté Attendu que :
  • L’invasion russe en Ukraine constitue une grave violation du droit international, ayant entraîné le déplacement de millions d’Ukrainiens;
  • L’Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) a été mise en place pour aider les Ukrainiens et leurs familles à venir au Canada le plus rapidement possible;
  • Le volet de l’AVUCU est fermé depuis le 15 juillet 2023;
  • La voie d’accès à la résidence permanente pour les familles ukrainiennes annoncée le 23 octobre 2023 exclue de nombreux Ukrainiens qui sont venus au Canada en vertu de l’AVUCU et qui n’ont aucun parent résidant au Canada;
  • Le Canada, qui est fondé sur des principes reconnaissant la règle de droit et le respect des droits de la personne et de la démocratie, a une solide tradition d’accueil des réfugiés.
Par conséquent :
  • Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté du Canada d’offrir aux Ukrainiens actuellement au Canada en vertu de l’AVUCU une voie d’accès spéciale à la résidence permanente qui ne les oblige pas à avoir un parent citoyen ou résident permanent au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.As Russia continues its illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, Canada remains steadfast in its support for those who have been forced to flee. This includes helping people find a temporary safe haven in Canada and providing them with the support they need.In order to respond to this unprecedented invasion, the Government of Canada launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on March 17, 2022. These measures provide Ukrainians and their immediate family members the opportunity to stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to three years. Overall, Canada received close to 1.2 million[1]overseas applications, of which over 958,000[2]applications have been approved as of January 27, 2024, and over 221,000[3]CUAET holders have arrived in Canada from abroad.CUAET holders arriving in Canada by March 31, 2024, continue to be eligible for one-time transitional financial assistance of $3,000 per adult and $1,500 per child (17 years and under), temporary accommodations for up to 14 nights, and access to free study permits, open work permits and multiple entry visas valid up to 10 year (or passport validity) with an extended stay of up to three years. The study permits and open work permits allow CUAET holders to enroll in an education program in Canada or work anywhere in Canada for almost any employer.    While overseas application intake for CUAET closed on July 15, 2023, Ukrainians and their family members can still apply through regular IRCC channels for a regular temporary resident visa (TRV) to come to Canada. Once inside Canada, until March 31, 2024, these clients are still eligible to apply for study permits, open work permits, and an extended stay of up to three years, for a fee and will receive priority application processing.All Ukrainian temporary residents and their family members also continue to be eligible for federally-funded settlement services until March 31, 2025. These temporary measures have been successful in allowing Ukrainians to find safety in Canadaand fully participate in Canadian communities while they are here.The Government of Canada continues to work closely with provincial, territorial and municipal partners, as well as settlement service providers and the Ukrainian-Canadian community, to welcome Ukrainians and  Canada continues to adapt its response to help those fleeing violence.On October 23, 2023, IRCC launched a new family reunification pathway to permanent residence for Ukrainian nationals who want to stay in Canada permanently.  To qualify, Ukrainian nationals must be in Canada with valid temporary resident status and have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member in Canada. Since the start of the public policy and February 6, 2024, IRCC has received just over 1,150 applications from principal applicants, with over 850 accompanying dependents, for a total of just over 2,000 persons.In addition to the family reunification pathway, Ukrainians who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently can apply for permanent residence through various existing immigration programs and streams. The extended visit, work and study status offered by CUAET – as well as access to settlement services – will help those seeking to transition through these programs. This could be by improving language skills, gaining work experience in Canada or having their foreign credentials recognized. Between January 1, 2022 and January 27, 2024, 8,278 Ukrainian national’s applications for permanent residence through these programs have been approved (in persons).The Government of Canada is monitoring the situation closely and will continue to assess whether further immigration measures may be required. Any new developments would be communicated publicly.[1]Mesures d’immigration pour l’Ukraine :Statistiques clés as of January 27, 2024[2]Mesures d’immigration pour l’Ukraine :Statistiques clés as of January 27, 2024[3]Mesures d’immigration pour l’Ukraine :Statistiques clés as of January 27, 2024
Statut de résident permanentUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02066441-02066 (Fiscalité)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC2 février 202418 mars 202413 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02065441-02065 (Santé)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON2 février 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content.The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02064441-02064 (Justice)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON2 février 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communes ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les Canadiens qui sont atteints de troubles de santé mentale devraient recevoir des traitements et de l’aide;
  • Les troubles de santé mentale sont complexes et les pensées suicidaires peuvent faire partie de la liste des symptômes;
  • Les vies des Canadiens atteints de troubles de santé mentale pourraient être à risque s’ils deviennent admissibles à l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) uniquement en raison d’un trouble mental, surtout si les traitements et mesures d’aide ne sont pas facilement accessibles.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de rejeter la mesure législative visant à rendre l’AMM disponible pour les personnes pour lesquelles le seul problème médical invoqué est un trouble de santé mentale.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviThe Government of Canada believes that Canadians deserve to live in comfort and dignity, with access to care, including end-of-life care, that is appropriate to their needs and that respects their wishes. It recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a very personal choice, and is committed to a measured, thoughtful and compassionate approach to help ensure that Canada’s MAID system meets the needs of people in Canada, protect those who may be vulnerable, and supports autonomy and freedom of choice of individuals. The safety and security of our most vulnerable people remains at the forefront of our actions as the Government takes a careful and considered approach on the implementation of MAID for persons where the sole underlying condition is mental illness.Important progress has been made to prepare for MAID eligibility for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness. However, in consultations with the provinces, territories, medical professionals and other stakeholders, the Government of Canada has heard – and agrees – that the health system is not yet ready for this expansion.On February 29, 2024, Bill C-62 received Royal Assent and immediately came into force. The legislation delays by three years eligibility for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness, until March 17, 2027. Additionally, the new law requires that a joint parliamentary committee undertake a comprehensive review relating to the eligibility for MAID of persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness within two years. This measure will further serve to examine progress made by provinces, territories, and partners, in achieving overall health care system readiness.This three-year extension will provide provinces and territories with additional time to ensure their health care systems are ready, as well as provide practitioners with more time to participate in training and become familiar with available supports, guidelines and standards.This delay is also in line with the recommendations of the Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) in their report, MAID and Mental Disorders: The Road Ahead, which was tabled on January 29, 2024. While recognising that considerable progress has been made in preparing for the expansion of eligibility for persons suffering solely mental illness, AMAD recommended that it not be made available in Canada until the health care system can safely and adequately provide MAID for these cases.Supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians remains a priority for the Government of Canada. Work with provinces and territories, and stakeholders, including through Government of Canada investments, will continue to support individuals and communities across the country who need help, now and in the future.The Government of Canada has made significant investments in this space. For example, Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest close to $200 billion over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to improve health care for Canadians, including $25 billion to the Provinces and Territories via tailored bilateral agreements which will focus on four key priorities, including improving access to mental health and substance use services and the integration of these services in community family health services. This investment will build on the Budget 2017 investments, which include $2.4 billion from 2023-24 to 2026-27 that has yet to flow to PTs for mental health and addictions services.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target population include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.In addition, Budget 2023 announced $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline. 9-8-8 went live and operational on November 30, 2023 and is providing people across Canada with access to suicide prevention support through trained responders by phone calls and text, 24/7/365, in English and French.  The 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline is led by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), which has recruited 39 local, provincial, and national crisis and distress lines to the 9-8-8 responder network to offer suicide prevention supports across Canada. Since its launch, 9-8-8 has received approximately 1,000 phone calls and 350 texts each day.Mental health and the well-being of Canadians is a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in mental health services and work with Provinces and Territories and key stakeholders to support the mental health needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02063441-02063 (Affaires et commerce)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB2 février 202418 mars 202426 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE : Le 22 septembre dernier, en pleine guerre, le président de l’Ukraine est venu au Canada pour signer l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine;Le projet de loi C-57 prévoit l’adoption de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine, qui aidera l’Ukraine à se reconstruire après avoir vaincu l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky et le Congrès ukrainien canadien ont appelé le Parlement du Canada à adopter rapidement cette loi;La mésinformation concernant l’incidence du système canadien de tarification du carbone sur cet accord a été largement démentie.PAR CONSÉQUENT : nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de réaffirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxC-57, Loi portant mise en œuvre de l'Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l'Ukraine de 2023Ukraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02062441-02062 (Fiscalité)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNPDBC2 février 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02061441-02061 (Aliments et boissons)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservateurAB2 février 202418 mars 202413 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes provinciaux de bons alimentaires dans les marchés agricoles connaissent du succès puisqu’ils ont des effets bénéfiques multiples, dont le renforcement de la sécurité alimentaire, le soutien des agriculteurs locaux et des terres agricoles, l’accès des ménages vulnérables sur le plan nutritionnel à des aliments sains cultivés localement, la promotion de l’inclusion communautaire et la réduction de l’isolement social, de même qu’un impact positif sur la santé physique et mentale des participants qui consomment une plus grande quantité et variété de fruits, de légumes et de protéines fraîches;
  • En 2022, 18,5 % de tous les Canadiens ont connu l’insécurité alimentaire, contre près de 16 % en 2021;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada a présenté la Politique agroalimentaire au Canada en 2019, le Fonds d’urgence pour la sécurité alimentaire en 2020 et le Fonds des infrastructures alimentaires locales en 2020, mais les taux d’insécurité alimentaire au pays continuent d’augmenter;
  • Depuis 2012, le programme de bons alimentaires pour les marchés agricoles de la Colombie-Britannique a amélioré l’accès à des aliments sains et nutritifs dans les marchés agricoles tout en soutenant directement les agriculteurs et améliorant la sécurité alimentaire dans toute la province;
  • D’autres provinces, dont la Nouvelle-Écosse (depuis 2019) et le Manitoba (depuis 2020), et leurs organisations provinciales de marchés agricoles ont également mis en œuvre des programmes qui donnent d’excellents résultats;
  • La totalité, soit 100 %, des bons échangés dans le cadre de ces programmes profite directement aux agriculteurs et aux producteurs canadiens;
  • On demande de plus en plus la mise en place de mesures de sécurité alimentaire au Canada;
  • Un fonds fédéral pour les programmes de bons alimentaires aiderait à répondre à cette demande, encouragerait les provinces qui n’ont pas de programme à en créer un et aiderait celles qui en ont un à l’élargir pour répondre à la demande.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, présentons une pétition pour demander au gouvernement du Canada de créer un fonds national pour les programmes de bons alimentaires qui renforcera et élargira tous les programmes provinciaux et territoriaux de bons alimentaires pour les marchés agricoles existants et proposés dans l’ensemble du Canada.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, PC, MPOn June 17, 2019, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) launched the first Food Policy for Canada, a whole-of-government approach supporting the vision that “All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.”The Food Policy for Canada is an ambitious initiative, the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government of Canada heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including agricultural producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.Recognizing the importance of helping communities access healthy food, AAFC is delivering the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, a Food Policy initiative with $70 million in funding to strengthen local food systems and to facilitate access to safe and nutritious food for at-risk populations.To date, the Local Food Infrastructure Fund has committed $64.8 million to support over 1,100 vital food security projects across Canada, such as: community gardens and kitchens; refrigerated trucks and storage units for donated food; greenhouses in remote and Northern communities; and more.The Government of Canada also delivered the $330 million Emergency Food Security Fund by providing funding to national and regional organizations, which in turn supported food banks and local food organizations across Canada. This emergency fund helped improve access to food for people experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.In British Columbia, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) is supported by the Province of British Columbia, the Provincial Health Services Authority, and community donors. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund (HCCF) program, which was previously known as the Multi-sectoral Partnerships Program to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Disease, supported a similar initiative with an investment of $1.5M from 2019 to 2025 to expand Community Food Centres Canada’s Market Greens initiative to 30 locations across Canada. The Market Greens initiative supports increased access to low-cost fresh produce markets and offers fruit and vegetable vouchers/coupons that can be used at participating local affordable markets.The HCCF program supports projects that increase access to healthy foods through supportive food environments, which are important determinants of healthy eating behaviours. Projects such as FMNCP that address social and physical environments affecting the accessibility and types of healthy foods available to communities are eligible for funding through HCCF.Through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, the Government of Canada contributes to cost-shared programming for provinces and territories to advance regional priorities, which can include nutrition coupon programs at farmers markets. For example, in 2023, a grant of $1.1M through the Province of Manitoba under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership supported Direct Farm Manitoba in delivering an expanded Manitoba Community Food Currency Program to empower Manitobans facing food insecurity to purchase locally produced fruit, vegetables, meat and processed foods at farmers’ markets.Thank you for the sharing your proposal to improve Canadians’ access to healthy, local foods through farmers markets and FMNCPs. The Government of Canada remains committed to considering all opportunities to improve food security for Canadians and a vibrant, productive agriculture sector in Canada.
Aliments et boissonsApprovisionnement alimentaireMarchés de producteursProgramme de bons alimentaires dans les marchés agricoles
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4647e-4647 (Affaires étrangères)MichaelBybelezerAnthonyHousefatherMont-RoyalLibéralQC24 octobre 2023 à 14 h 36 (HAE)23 novembre 2023 à 14 h 36 (HAE)1 février 202418 mars 202423 novembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">premier ministre</Addressee>Attendu que :Le Canada considère le Hamas comme une organisation terroriste islamo-nationaliste radicale;Le Hamas se sert de la bande de Gaza en tant que base pour ses opérations terroristes visant des cibles civiles et militaires en Israël;Le 7 octobre 2023, le Hamas a lancé une campagne terroriste non provoquée à l’intérieur des frontières israéliennes, lors de laquelle il a assassiné plus de 1 300 civils israéliens et militaires, blessé des milliers d’autres et enlevé jusqu’à 200 otages israéliens, dont des nourrissons, des enfants, des hommes, des femmes et des personnes âgées pour les retenir à Gaza.Nous soussignés, citoyens préoccupés du Canada, prions le premier ministre de demander la libération immédiate et sans condition de tous les otages israéliens détenus par le Hamas; d’utiliser toutes les ressources dont dispose le Canada, dont les ressources diplomatiques, économiques et militaires, pour mettre de la pression sur le Hamas pour qu’il libère les otages israéliens; et de réaffirmer l’engagement du Canada à soutenir l’État d’Israël dans sa défense contre le terrorisme.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel on October 7. The appalling loss of life and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence, are tragic. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for their immediate and unconditional release.Canada supports Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself in accordance with international law. Canada has also been clear that, in defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Canada has also been clear that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected, and safe and unimpeded humanitarian access must be sustained. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas.Hamas is a terrorist organization, listed under Canadian law. Nothing can justify its horrific attacks.Canada imposed new sanctions on 11 individuals that hold senior positions within Hamas or its affiliates, and were integral to the planning, funding and execution of the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel.Canada is calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada reiterates that any ceasefire cannot be one-sided, Hamas must immediately release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. As the already untenable humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it is essential that humanitarian relief reach those in need.Since October 7, Canadian leaders and officials at all levels have been actively engaged on the conflict. The Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of International Development are in regular contact with their counterparts, as well as Canada’s allies and partners in the region. Both Canada’s Foreign Minister and Minister of Development have travelled extensively to the region to discuss these important issues.Canada is steadfast in our commitment, and will continue to work with its partners, towards lasting peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live with peace, security, and dignity.Canada mourns the loss of innocent life in this conflict. Canada expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by this violence.
Conflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxGazaIsraëlOtagesPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02059441-02059 (Processus démocratique)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservateurON1 février 202418 mars 202430 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, whichrecognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02058441-02058 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC1 février 202418 mars 20248 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • les pratiques irresponsables de l’industrie et des multinationales ont mené à la destruction et à la dévalorisation d’une bonne partie des cours d’eau et des bassins hydrographiques du Canada;
  • les lois actuelles ne protègent pas suffisamment les cours d’eau et les bassins hydrographiques du Canada contre ces pratiques irresponsables;
  • en protégeant les cours d’eau et les bassins hydrographiques, on protège aussi les forêts, les pêches, les terres et l’air du Canada.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes assemblée en Parlement de :
  • mettre à jour la législation canadienne sur les cours et plans d’eau afin qu’aucun secteur d’activité ou entreprise ne passe avant la santé des cours d’eau, des bassins hydrographiques et, par extension, des habitants, des espèces animales et végétales et des terres du Canada;
  • veiller à ce que cette mise à jour se fasse sous la direction de professionnels et de spécialistes de la conservation des eaux.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTA clean and safe freshwater supply is essential to the well-being of Canadians, the health and sustainability of the environment, and the economy. Hence, the Government of Canada has committed to:
  • establishing a federal Canada Water Agency to work with the provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to find the best ways to keep Canada’s water safe, clean, and well-managed;
  • implementing a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment to provide funding to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration work in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe;
  • investing in the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario to support international freshwater science and research; and
  • following the establishment of a Canada Water Agency, advancing the modernization of the Canada Water Act to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality including climate change and Indigenous rights.
To advance these commitments, Budget 2023 allocated:
  • $650 million over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration work in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.
  • Opportunities are currently open for eligible applicants to apply for funding under five Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives, including Great Lakes, Lake of the Woods, and Lake Winnipeg Basin (this call for applications closes on February 15, 2024) and Lake Simcoe and the Wolastoq/Saint John River (this call for applications closes on March 22, 2024).
  • The EcoAction Community Funding Program, which supports freshwater projects across Canada, is also now accepting applications until March 22, 2024.
  • Budget 2023 also allocated:
    • $22.6 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to support better coordination of efforts to protect freshwater across Canada.
    • $85.1 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $0.4 million in remaining amortization and $21 million ongoing thereafter to support the creation of the Canada Water Agency, which will be headquartered in Winnipeg.
Budget 2022 provided:
  • $25.0 million over five years, starting in 2022-2023, for the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario to support international freshwater science and research.
On June 12, 2023, the government created the Canada Water Agency as a branch within Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Agency is the federal focal point for fresh water working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples, provinces, territories, and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on fresh water.On November 30, 2023, the government introduced legislation that will fully establish the Canada Water Agency as a standalone entity. To learn more about the Canada Water Agency, please consult the Agency website at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/water-overview/canada-water-agency.html.Another way that the Government of Canada protects and conserves Canada’s water resources is by administering laws that control pollution such as the Fisheries Act.Environment and Climate Change Canada is the lead department responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Fisheries Act pollution prevention provisions (except for their application to aquaculture and the control and eradication of aquatic invasive species and aquatic pests, which are under the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Ocean). Subsection 36(3) prohibits the deposit of any deleterious substances in water frequented by fish or to any place where it may enter water frequented by fish, unless authorized by federal regulations. Deleterious substances include any substance that, if added to water, would degrade, alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of water so that it is rendered deleterious to fish or fish habitat or to the use of fish by humans. Any regulations developed under section 36 set strict requirements on deposits to water. These regulations can impose conditions such as limits on the maximum quantities of deleterious substances released into water, and can include environmental effects monitoring and other reporting requirements for facilities. Modern Fisheries Act regulations include the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, and the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations.Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing proposed regulations to address deposits to water from coal mining and is investigating risk management approaches for tailings ponds from oil sands operations.To learn more about these proposed regulations, as well as upcoming improvements to existing regulations, please consult the Fisheries Act Forward Regulatory Plan 2023-2025 available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/acts-regulations/forward-regulatory-plan/2023-2025/fisheries-act.html.Environment and Climate Change Canada enforces the subsection 36(3) prohibition, as well as regulations under the Fisheries Act according to the Compliance and Enforcement Policy for Habitat Protection and Pollution Prevention Provisions of the Fisheries Act: www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-enforcement/publications/compliance-enforcement-policy-fisheries-act.html 
Bassins hydrographiquesProtection de l'environnementVoies navigables intérieures
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02057441-02057 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON1 février 202418 mars 202421 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’AgroalimentaireATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation scolaire sont reconnus dans le mode entier comme étant essentiels à la santé, au mieux-être et à l’éducation des écoliers, plus de 388 millions d’enfants d’au moins 161 pays ayant reçu des repas gratuits ou subventionnés à l’école;
  • Selon de nouvelles données de Statistiques Canada (2022), 1 enfant canadien sur 4 vit dans un ménage souffrant d’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation scolaire;
  • Dans son budget de 2022, le gouvernement a réaffirmé les engagements inscrits dans les lettres de mandat de décembre 2021 de la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et de la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire, soit la collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, des partenaires autochtones et des intervenants afin d’élaborer une politique nationale en matière d’alimentation dans les écoles et d’examiner comment un plus grand nombre d’enfants canadiens pourraient recevoir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, à la suite de quoi des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école secondaire Nexus-Bayridge et résidants de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox et Addington, prions la ministre des Finances, la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire de donner priorité au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation scolaire dans le budget de 2024, pour que ce programme puisse être mis en œuvre dans les écoles à l’automne de 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•           the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•           New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•           the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•           the Employment Insurance program; and•           the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02056441-02056 (Affaires et commerce)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON1 février 202418 mars 202426 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE : Le 22 septembre dernier, en pleine guerre, le président de l’Ukraine est venu au Canada pour signer l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine;Le projet de loi C-57 prévoit l’adoption de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine, qui aidera l’Ukraine à se reconstruire après avoir vaincu l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky et le Congrès ukrainien canadien ont appelé le Parlement du Canada à adopter rapidement cette loi;La mésinformation concernant l’incidence du système canadien de tarification du carbone sur cet accord a été largement démentie.PAR CONSÉQUENT : nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de réaffirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors.
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxC-57, Loi portant mise en œuvre de l'Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l'Ukraine de 2023Ukraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02055441-02055 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON1 février 202418 mars 202421 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
       
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02054441-02054 (Droits de la personne)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON1 février 202418 mars 202422 novembre 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au ministre de la Justice Attendu que :
  • La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, alinéa 2b), protège « liberté de pensée, de croyance, d’opinion et d’expression, y compris la liberté de la presse et des autres moyens de communication »;
  • La Déclaration canadienne des droits, article 1, protège a) le droit de l’individu à la vie, à la liberté, à la sécurité de la personne ainsi qu’à la jouissance de ses biens, et le droit de ne s’en voir privé que par l’application régulière de la loi; b) le droit de l’individu à l’égalité devant la loi et à la protection de la loi; c) la liberté de religion; d) la liberté de parole; e) la liberté de réunion et d’association; f) la liberté de la presse;
  • Il y a eu des cas d’agression, d’hostilité et de conséquences dans les milieux sociaux, d’enseignement et de travail en réponse au fait que des individus ont exprimé leur soutien aux Palestiniens et ont appelé à agir en réaction à la crise qui secoue Israël, la Cisjordanie et la bande de Gaza.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de la circonscription de Kingston et les îles, prions le premier ministre et le ministre de la Justice de protéger le droit des Canadiens de s’exprimer, sans crainte de représailles, en faveur du droit des Palestiniens de vivre dans la paix et la sécurité.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms was enacted in 1982 as part of Canada’s Constitution. In addition to democratic rights, mobility rights, legal rights and language rights, the Charter guarantees equality rights as well as fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly and association. Freedom of peaceful assembly, protected under section 2(c) of the Charter, includes the right to participate in peaceful demonstrations, protests, parades, meetings, picketing and other assemblies. The Charter applies to all government action, meaning to the provincial legislatures and Parliament, and to everything done under their authority. Section 1 of the Charter allows for reasonable limits on these rights, but only if they are demonstrably justifiable in a free and democratic society.
Liberté d'expressionPalestineProtestations
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02053441-02053 (Affaires et commerce)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB1 février 202418 mars 202426 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE : Le 22 septembre dernier, en pleine guerre, le président de l’Ukraine est venu au Canada pour signer l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine;Le projet de loi C-57 prévoit l’adoption de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine, qui aidera l’Ukraine à se reconstruire après avoir vaincu l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président ukrainien Volodymyr Zelensky et le Congrès ukrainien canadien ont appelé le Parlement du Canada à adopter rapidement cette loi;La mésinformation concernant l’incidence du système canadien de tarification du carbone sur cet accord a été largement démentie.PAR CONSÉQUENT : nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de réaffirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement l’Accord de libre-échange modernisé entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors. 
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxC-57, Loi portant mise en œuvre de l'Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l'Ukraine de 2023Ukraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4744e-4744 (Culture et patrimoine)WaseemIqbalMarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservateurON20 décembre 2023 à 12 h 37 (HAE)19 janvier 2024 à 12 h 37 (HAE)1 février 202418 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Il est essentiel de préserver nos traditions chrétiennes, enracinées dans la Déclaration canadienne des droits et la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés;Nous souhaitons célébrer chaque année le mois de décembre comme le Mois du patrimoine chrétien, pour promouvoir l’amour, l’égalité et la paix; Nos fondements chrétiens, reconnus à l’échelle mondiale, façonnent notre identité en tant que mosaïque de cultures.Nous soussignés,résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de célébrer décembre chaque année comme étant le Mois du patrimoine chrétien, pour promouvoir l’amour, l’égalité et la paix, ainsi que nos fondements chrétiens, reconnus à l’échelle mondiale, qui façonnent notre identité en tant que mosaïque de cultures.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in declaring the month of December as Christian Heritage Month. The promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief, is an important part of Canada’s engagement in the world. Canada’s multi-cultural and multi-faith experience is reflective of our efforts to champion inclusive governance, pluralism, and respect for diversity in all spheres of society.Please note that it is not necessary for the federal government to officially declare a special day, week, month, or year in order for it to be observed by the Canadian population. In fact, we currently observe a number of special times of recognition that have been declared by entities and organizations other than the federal government. For example, Canadians celebrate Zero Discrimination Day on March 1st and Pride Month in June.The Government does officially recognize, however, certain months and days such as Black History Month in February and National Indigenous History Month in June. For more information on the recognition of special days, weeks, and months, we invite you to consult the following web page: https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201506E? The web page describes the processes by which a day, week or month may be recognized in Canada. It also describes the difference between observances that are legal holidays, where employees are paid for time off, and those that receive symbolic recognition, with particular attention to designations at the federal level.
Christianisme et chrétiensMois du patrimoine chrétien
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02051441-02051 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON1 février 202418 mars 202415 septembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Attendu qu'un revenu de subsistance garanti :
  • Assurerait un revenu de subsistance mensuel à tout Canadien possédant un numéro s’assurance-sociale;
  • Établirait un revenu de base sous lequel aucun Canadien ne pourrait se retrouver, et tiendrait compte des différences régionales relativement au coût de la vie;
  • Remplacerait l’actuel ensemble disparate de programmes d’aide au revenu fédéraux et provinciaux par une seule prestation universelle en argent;
  • Ferait l’objet d’une récupération fiscale progressive en fonction du revenu;
  • Serait administré dans le cadre du système fiscal en place et n’exigerait aucune vérification des revenus, ce qui réduirait énormément les coûts d’administration fédéraux et provinciaux;
  • Réduirait la pauvreté et, par conséquent la demande pour les services sociaux, les services de police, les services de soins de santé, ce qui se traduirait par des économies supplémentaires pour le gouvernement et les contribuables;
  • Offrirait un filet de sécurité financière à tous les Canadiens, particulièrement en cas d’importants retournements économiques, de pandémies, de catastrophes naturelles ou d’automatisation de l’industrie.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :D’instaurer un revenu de subsistance garanti pour tous les Canadiens.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is taking crucial steps to help make life more affordable for more Canadians, while investing to grow the economy and create jobs. It is important to acknowledge that income security is a shared responsibility across different levels of government. As such, the federal Government recognizes the importance of working with provinces and territories to find solutions to common challenges.This petition calls for the implementation of a Guaranteed Livable Income, which can be viewed as equivalent to a basic income. The Government of Canada already has ongoing programs with features of a partial basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, as well as the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs such as the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) and Employment Insurance (EI) help low-income individuals that have labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These and other initiatives have contributed to progress on lifting Canadians out of poverty. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial programs, including those that deliver social assistance.In addition, recent budgets introduced several measures that will help to reduce poverty and inequality. For example, Budget 2023 made significant investments to build a healthier Canada and deliver affordable dental care, including $13 billion over five years, and $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the Canada Dental Care Plan. The Government is also working with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based early learning child care system. The federal government is providing provinces and territories with significant funding to support substantial reductions to families for the cost of regulated child care spaces.The Government of Canada also undertakes research and analysis on potential basic income programs and other approaches that could positively impact Canada’s economy and society, as part of its efforts to tackle poverty and to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed.
Revenu annuel garanti
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02050441-02050 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservateurAB1 février 202418 mars 202412 décembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02049441-02049 (Système correctionnel)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC1 février 202418 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • À la demande du gouvernement libéral, le Service correctionnel du Canada applique le Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons (PESP) dans les établissements correctionnels fédéraux, ce qui revient à encourager l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons;
  • Les drogues illicites dans les établissements fédéraux sont de la contrebande, tout comme les objets qui servent à se les injecter;
  • Les aiguilles qui servent à l’usage de drogues illicites dans les établissements correctionnels représentent un risque grave pour la santé des détenus et des agents correctionnels;
  • Le PESP aggrave les dangers auxquels l’agent correctionnel est déjà exposé dans son lieu de travail;
  • La Stratégie canadienne sur les drogues et autres substances devrait servir à aider les Canadiens toxicomanes à se rétablir d’une dépendance et à recevoir des traitements plutôt qu’à les maintenir dans leur état de dépendance.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin aux activités du Programme d’échange de seringues dans les prisons, de ne plus autoriser l’usage de drogues illicites dans les prisons canadiennes et de concentrer leurs efforts sur les moyens d’aider les détenus à se libérer de leurs dépendances.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Like much of Canadian society, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) is experiencing the effect of Canada's opioid crisis. CSC began implementing a Prison Needle Exchange Program (PNEP) to prevent the sharing of needles, facilitate referrals to health care services and programs, and limit the spread of infectious diseases, such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in federal institutions. It is important to note that this is just one measure that is available to incarcerated offenders and complements other existing measures. Of note, there have been no reported fatalities involving participants using our harm reduction services.Before an individual can participate in the PNEP program, CSC completes a Threat Risk Assessment (TRA), to confirm that it is suitable to allow the individual to possess a needle, similar to the one currently being used for EpiPens and needles for insulin use. As of February 1st, 2024, there have been no reported assaults on employees or incarcerated offenders involving needles used in the PNEP program. The safety and security of institutions, staff, offenders, and the public is a top priority. Preventing the introduction of contraband and reducing the use of illicit substances by incarcerated offenders in correctional institutions remains an ongoing key priority as they pose a risk to the safety and security of our institutions and impact offender rehabilitation. CSC works closely with local police agencies and communities to prevent and reduce contraband and unauthorized items, including drugs and substances, from entering institutions. Illicit drugs are considered contraband in federal institutions, and inmates found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs may be subject to administrative consequences, disciplinary charges/sanctions, and/or criminal charges.CSC has a National Drug Strategy, which incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to review and address an incarcerated individual’s substance use. Aligned with Commissioner’s Directive 585 National Drug Strategy, each institution has developed and implemented drug strategies to balance detection, deterrence, and treatment. As part of this, and to support the safety and security of everyone in our institutions, CSC continues to implement measures to address the introduction, trafficking, financing, and/or distribution of contraband within our institutions. The elements of the National Drug Strategy include:Reducing the supply of illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing and preventing the supply of illicit drugs through various efforts to investigate and disrupt the introduction and trafficking of contraband in our institutions. CSC also continues to lead intelligence investigations relating to the introduction and trafficking of contraband and strengthen partnerships with police to pursue criminal investigations into drug traffickers targeting our facilities.Reducing the demand for illicit drugs - CSC focuses on reducing the demand for illicit drugs by supporting innovative and effective approaches to intervening with, treating and rehabilitating offenders who use illicit drugs. CSC offers a suite of health interventions and correctional programming that addresses multiple criminogenic needs, including substance use disorder. Correctional programs are offered at intensity levels that are commensurate to the offenders’ risk level.Increasing the awareness of the negative consequences of illicit drug use - This component focuses on preventing illicit drug use by offenders in institutions. This is accomplished by providing awareness programs, infectious disease testing and associated treatment, and Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT). It also involves delivering quality health services to incarcerated offenders to assist them in achieving a drug-free lifestyle.Strict policies concerning contraband and unauthorized activities are in place, which are enforced through dynamic and static security practices, including extensive search procedures for offenders, staff, and visitors. Incarcerated individuals found to be in possession of or dealing in, illicit drugs can face administrative consequences, disciplinary sanctions, and/or criminal charges.In addition to staff vigilance, dynamic security and security intelligence information, CSC relies on a combination of detection equipment, search practices and a variety of approved techniques to prevent the entry of drugs and contraband. This includes interdiction measures such as routine searches of persons (including inmates, visitors and staff), vehicles, cells/rooms, and other areas of the institution, which are in accordance with the Institutional Search Plan as well as non-routine searches, which may be authorized based on staff observations and intelligence information. Other measures include regular monitoring of offender activity; random urinalysis testing; and the non-intrusive searching of all visitors entering institutions using tools such as metal detectors, ion scanners, and detector dogs.
Consommation et abus de droguesÉtablissements correctionnelsProgramme de distribution de seringues propres
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02048441-02048 (Santé)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC1 février 202418 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN); Les Canadiens comptent sur ces PSN, qui comprennent des produits ordinaires comme les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les protections solaires minérales, qui font partie de nos soins de santé proactifs;
  • Sans des mesures immédiates, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement, et l’éventail des produits proposés aux consommateurs diminuera radicalement, alors que l’inflation a atteint un sommet, et que l’accès aux soins de santé n’a jamais été aussi bas;
  • Plus récemment, Santé Canada a proposé de nouveaux droits importants à l’importation, à la fabrication et à la vente de PSN et, d’autre part, il est en train de mettre en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage, à la suite de quoi beaucoup de petites et moyennes entreprises seront obligées de fermer;
  • Les frais qui grimpent et le fait d’ajouter des avertissements sur les étiquettes ne favorisent pas la sécurité de la prise de PSN. Les produits seront plus coûteux, et la facture sera transférée aux consommateurs;
  • Cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à rechercher des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait inciter des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés provenant de l’étranger.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de collaborer avec les intervenants de l’industrie pour adopter des pratiques d’étiquetage modernes et adapter les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés par Santé Canada afin que ceux-ci reflètent fidèlement la taille de l’industrie, et que les nouvelles modifications réglementaires soient mises en place seulement après que le Cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins aura été ajusté, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les activités se dérouleront efficacement, et que des politiques et des procédures permettront de garantir le maintien d’activités stables.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are adulterated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make the natural health product market safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and taking their feedback into account, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, the Government passed legislation allowing Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Now, Health Canada is proposing fees for industry to allow the Department to create an even safer marketplace for consumers and begin to recoup a portion of the costs of services it provides to industry. Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time, the Department is considering how best to adjust the proposed approach to address the concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is not about limiting the production of NHPs or consumers’ access to them. Rather, these efforts are about making sure the products Canadians use every day are safe, and of high quality.
Emballage et étiquetageProduits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02047441-02047 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB31 janvier 202418 mars 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community. Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017. Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices. The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities. In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action. 
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4552e-4552 (Affaires étrangères)Galal-eldienAliChandraAryaNepeanLibéralON25 août 2023 à 10 h 06 (HAE)23 décembre 2023 à 10 h 06 (HAE)31 janvier 202418 mars 20249 janvier 2024Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que :Selon les statistiques actuelles de l’ONU, plus de 5 000 personnes soudanaises ont été tuées par la guerre qui sévit actuellement au Soudan, et que 5 300 personnes ont été blessées;Plus de trois millions de personnes sont déplacées à l’intérieur du pays, 880 000 sont réfugiées dans les pays voisins, et des milliers d’autres sont bloquées à la frontière;316 femmes ont été victimes de viol ou d’autres formes d’agressions sexuelles;20,3 millions de Soudanais, ou 42 % de la population du pays, risquent une famine catastrophique;80 % des hôpitaux du pays ne sont plus opérationnels;Les écoles et les universités ont complètement cessé de dispenser des cours; Les Canadiens d’origine soudanaise recueillent des fonds pour aider les victimes de la guerre à l’intérieur et à l’extérieur du Soudan.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada d’origine soudanaise , prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement 1. d’encourager le gouvernement du Canada à participer activement au forum du Groupe des cinq pour mettre fin à la guerre au Soudan et assurer la participation de la population civile aux éventuels pourparlers de paix; 2. de travailler avec les alliés à exercer une pression véritable et potentiellement à imposer des sanctions efficaces sur les deux parties belligérantes;3. d’accroître les efforts diplomatiques de manière à ce que le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU et la Cour pénale internationale puissent ouvrir une enquête criminelle sur les violations des droits de la personne qui ont été commises depuis le 15 avril 2023;4. d’accroître l’aide humanitaire du Canada sur le terrain par l’intermédiaire des institutions de l’ONU et d’ONG locales dignes de confiance, particulièrement celles que dirigent des jeunes.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe peace and security of the Sudanese people is under threat. Canada remains deeply concerned by the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the impacts on civilians, including the alarming scale of violence observed in Darfur since the outbreak of the conflict. Canada continues to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the sexual and gender-based violence against marginalized groups, ethnic minorities, and women human rights defenders.We urge all parties to end the violence and engage in mediation efforts supported by regional partners that promote dialogue and peace. To address the deteriorating situation, the Government of Canada, along with Canada’s regional and international partners have repeatedly and publicly urged both parties to end hostilities, to respect international humanitarian and human rights law, and to engage in mediation efforts.  Canada firmly believes that the inclusion of civilian and civil society voices in any mediation efforts is the only way to ensure a durable peace. This includes the meaningful participation of women human rights defenders, activists, and peacebuilders. The Minister of Foreign Affairs regularly raises the importance of civil society and civilian participation, in particular, when in discussions with her counterparts in the region and with Canada’s other international partners.Canada is also providing support to civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and peacebuilders in Sudan to increase their capacity to engage in mediation efforts and to help mitigate the impacts of the conflict at a local level.Standing up for human rights around the world is a core part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada’s robust sanctions regime serves as a key tool to respond to violations of internationally recognized human rights. Canada has imposed sanctions related to Sudan under the United Nations Act to give effect to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions.Canada has established a rigorous process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption, or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions, while also considering the broader political and international contexts when determining whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox constitute the most effective and appropriate response. Canada works closely with a number of international partners, such as the European Union, United Kingdom, and United States, and in forums such as the United Nations and G7, to coordinate efforts for maximum effectiveness.Canada is committed to pursuing accountability and fighting impunity as part of its response to the crisis in Sudan. At the 54th session of the UN Human Rights Council in October 2023, Canada co-sponsored a resolution that established a Fact-Finding Mission to investigate and establish the facts, circumstances, and root causes of all alleged human rights violations and abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan.Canada also strongly supports the International Criminal Court’s role in pursuing accountability and bringing justice to victims. The Court’s Office of the Prosecutor opened an investigation into the situation in Sudan in June 2005, which was referred to the Court by the UN Security Council. The Prosecutor confirmed that its investigation encompasses allegations of Rome Statute crimes emanating from the current conflict. Canada respects the Court and the Prosecutor’s independence. Canada will continue to support international efforts to ensure perpetrators are held to account.Canada recognizes the significant humanitarian impacts of the conflict on the people of Sudan and those in neighbouring countries already facing poverty, violence, food insecurity, and the impacts of climate change. Canada will continue to provide international assistance to Sudan, including humanitarian assistance to meet the life saving needs of crisis-affected populations.In 2023, Canada allocated over $170 million in humanitarian assistance funding to United Nations, Red Cross, and non-governmental organizations partners in Sudan and in neighbouring countries impacted by the crisis, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. Of this amount, more than $41 million is has gone to providing humanitarian assistance inside Sudan.In addition to supporting pre-existing humanitarian efforts, this largely flexible funding has allowed our partners to address new needs arising from the conflict, such as emergency food, health and medical services, protection (including prevention and response to sexual and gender-based violence), shelter and water, sanitation and hygiene. This funding is in line with the needs identified in the Humanitarian Response Plans of these countries, and other emergency humanitarian appeals that have been issued in the wake of the current crisis in Sudan. All of Canada’s humanitarian assistance funding is reported to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and is publicly available via OCHA’s Financial Tracking Service.Together with these partners, Canada continues to advocate for a rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, in accordance with international humanitarian law. To this end, Canada has coordinated with likeminded donors on an advocacy letter urging Sudanese authorities to lift bureaucratic and administrative impediments that hamper full access to humanitarian aid in November 2023.Canada also continues to provide development assistance with a focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence, improving access to education, and strengthening the resilience of the poorest and most marginalized, particularly women. In June 2023, Canada announced an additional $6 million in development assistance funding to support critical, complementary programming in areas such as education in emergencies and sexual and gender-based violence prevention and response.The Government of Canada remains actively engaged on the crisis in Sudan. Canada will continue to stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Sudan and is committed to supporting a return to a peaceful and civilian-led transition to democracy.Protecting and advancing human rights and democracy remain at the core of Canada’s foreign policy.
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesDroits de la personnePolitique étrangèreSoudan
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02045441-02045 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON31 janvier 202418 mars 202412 septembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Le logement inabordable et l’itinérance sont deux crises nationales indissociables;
  • La financiarisation du logement gonfle les prix des biens immobiliers au Canada;
  • L’inflation est exacerbée par l’utilisation du marché canadien de l’habitation pour blanchir de l’argent et se soustraire à l’impôt;
  • Des sociétés, des compagnies à numéro et des fonds de placement immobilier (FPI) achètent rapidement des unités de logement abordable pour les revendre au prix du marché;
  • Certaines politiques gouvernementales conçues pour favoriser l’abordabilité du logement prévoient le transfert de fonds publics au secteur privé, sans protéger les logements abordables existants ni créer de nouveaux logements abordables permanents;
  • Si des mesures de contrôle en matière de loyer et de logement vacant sont en place dans certaines parties du Canada, il n’existe aucune norme nationale pour protéger les locataires.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • 1. De redéfinir le logement abordable à l’aide d’une formule actualisée qui reflète mieux les réalités économiques de millions de Canadiens;
  • 2. De réglementer les superbénéfices que dégagent les investisseurs institutionnels et les FPI;
  • 3. D’éliminer les échappatoires facilitant l’évasion fiscale et le blanchiment d’argent et de resserrer la règlementation sur l’investissement étranger dans l’immobilier résidentiel;
  • 4. D’exiger l’imposition de clauses restrictives sur les unités de logement abordable construites avec des fonds publics afin que ces unités restent abordables;
  • 5. De créer des normes nationales pour l’établissement de mesures de contrôle en matière de loyer et de logement vacant;
  • 6. De créer une taxe sur les habitations vacantes pour les propriétaires de logements résidentiels qui laissent des unités de logement vacantes;
  • 7. D’encourager les municipalités à prendre des règlements de zonage pour le logement abordable afin de réduire la spéculation foncière et les obstacles à l’obtention de permis de construction de logements abordables;
  • 8. De prioriser le financement pour le logement sans but lucratif et l’habitation en coopérative.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the importance of affordable housing.The response from the Department of Finance to part 2), 3), 6) and 8) is as follows:Part 2) The government is committed to ensuring that investor activity is helping, not hurting, housing affordability in Canada. To this end, the government indicated in Budget 2023 that policy changes applicable to all large corporate landlords could be considered to ensure best outcomes on affordability and fair treatment of tenants.Part 3) The Government of Canada continues to make significant investments in new initiatives to strengthen Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime, including specific actions to counter money laundering in real estate from either domestic or foreign sources.For example, regulatory amendments that came into force June 2021 have strengthened AML/ATF obligations for all reporting sectors, including the real estate sector. In particular, real estate agents, brokers and developers are now required to take reasonable measures during certain transactions or activities to collect beneficial ownership information, determine if a client is a politically exposed person, and to take enhanced measures if the client is high-risk. The latter includes specific obligations such as establishing the client’s source of funds and source of wealth, and obtaining senior management review of a transaction of $100,000 or more.Further, as of October 11, 2024, mortgage administrators, brokers and lenders will become subject to the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (PCMLTFA). These persons and entities will be required to fulfil similar obligations to financial entities, including developing a compliance program, risk assessing their business, clients, and products, keeping records, verifying client identity, and reporting to the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada.Furthermore, to counter the misuse of anonymous Canadian shell companies for illegal activities, including money laundering, corruption, and tax evasion, a free and public beneficial ownership registry for federal corporations was launched on January 22, 2024. The Government of Canada will continue to collaborate with provincial and territorial governments to advance a pan-Canadian approach to beneficial ownership transparency. In addition, on December 15, 2022, Parliament passed legislation (C-32) to enhance the tax reporting obligations imposed on certain trusts. These measures are intended to improve the collection of beneficial ownership information and encourage tax transparency to help provide authorities with sufficient information in order to determine taxpayers’ tax liabilities and to effectively counter aggressive tax avoidance as well as tax evasion, money laundering and other criminal activities. The new rules will apply to the tax years of trusts that end after December 30, 2023.Finally, the government has taken action to curb foreign investment and speculation in Canadian housing, as committed in Budget 2022. On January 1, 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act came into force. The Act prohibits people who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents from purchasing residential property in Canada for a period of two years, including preventing non-Canadians from using corporate structures to avoid the prohibition. The Act also establishes penalties for non-Canadians purchasing residential property (and those knowingly assisting them).Part 6) The government announced its intention to introduce such a tax in Budget 2021.The Underused Housing Tax Act, which received royal assent as part of Bill C-8 on June 9, 2022, implements an annual tax of 1% on the value of vacant or underused residential property directly or indirectly owned by non-resident non-Canadians.Part 8) Bill C-56 implemented an enhanced (100%) Good and Services Tax (GST) rebate for new purpose-built rental housing. With the extension of that rebate, announced in the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, to co-operative housing corporations that provide long-term rental accommodation, as included for Parliament’s consideration in Bill C-59, this measure will benefit all landlords that build or purchase new purpose-built rental housing, including non-profits and cooperatives.Additionally, the 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced a series of measures targeting non-profits and cooperatives, including:
  • an additional $1 billion over three years, starting in 2025-26, for the Affordable Housing Fund, which will support non-profit, co-op, and public housing providers to build more than 7,000 new homes by 2028. This brings total program funding to over $14 billion, with the goal of supporting 60,000 new housing units and renewing / repairing another 240,000.
  • an additional investment of $309.3 million in new funding for the Co-operative Housing Development Program.
  • an additional $15 billion in low-interest loans for purpose-built rentals, which is available to non-profit developers through the Apartment Construction Loan Program. This brings total program funding to over $40 billion, with the goal of supporting over 100,000 homes.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about access to a safe, affordable place to call home.  The Government of Canada believes that all people living in Canada should have access to safe and affordable housing. Launched in 2017, the National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $82 billion plan to give more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS is Canada’s largest and most ambitious federal housing program in history and consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum, prioritizing populations most in need.The NHS sets ambitious targets to ensure that unprecedented investments and new programming deliver results. By 2028, it will help create over 160,000 new housing units, repair and renew an additional 300,000, reduce or eliminate housing need for 540,000 households and protect 385,000 households from losing an affordable place to live. The Government of Canada is making substantial progress toward NHS 2027/28 targets.The NHS is anchored in the National Housing Strategy Act (NHS Act), which requires the Government of Canada to develop and maintain a national housing strategy with a long-term vision for housing that focuses on improving housing outcomes for those in greatest need. The NHS Act also requires the NHS to take into account the key principles of a human rights-based approach to housing, including the principles of non-discrimination, inclusion, participation, and accountability.  The NHS prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable, including women and children fleeing situations of domestic violence; racialized persons; seniors; Indigenous peoples; persons with disabilities; those dealing with mental health and addiction issues; veterans; and young adults. It promotes diverse communities, supports the creation of housing that is sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, and mixed-use, and located close to transit, work, and public services.  Affordability requirements of federal housing programs depend on who the program aims to support, and the housing affordability outcomes the program aims to achieve (e.g., programs to create deeply affordable housing for vulnerable Canadians have different requirements from programs aiming to increase rental housing supply). Similarly, the minimum duration of affordability varies by program. Proponents approved for funding must adhere to minimum requirements and are required to report to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) during the construction of their projects and throughout the affordability period to ensure they are respecting the terms of their agreements.  Supporting and growing community housing in Canada is a priority under the NHS. The $8.6 billion Canada Community Housing Initiative is helping to protect and build community-based housing for 330,000 households across the country and another 50,000 units created through an expansion of community housing. The Government of Canada is also providing $618.2 million over 10 years under the Federal Community Housing Initiative, which protects tenants and stabilizes the operations of more than 55,000 units in federally administered community housing projects, as well as 13,700 low-income households. Moreover, non-profits and co-ops are eligible to apply for funding under NHS supply initiatives. In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed to creating a new Co-operative Housing Development Program aimed at expanding co-op housing in Canada. In the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada made an investment of $309.3 million in new funding for this program bringing the total investment to $1.5 billion. The program is expected to be launched this year.  Strong partnerships with municipalities, provinces, and territories are essential to increasing housing supply and implementing longer-term solutions for housing affordability. Local governments play an important role in creating the conditions to remove systemic barriers to housing supply in their jurisdiction. The $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is designed to drive transformational change within the sphere of control of the local government regarding land use planning and development approvals with the overall objective to accelerate housing supply. HAF has led to the largest upzoning movement in Canadian history, with 179 finalized agreements that have advanced ambitious housing reforms in big cities, small towns, rural communities, and indigenous communities in every region of the country. Over the next three years, HAF will fast-track approvals for 107,000 additional homes and unlock over 750,000 homes over the next decade.Real Estate Income Trusts are among various players in the rental market. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation actively monitors market conditions and works with federal partners to ensure appropriate macro-prudential policies are in place. The Government of Canada also takes seriously the negative impacts that private ownership of residential properties can have on rents and housing prices.  In addition to the government’s initiatives on housing, the Government of Canada is investing nearly $4 billion over nine years to address homelessness through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Reaching Home funding is provided directly to urban communities, Indigenous communities, distinctions-based Indigenous partners, rural and remote communities, and territories to help them address local homelessness needs. Communities can use Reaching Home funding to support projects and services that address local homelessness needs, including to address chronic homelessness. Since its launch in 2019, Reaching Home has resulted in over 71,395 people being placed in more stable housing and 124,655 people receiving homelessness prevention services through the funding of over 6,800 community projects across Canada. Between April 1, 2019, and September 7, 2023, Reaching Home funding supported more than 6,700 projects to assist people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. Through these projects, 122,472 people received homelessness prevention support such as rental assistance and landlord/family mediation, and 69,846 people have been placed in more stable housing. Reaching Home provides crucial funding to support services in activity areas such as: Basic Needs Services, Emergency Housing Funding, and Prevention and Shelter Diversion. This funding can also support access to health and social services and improve overall wellbeing of those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness through the delivery of harm reduction activities and navigating access to clinical, health and treatment services (including mental health and addictions supports) through case management. Additionally, in 2023, Infrastructure Canada, is working closely with Veterans Affairs Canada and CMHC to implement the Veteran Homelessness Program (VHP). It is estimated that there are more than 2,600 veterans experiencing homelessness in Canada. With $79.1 million over five years, from 2023-24 to 2027-28, the VHP will provide targeted rent supplements and wrap-around supports to Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness. With an investment of $6.2 million, the program also supports research and capacity building projects for Veteran- and homeless-serving organizations.Partnerships are critical to address the housing crisis and the rise in homelessness. Given the scale of the challenges, all orders of government, Indigenous peoples, the private and not-for-profit sectors need to increase their efforts, including by better working together in a co-ordinated way. The situation requires a multi-pronged approach whereby all actors will need to take on new actions to support the most vulnerable while work is also underway to bridge the broader housing supply and affordability gap.In terms of regulating foreign investment in residential real estate, on January 1, 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act came into force preventing non-Canadians from buying residential property in Canada for 2 years (certain exceptions apply). On February 4, 2024, the Government of Canada announced a two-year extension of this ban to January 1, 2027.The Government of Canada is working to ensure that everyone living in Canada has a safe and affordable place to call home by expanding Canada’s housing supply and continuing to advance our investments in affordable housing. 
Logement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02044441-02044 (Fiscalité)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNPDBC31 janvier 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4595e-4595 (Justice)KyleSquarekZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservateurAB11 octobre 2023 à 9 h 09 (HAE)9 janvier 2024 à 9 h 09 (HAE)31 janvier 202418 mars 20249 janvier 2024Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : L’aliénation parentale est le processus par lequel un enfant est séparé d’un parent en raison de la manipulation psychologique d’un autre parent; Les statistiques montrent que jusqu’à 25 % des parents à l’échelle nationale se livrent à un tel comportement. D’après les recherches actuelles, plus de 22 millions d’adultes ont été la cible de l’aliénation parentale et 3,9 millions d’enfants ont été aliénés d’un de leurs parents; Si ces comportements contre le parent aliéné peuvent mener à des problèmes de santé mentale comme la dépression, l’anxiété et le TSPT, le traumatisme infligé aux enfants est bien pire encore. Les effets dévastateurs sur les enfants sont notamment une faible estime de soi, la haine de soi, la colère, la culpabilité, la déconnexion, le manque de confiance, la dépression, l’anxiété et le TSPT; Il n’y a absolument aucune raison d’éloigner votre enfant de l’autre parent, sauf si ce dernier représente un danger pour le bien-être de l’enfant. Le parent qui n’arrive pas à maintenir une relation stable avec vous n’est pas nécessairement un mauvais parent; un enfant est un être humain, pas une possession! Nous soussignés, parents, pères et mères, prions le premier ministre de faire adopter des lois pour que l’aliénation parentale soit considérée comme une forme de maltraitance des enfants, punissable par un tribunal pénal. En appuyant cette pétition, vous vous assurez de donner une voix aux parents aliénés, mais surtout de retirer les enfants d’une prise en charge parentale abusive.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyProtecting children is and always has been a top priority for our government, children are our great nation’s future and protecting them is a responsibility our government takes very seriously, and we will continue to uphold that responsibility with unwavering dedication. When a parent believes a parenting arrangement order no longer meets the best interests of the child, they can seek a variation of that order, including variation of parenting time through the family justice system. Family courts can make several types of orders to address the situation without the need for families to involve the criminal law system.Changes to the Divorce Act, which came into force on March 1, 2021, emphasize the importance of focusing on children’s best interests. The amendments include a list of best interests of the child criteria to help guide courts when deciding parenting arrangements. Courts must prioritize the safety, security and well-being of the child above all other considerations. A new best interests of the child criteria reflects the importance of a child’s relationship with each spouse. They include the child’s needs, given the child’s age and stage of development, the nature and strength of the child’s relationship with each spouse, and the presence of family violence and its impact on the ability and willingness of a person to care for and meet the needs of a child. In determining the best interests of the child, courts must consider each spouse’s willingness to support the child’s relationship with the other spouse. When making an order related to parenting time, courts must ensure that the child has as much time with each spouse that is in the child’s best interests.Family courts are also best placed to address situations where children resist or refuse parenting time with a parent after parental separation or divorce. A child’s resistance or refusal to have contact with a parent should be examined within the context of family court orders and consideration of the best interest of the child, and not via the criminal courts.
Abus à l'égard d'un enfantGarde partagée d'enfantsParents
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4593e-4593 (Environnement)P. BrianSkerrettLloydLongfieldGuelphLibéralON20 septembre 2023 à 14 h 54 (HAE)18 janvier 2024 à 14 h 54 (HAE)31 janvier 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que :Le conseil municipal de la ville de Guelph a approuvé les limites d’un district de conservation du patrimoine sur certaines parties des terrains d’une ancienne maison de correction de l’Ontario;Cette propriété de 108 hectares fait partie d’un écosystème qui protège la biodiversité, soutient la résilience des bassins versants face aux changements climatiques et rapproche les gens à la nature grâce à des activités d’éducation et des mesures d’intendance;Le site regorge d’éléments du patrimoine naturel en harmonie avec des éléments du patrimoine culturel qui rapprochent les gens de la nature depuis un siècle;La reconnaissance de l’histoire de l’incarcération d’Autochtones sur ce site offre une voie vers la réconciliation et la guérison en illustrant le tort causé aux communautés autochtones par le système judiciaire canadien;Ce site serait une plaque tournante permettant de créer un lien précieux avec les zones humides et les systèmes fluviaux proches et éloignés;Le site a été déclaré excédentaire par la province de l’Ontario;Le site est adjacent à la rivière Eramosa, un affluent majeur de la rivière Grand désigné comme faisant partie du Réseau des rivières du patrimoine canadien par Parcs Canada en 1994;Le site est adjacent à un site archéologique identifié des Premières Nations datant de 8 500 ans avant notre ère;Nous reconnaissons, depuis la pandémie mondiale de COVID-19, la valeur irremplaçable des parcs, de la nature et des espaces ouverts.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d’enjoindre Parcs Canada à collaborer avec les propriétaires fonciers, les intervenants, les gouvernements, les Premières Nations, les Métis et les Inuits concernés pour créer un parc urbain national sur le site du district de conservation du patrimoine où se trouvait la maison de correction de l’Ontario, comme proposé par la ville Guelph.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTExpanding Canadians’ access to nature is a priority for the Government of Canada, as communicated in the Speech from the Throne and in Budget 2021 and reaffirmed in the Minister’s mandate letter of December 2021. The 2021 federal budget committed to the creation of up to six national urban parks and Parks Canada has begun work at several candidate sites to consider their potential as national urban parks. Collaborative work is underway in Greater Victoria, British Columbia; the Edmonton region, Alberta; the Saskatoon region, Saskatchewan; Winnipeg, Manitoba; Windsor, Ontario; and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Parks Canada is also exploring options for a national urban park in the Greater Montreal Region, QC.  At this time, the National Urban Parks Program is focused on advancing these active candidate sites and not on considering new candidate sites.Parks Canada’s National Urban Parks Program has three core objectives: the conservation of nature, connecting people with nature, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Each national urban park will contribute to these objectives in ways that reflect the unique local context. New national urban parks will help protect biodiversity, support climate resilience, connect people to nature, improve mental health and wellness, promote cultural heritage, and increase social inclusion. They will also provide opportunities to support reconciliation with Indigenous populations in urban centres.The Minister’s December 2021 mandate letter expanded the program with a commitment of up to 15 national urban parks by 2030. Key considerations for identifying additional candidate sites include a site’s alignment with the core elements of the national urban parks program; (the site’s potential for protecting nature, connecting Canadians with nature, and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples). Promising candidate sites will have strong connections with all three elements. The creation of any national urban park is a deeply collaborative process, and Parks Canada will also consider the support or involvement by municipal governments, Indigenous leaders and organizations, provincial governments, and other partners.Parks Canada has noted the interest in the proposed Ontario Reformatory Heritage Conservation District in Guelph as a site for a national urban park.    
GuelphParcs nationaux, provinciaux et territoriaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02041441-02041 (Santé)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC31 janvier 202418 mars 20248 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • La crise de surdoses qui sévit au Canada est une situation d’urgence sanitaire, comme l’ont déjà déclaré le directeur de la santé publique de la Colombie-Britannique et plusieurs municipalités du Canada;
  • Depuis 2016, on compte plus de 13 900 décès liés aux opioïdes au Canada et 17 050 hospitalisations pour intoxication aux opioïdes;
  • Les Autochtones sont surreprésentés parmi les personnes touchées par la crise des surdoses;
  • L’Association canadienne de santé publique, la Global Commission on Drug Policy, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé et les Nations Unies recommandent de décriminaliser les drogues.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement, de :
  • Déclarer l’état d’urgence sanitaire en raison des décès par surdose qui se produisent au Canada;
  • Redéfinir la crises des surdoses aux Canada comme un enjeu sanitaire plutôt que comme un problème de criminalité;
  • Adopter une stratégie globale et multidimensionnelle face à la crise des surdoses en s’attaquant aux problèmes de toxicomanie, de pauvreté, de logement, de soins de santé, de discrimination raciale, d’inégalité des conditions économiques et d’incertitude économique;
  • Accueillir, en vue d’y donner suite, les recommandations des travailleurs sociaux, des travailleurs de première ligne, des infirmières, des médecins, des consommateurs de drogues et des personnes intervenant directement auprès des toxicomanes;
  • Décriminaliser les drogues au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. While there are a number of complex factors that contribute to the high rates of overdose that we are seeing today, a major driver is the increasingly toxic and unpredictable illegal drug supply, where fentanyl remains widespread and we have observed the rise or emergence of other substances, including stronger opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. In 2022, approximately four out of every five opioid-related overdose death involved fentanyl. The cost of substance use-related harms is not limited to the loss of lives alone and, more broadly, impacts health, social well-being, and public safety.The Government of Canada takes this crisis very seriously and is committed to working together with all levels of government, Indigenous Peoples and communities, partners from law enforcement, criminal justice, health and social systems, and people with lived and living experience and other key stakeholders, to take urgent action and leverage every available tool to save lives and work towards an end to this national public health crisis.Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. This includes the power to declare a public health emergency which allows a provincial or territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary measures in response to a significant increase in opioid-related deaths as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta in May 2017. More recently, in January 2022, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some municipalities and Indigenous communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths.Invoking the federal Emergencies Act is intended to serve as a tool of last resort to ensure the safety and security of Canadians in cases of temporary, critical national emergencies that cannot be addressed with existing federal, provincial or territorial laws. As such, the Emergencies Act is not an appropriate mechanism to address the ongoing overdose crisis, which requires a longer-term, sustained, and multi-jurisdictional effort to address the complex, interrelated health, social and economic factors driving substance use-related deaths and harms.The Government of Canada has publicly recognized the overdose crisis is a public health crisis. The federal government is committed to continued action using the broad range of tools at its disposal and to take steps to end overdose deaths and substance-use related harms. The Government’s approach to addressing the overdose crisis and substance use-related harms is comprehensive, equitable, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our renewed federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The renewed CDSS outlines the Government of Canada’s updated plan to address the overdose crisis, and other substance use-related harms in Canada.Through the renewed CDSS, the Government is taking a holistic approach to addressing substance use and related harms, centered on promoting public health and protecting public safety. This whole-of-government initiative includes timely access to a full range of strategies to help people access the prevention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery services and supports they need, when and where they need them.The renewed CDSS uses an integrated approach that brings together prevention and education, substance use services and supports, evidence, and substance controls. New investments include supporting a wide range of activities, such as: community-based supports; streamlining authorizations for supervised consumption sites (SCS) and drug checking services; vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply; an overdose monitoring platform for law enforcement and other first responders; and further action with our partners to disrupt illegal drug production and trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances. By using a wide-range of tools, we have the best opportunity to end this crisis, protect communities and save lives.Since 2017, the federal government has made commitments of more than $1 billion and has taken significant action to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. This includes a Budget 2023 commitment of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing, to support the renewed CDSS, which will continue to guide the government’s work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians by:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
These investments have made a difference in reducing overdose deaths and harms. For example, since 2017 through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), Health Canada has provided over $565 million to support nearly 390 community-based projects focused on innovative treatment, harm reduction, prevention and stigma reduction activities. More than $26 million of this funding was dedicated to expanding Naloxone awareness, training and distribution across Canada. As of May 2023, these projects contributed to more than 1.5M Canadians being trained on how to respond to an overdose, and more than 69,000 nasal naloxone kits being distributed across the country.We also invested $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches to build the evidence around innovative care practices, including services that prescribe pharmaceutical-grade medications as an alternative to the highly toxic illegal drug supply for people at high risk of overdose – a practice often referred to as safer supply or prescribed alternatives. As of February 2024, Health Canada has supported 31 prescribed alternatives pilot projects across Canada through SUAP, representing total funding commitments of over $102 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, as well as research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.These investments have also improved access to treatment. For example, provinces and territories have used federal investments provided through Budget 2018 for the Emergency Treatment Fund to expand existing treatment approaches, such as services to support youth with substance use disorder, withdrawal management services appropriate for people who use methamphetamine, Rapid Access Addictions Medicine clinics, access to opioid dependence treatments, and culturally-appropriate care for Indigenous communities. Funds have also been used to implement innovative approaches to treatment, including ‘wrap-around’ care and the development of telehealth infrastructure to connect clients in remote and rural settings.In addition to these investments, the Government of Canada has supported the expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada and also issued exemptions that allow provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites (UPHNS)  within existing shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. There are currently 47 SCS offering services in Canada. From October 2017 to September 2023, they have received over 4.4 million visits, responded to over 52,000 overdoses, and made over 411,000 referrals to health and social services. Nobody has died of an overdose in these 47 sites.Federal funds are enabling new drug checking technologies to be used at SCS and other associated services to provide people who use drugs and health workers with information on the contents of toxic street drugs, including whether they contain deadly fentanyl, benzodiazepines or other toxic substances. This gives people who use drugs the opportunity to make informed decisions that may reduce their risk of overdose. As of February 2024, of the 39  federally authorized SCS, 30 are authorized to conduct drug checking in Canada. In addition, there are 10 federally authorized stand-alone drug checking services. In addition, the Government of Canada held a Drug Checking Technology Challenge (October 2018 to July 2021), that provided a total of $1,724,500 million to nine participants to catalyze innovation in drug checking technologies. Through the renewed CDSS, we will streamline authorizations for SCS, UPHNS and drug checking services with clear public health and public safety requirements for organizations seeking to provide these evidence-based life saving services to Canadians.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder, as well as facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to respond to this crisis and to keep communities safe. The government works closely with domestic and international partners to address the toxic illegal drug supply that is driving overdose harms and deaths. We continue to equip border agents with the tools necessary to intercept controlled substances. For example, we have made it harder to access chemicals used to make fentanyl by scheduling them under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and have also amended legislation to allow border officers to open mail of any weight, in order to stop drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from entering Canada illegally through the mail system. The government also works with private sector partners to address money laundering of the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking in an effort to dismantle the organized crime groups involved in the supply of these toxic illegal drugs.The Government of Canada continues to lead efforts to facilitate opportunities for collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, community-based organizations, and other partners and stakeholders, to reduce the harms associated with substance use and support efforts to provide a full range of culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed health and social services and supports to meet the diverse needs of people who use drugs.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way the healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by nearly $200 billion over 10 years, in order to improve Canada’s health care system. This investment includes $25 billion for shared health priorities, including increasing access to mental health and substance use services and supports. These commitments are in addition to existing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories for health priorities, including mental health and substance use, that were put in place in 2017. These investments will set the foundation for long-term, integrated and sustained health care system change that builds on existing, targeted actions to address mental health and substance use challenges.We have also established federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the FPT Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the FPT Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use, to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners. In addition, discussions are held with provinces and territories at the Deputy Minister and Ministerial level through meetings of the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health and the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Health Minister’s Meetings.To inform the federal approach, the government also regularly consults with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. Health Canada established the People with Lived and Living Experience Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We recognize that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments so that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.With respect to prescribed alternatives, a number of researchers in academic institutions across Canada are studying this emerging approach, contributing to the evidence base that can inform decision-making at local, provincial and federal levels. Prescribed alternatives builds on the evidence from medication-assisted approaches to the treatment of substance use disorder, with prescribed alternatives services having a number of unique goals and approaches that need to be assessed and evaluated on their own merits.The evidence base around prescribed alternatives is still developing, but is growing. Existing studies and evaluations of prescribed alternatives programs are showing some promising early outcomes, including:
  • reduced overdose-related mortality, emergency department visits and hospitalizations; and,
  • client reports of reductions in overdoses and illegal drug use, reduced engagement in criminalized activities, access to health and social services, improved trust in primary care providers among clients who face barriers to care, and other quality of life improvements.
Health Canada is supporting several studies of prescribed alternatives. This includes a preliminary assessment of prescribed alternatives pilot projects in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick. The federal government, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is also supporting a study being conducted by a research team from the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. This four-year evaluation research project focuses on program implementation and the short-term health outcomes of 11 of the government funded prescribed alternatives pilot projects. The final results of this study are expected in 2025. Additionally, CIHR has awarded $2 million to the University of Victoria to support a four-year study evaluating the prescribed alternatives initiatives in British Columbia, in partnership with Indigenous leaders, Elders and system partners. We will continue to monitor outcomes of prescribed alternatives, so that the government’s response to the overdose crisis is evidence-based and focused on saving lives.The government is committed to working to divert people who use drugs away from the criminal justice system and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from personal drug possession charges as well as from breach of some conditions related to personal possession, for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the CDSA. Among other measures, the amendments require police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, directing prosecutors to consider alternatives to prosecution for the personal possession of drugs, except in the most serious cases where public safety concerns arise.In addition, in May 2022, at the request of the province of British Columbia, a time-limited exemption was granted under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province are not subject to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, individuals can be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they can also receive assistance to connect with those services. This exemption, which is in effect from January 31, 2023, to January 31, 2026, is part of a much broader strategy British Columbia and this Government are taking to help people who use drugs access supports and services, rather than face criminal charges. This time-limited exemption is being supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes and inform implementation.Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The items above are some examples of concrete actions taken by the federal government to address the overdose crisis. Please visit the following website for a comprehensive list of all the actions taken to date.The Government of Canada will continue working with our partners and stakeholders to implement the renewed CDSS and will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and advancing work on the development of standards for mental health and substance use health services. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02040441-02040 (Fiscalité)AlistairMacGregorCowichan—Malahat—LangfordNPDBC31 janvier 202418 mars 202413 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02039441-02039 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK31 janvier 202418 mars 202422 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program. 
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02038441-02038 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK31 janvier 202418 mars 202421 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program. 
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02037441-02037 (Affaires et commerce)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON31 janvier 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :Le projet de loi C-57 constitue une mise à jour importante de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine qui aidera l’Ukraine à se rétablir après avoir repoussé l’invasion illégale de Vladimir Poutine;Le président de l’Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenski, et le Congrès des Ukrainiens Canadiens ont prié le Parlement du Canada d’adopter rapidement ce projet de loi; Les informations erronées selon lesquelles le régime de tarification du carbone du Canada aurait un effet sur cet accord ont été largement démenties.PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et tous les parlementaires de confirmer notre engagement indéfectible envers l’Ukraine en adoptant rapidement la mise à jour de l’Accord de libre-échange entre le Canada et l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $13.3 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance.  Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law and violations of human rights in Ukraine, as well as countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the six United Nations General Assembly resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Another form of Canadian support to Ukraine is through the modernized Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), a comprehensive, high-standard agreement that, once implemented, will strengthen the foundation on which Canadian and Ukrainian businesses can work together in the economic reconstruction of Ukraine. Building on the original 2017 CUFTA which was a comprehensive goods-focussed agreement, Canada and Ukraine launched negotiations to modernize the agreement to include various new chapters on trade in services, investment, and other areas. The final modernized CUFTA was signed by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy in Ottawa on September 22, 2023. The Act to implement the 2023 Free Trade Agreement between Canada and Ukraine, Bill-C57, was later introduced in Parliament where opposition to the Bill has been raised regarding the inclusion of carbon pricing in the CUFTA Environment chapter.The Environment chapter recognizes that trade has an important role in addressing the threat to climate and includes several provisions to facilitate cooperation between Canada and Ukraine on matters of mutual interests regarding trade and the environment, including on carbon pricing. These provisions, which are cooperation-based in nature and not binding on either party, are included to facilitate cooperation between our two countries and would only apply if Canada and Ukraine agree to cooperate after considering factors such as national priorities, circumstances, and availability of resources. However, it should be noted that the Agreement does not include any provisions requiring the implementation of a carbon tax. Additionally, carbon pricing has been in place since 2019 in Canada while Ukraine introduced a carbon tax in 2011, which covers all types of fuels, to address CO2 emissions from industry, power, and buildings sectors. 
Accord de libre-échange Canada-UkraineAccords commerciauxUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4701e-4701 (Processus démocratique)MelissaOutwaterMichelleFerreriPeterborough—KawarthaConservateurON24 novembre 2023 à 15 h 09 (HAE)24 décembre 2023 à 15 h 09 (HAE)31 janvier 202418 mars 20248 janvier 2024Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1"> Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Nous, citoyens du Canada, avons perdu confiance en Justin Trudeau et la coalition libéraux/NPD;Nous demandons à la Chambre de tenir un vote de censure;Nous demandons la tenue d’une élection 45 jours après le vote s’il est gagné;Le gouvernement actuel n’agit pas dans l’intérêt de tous les citoyens; Les politiques de ce gouvernement ne cadrent pas avec la crise que vit le Canada : coût du logement, atteinte aux libertés civiles, inflation record, politiques d’immigration déséquilibrées, imposition excessive, affaiblissement de notre économie par l’importation de ressources naturelles que le Canada possède déjà, mais sous-utilise; Après les huit dernières années sous la direction de ce premier ministre, les Canadiens n’ont pas confiance en ce premier ministre, après cinq enquêtes en matière d’éthique et les torts causés à la réputation du Canada à l’échelle mondiale. Au point où le Canada est exclu de déclarations sur d’importants événements géopolitiques.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada , prions la Chambre des communes de demander la tenue d’un vote de censure et d’une élection fédérale dans les 45 jours suivants le vote.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLAs Canadians, we are blessed to live in a free and democratic country.In 2021, we collectively exercised the democratic rights guaranteed to us by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canada Elections Act. In the 44th General Election since Confederation, a total of 17,209,811 Canadian citizens exercised their right to vote, and to freely choose from among 2,010 fellow citizens who put themselves forward as candidates. We should all take pride in the fact that Canadians continue to be so deeply engaged in our democratic process and its institutions.Under our system of Parliamentary and responsible government, we continue to govern with the confidence of the House of Commons. We are accountable to Parliament and to Canadians, whether through Parliament proceedings, the scrutiny of the free press, and the many formal and informal ways in which Government and elected Members of Parliament engage with concerned citizens, organizations, and civil society every day.We continue to work to make Canada a place where we can all thrive. Our agenda as a Government includes measures to make life more affordable for Canadians, whether through investing in child care and dental care, or by improving important benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, OAS, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. We are helping Canadians create new middle class jobs by tackling supply chain challenges, doubling the Tradespeople’s Tool Deduction, and promoting international trade to bring Canadian goods and services to the global marketplace. And we are protecting our environment for future generations by greening our electrical grid, electrifying our transport sector, and investing in the critical mineral sector that makes Canada a world leader.The Government is proud of this record. We continue to work hard to retain the confidence of Parliament for the remainder of this term, and Canadian citizens will once again exercise their democratic rights in the 45th General Election.
Confiance dans le gouvernement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02035441-02035 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC30 janvier 202418 mars 202430 novembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter une loi sur la transition équitable qui :
  • 1. Réduit les émissions d’au moins 60 % sous les niveaux de 2005 d’ici 2030, et apporte d’importantes contributions en matière de réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • 2. Réduit progressivement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et l’infrastructure connexe, met un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et effectue la transition vers une économie décarbonée;
  • 3. Crée de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et développe l’étatisation des services publics à l’échelle de l’économie pour mettre en œuvre la transition;
  • 4. Crée de bons emplois verts et encourage le développement d’une main-d’œuvre inclusive, avec la participation des travailleurs et des communautés touchés, et assure un travail convenable et faible en carbone à tous les travailleurs;
  • 5. Protège et renforce les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respecte les droits, la souveraineté et le savoir des Autochtones en les faisant participer à l’élaboration et la mise en œuvre de la loi, assure la justice pour les migrants et met l’accent sur le soutien aux communautés historiquement marginalisées;
  • 6. Développe le filet de sécurité sociale par de nouvelles mesures de soutien au revenu, de logement public décarboné et de financement opérationnel pour un transport en commun accessible et abordable à l’échelle du pays;
  • 7. Paye les coûts de transition en augmentant l’impôt sur le revenu des personnes les plus riches et des sociétés, et assure le financement par l’entremise d’une banque nationale publique.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reduction targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seize the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonization technology in the conventional energy sector. Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our global partners need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in investment tax credits.At COP26, Canada and other countries committed to phasing out international fossil fuel subsidies. Following this, the Government of Canada released direction for federal departments and agencies. Through ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada is ensuring federal investments abroad are aligned with domestic and international climate commitments, while refocusing investment towards low-carbon innovation, including in Canada’s growing clean industries.Domestically, the Government of Canada has committed to phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. The Government of Canada took swift action, and in July 2023, Canada became one of the first countries in the world to meet this commitment well ahead of the 2025 deadline. The guidance document and assessment framework is being used by government departments to ensure all future programs and spending decisions are aligned with this commitment. Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan commits to reducing emissions from the oil and gas sector. As announced at COP28, the Government of Canada released a draft Regulatory Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap in December 2023 to cap the oil and gas sector’s 2030 emissions at 35 to 38 percent below 2019 levels. This measure is a cap on pollution and will incentivize innovation as the sector invests in maximum technically achievable decarbonization in order to achieve significant emission reductions by 2030 and get on a credible pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050. Canada’s highly skilled and educated workforce, and comparative advantages in energy, critical minerals, and clean technology are helping Canadian industries and workers to seize the enormous economic opportunities in a net-zero future.  The Government of Canada is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth. This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, outlines the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, clean energy, low-carbon building products, carbon management technologies and small modular reactors, Canada is building a prosperous net-zero future that works for Canadians in every region. This includes significant opportunities in existing energy industries that are taking action to respond to global demand by lowering their emissions and enhancing their long-term competitiveness.Skills training is a critical factor in ensuring that Canadian workers can seize the economic opportunities ahead, which is why the federal government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including as it relates to sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers seize new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding to establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and fund additional sustainable jobs training, among other things.As committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023. The legislation proposes establishing a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill would also require the Government to:
  • establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; 
  • create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and 
  • release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. 
These legislated mechanisms would guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a low-carbon economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country. The Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables) are an important initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables are helping to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and with the input of experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for implementing joint strategies to leverage energy and resource opportunities to realize each region of Canada’s comparative advantage in a net-zero future.To date, the federal government has jointly launched Regional Tables across the country, including with British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.The Government of Canada has delivered on its G20 commitment to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, including through the application, in 2023, of an Assessment Framework to existing tax measures and 129 non-tax measures. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, our current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.     
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change, while strengthening our economy by fostering the creation of sustainable jobs. This shift towards a low-carbon economy presents significant opportunities across existing and emerging sectors and will require the transformation of Canadian industries and the Canadian labour market. Ensuring Canada has a plan to advance a low-carbon economy and a workforce that can thrive in the low-carbon economy is fundamental to achieving our climate targets.On February 17, 2023, the Government of Canada released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada. This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including establishing legislation that ensures ongoing engagement and accountability.As part of this Plan, on June 15, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which aims to facilitate and promote the creation of sustainable jobs and support workers and communities in Canada as the world advances toward a net-zero future. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation. The bill is expected to continue through the legislative process in 2024.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. For example, the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP), which was announced in Budget 2021, is a contribution program that helps key sectors of the economy, including sectors contributing to the low-carbon economy, implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs. The SWSP funds projects that can leverage a wide-range of activities, from developing labour market information, to developing training curriculum and tools, and implementing initiatives that support employers and workers, including members of equity-deserving groups.Budget 2022 announced the creation of a new Union-Led Advisory Table. It brings together labour leaders to provide advice on Government and Ministerial priorities on ways to help workers navigate the changing labour market. The Advisory table was launched on December 5, 2023 and will share its findings once its work is completed later in 2024.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding for the creation of a Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, also an action area under the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan. The Fund will support a series of training projects to help 15,000 workers across the country upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy. Addressing pressing skills needs and training gaps in areas of high demand will help ensure that Canada’s workforce is prepared to support 2050 climate targets, and that employers have the labour they need to meet demand and seize growth opportunities in the new low-carbon economy.In addition, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding for a new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) sustainable jobs stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. This stream will aim to fund projects that support unions in leading the development of green skills training for workers in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.Finally, the Government also offers a broad suite of programming to support jobseekers and workers of all ages and from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, as well as employers, unions and training providers. Many of these programs, created in consultation with stakeholders, are already helping to advance sustainable jobs. They include:
  • The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP), a program that helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs, recent investments of $145.9 million in nine projects that will help build talent for the green economy. Overall, the nine projects are expected to support over 24,000 Canadians and benefit approximately 2,100 employers across Canada.
  • The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which provides funding to help pre-apprentices, apprentices, employers, unions, and other organizations and tradespeople participate in apprenticeships and succeed in skilled trades careers. This includes recent investments to develop green skills training for workers in the trades under the sustainable jobs initiative.
  • The Skills and Partnership Fund, a project-based fund that supports partnerships between Indigenous organizations and industry employers to provide skills training for Indigenous peoples in priority sectors, which include industries that support more efficient use and alternative sources of energy and resources. Through this Fund, Indigenous people are being trained for current and emerging job opportunities in the green economy.
  • The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), a horizontal initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in collaboration with 11 other federal departments, agencies and Crown Corporations. The YESS provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help youth overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge to participate in the current and future labour market. Some YESS programs such as Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program, Natural Resources Canada’s Science and Technology Internship Program - Green Jobs, and Parks Canada’s Young Canada Works Program focus on connecting young Canadians with careers in the sustainable jobs sector.
  • The Foreign Credential Recognition Program, to support the labour market integration of skilled newcomers by funding projects that will make credential recognition processes faster and more efficient, and providing loans (up to $30,000), support services, and employment supports to help skilled newcomers acquire Canadian work experience, including within the low-carbon sector.
Canada has a strong social safety net of which the Employment Insurance (EI) program is an important part. Millions of Canadians rely on it each year when they lose their jobs or need to step away from work for illness, childbirth, or taking care of a loved one. The Government continues to build an EI program that is responsive to all labour market conditions, and is accessible, adequate and financially sustainable.Canada also has a comprehensive pension system, the Old Age Security Program and the Canada Pension Plan for all Canadian workers, no matter what type of work they choose. The Old Age Security Program is quasi-universal, with benefits being paid to seniors 65 and over based on years of residence in Canada after age 18. Furthermore, recent studies and modelling suggest that one of the most significant challenges facing the low-carbon economy will not be a shortage of jobs, but instead an abundance of jobs with a shortage of skilled workers required to fill them. Assisting workers to acquire new skills to support continued employment in the low-carbon economy will be key to filling future needs.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02034441-02034 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 20242 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02033441-02033 (Santé)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 202413 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Les libéraux menacent l’accès aux produits de santé naturels par de nouvelles règles qui se traduiront par des coûts plus élevés et moins de produits disponibles sur les tablettes des magasins;
  • Les nouvelles dispositions dites de « recouvrement des coûts » imposeraient des coûts massifs à tous les consommateurs de produits de santé naturels et mineraient l’accès des Canadiens qui dépendent de ces produits;
  • Les dispositions du dernier budget omnibus libéral ont donné au gouvernement de nouveaux pouvoirs arbitraires importants en matière de réglementation des produits de santé naturels.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’annuler les changements apportés dans le dernier budget libéral en ce qui concerne les produits de santé naturels.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are adulterated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make the natural health product market safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation with stakeholders and taking their feedback into account, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, the Government passed legislation allowing Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Now, Health Canada is proposing fees for industry to allow the Department to create an even safer marketplace for consumers and begin to recoup a portion of the costs of services it provides to industry. Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time, the Department is considering how best to adjust the proposed approach to address the concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is not about limiting the production of NHPs or consumers’ access to them. Rather, these efforts are about making sure the products Canadians use every day are safe, and of high quality.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02032441-02032 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 202422 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:• A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (Budget 2023, chapter 4)• 2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement• 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression• 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action PlanThe first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country.
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02031441-02031 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 20249 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity. On January 23, 2024, in the context of the Universal Periodic Review of China at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Canada made specific reference to Falun Gong practitioners when it called on China to end all forms of enforced disappearance.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02030441-02030 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 20243 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu qu : Mme Chow, Hang Tung, vice-présidente de la Hong Kong Alliance, milite depuis de nombreuses années pour le respect des droits de la personne en Chine et à Hong Kong et pour la démocratie, et qu’elle encourage les Hongkongais à participer au mouvement social pro-démocratie;Mme Chow a été arrêtée le 4 juin 2021, accusée d’incitation à la subversion en vertu de la Loi sur la sécurité nationale le 9 septembre 2021 et condamnée à une peine d’emprisonnement de 22 mois le 4 janvier 2022 dans le cadre d’efforts visant à écraser la dissidence à Hong Kong;Mme Chow a reçu, le 4 décembre 2021, le Prix de contribution exceptionnelle à la démocratie de la Chinese Democracy Education Foundation (CDEF), qui a reconnu officiellement son engagement admirable en faveur des droits de la personne et du mouvement pro-démocratie.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de demander instamment au gouvernement de Hong Kong d’abandonner tous les chefs d’accusation déposés contre Mme Chow, Hang Tung, et de la libérer immédiatement.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada remains deeply concerned about the 291 people arrested for suspected breaches of the National Security Law (NSL) imposed by Beijing in 2020, including Ms. Chow Hang-tung (Vice-Chairwoman of The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China).Canada strongly supports the rights of political opposition, civil society, and human rights defenders everywhere to operate in an environment free from intimidation and harassment by state authorities. Canada is well aware that the NSL has significantly eroded rights and freedoms, silenced political opposition, and undermined the independence of public institutions as promised under the Sino-British Joint Declaration (1984). The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has also expressed serious concerns over the NSL. The 2022 UN Human Rights Committee’s fourth periodic human rights report on Hong Kong stated that the law violates Hong Kong’s commitments made under the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights and called for repealing the law. Furthermore, four UN Special Rapporteurs (Special Rapporteurs on the independence of judges and lawyers;  on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism; on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association; and, on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression) jointly published a statement in October 2023 to express their concerns about the use of mass trials in NSL cases and how it may negatively affect the safeguards in place that ensure due process and the right to a fair trial.Since the imposition of the NSL, Canada has taken concrete actions such as suspending its extradition agreement with Hong Kong, imposing export control measures, updating travel advice, and issuing a travel advisory for Hong Kong, and launching new immigration measures for Hong Kong residents. Canada is also aware that the human rights situation continues to deteriorate despite our advocacy and broader efforts. With this overall situation in mind, during China’s Universal Period Review (UPR) of its human rights record in January 2024 at the UN Human Rights Council, Canada called on China to repeal the NSL and discontinue all cases against individuals in Hong Kong charged for exercising their human rights and freedoms, which includes that of Ms. Chow Hang-tung.Moving forward, Canada will continue to express its concern over the continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and rights through individual and joint efforts with like-minded countries, and monitoring all trials related to NSL charges.
ChineHong KongPrisonniers politiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02029441-02029 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 20241 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members’ Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02028441-02028 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • La demande pour les refuges pour femmes est malheureusement en croissance;
  • En raison du coût élevé de la vie et de la crise du logement, il est plus difficile pour les femmes et les enfants vivant de la violence domestique de s’enfuir et de trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre;
  • Alors que ce gouvernement libéral augmente considérablement les dépenses pour la bureaucratie et les consultants, il coupe 145 millions de dollars pour le financement des refuges pour femmes.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir le financement pour les refuges pour femmes.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerGender-based violence is one of the most pervasive, deadly and deeply rooted human rights violation of our time. This is why the Government of Canada is taking action.The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and the organizations providing supports and services to them. While preventing and addressing GBV is a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, the Government of Canada acted swiftly in 2020 to provide an initial $90 million in COVID-19 emergency funding, through Women and Gender Equality Canada, to organizations across Canada serving those experiencing GBV. A year into the pandemic, the government responded to high demand and pressing needs by more than tripling the funding support and extending the timeframe for this emergency measure through Budget 2021. Since April 2020, approximately $300 million in total funding has been committed to organizations, providing emergency funding to over 1,400 organizations including women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other GBV organizations. As a result, more than 2 million individuals experiencing violence had a safe place to go, and access to supports across Canada. These investments served as an emergency response to the crisis above and beyond the ongoing work under the Federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy.Like other COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by the federal government since 2020, this temporary measure has come to an end. However, the Government of Canada remains committed to addressing GBV: 
  • Budget 2021 invests $601.3 million over five years in initiatives to advance towards the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This included $200 million (of the $300 million) specifically for COVID-19 emergency funding.
  • Budget 2022 invests a further $539.3 million over five years to support provinces and territories with the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
 On November 9, 2022, Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women launched a historic 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence –. This Plan is a concrete step in fulfilling a long-standing commitment of Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments to work together towards a Canada free of gender-based violence. The Plan is supported by an investment of $539.3 million over five years, committed in Budget 2022, to support the provinces and territories in their implementation efforts. This funding is provided to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements.As of December 2023, the Government of Canada announced agreements with all provinces and territories. These agreements, along with the respective provincial/territorial implementation plans are available on Women and Gender Equality’s website. 
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home.Providing a safe and secure space for persons fleeing domestic violence is a priority for the Government of Canada. The National Housing Strategy (NHS), a 10-year, more than $82 billion plan launched in 2017, is giving more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum and prioritize populations most in need, including women and their children. The Government of Canada aims to put 33% of the strategy’s investments, with a minimum of 25%, toward serving the unique needs of women and their children.NHS programs and initiatives support the creation of shelters, such as the $13.2 billion Affordable Housing Fund, previously known as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which aims to create 2,000 new shelter spaces and repair 2,000 shelters for survivors of family violence. The Government of Canada has committed to create 1,388 new shelter spaces or transitional housing units available for survivors of gender-based violence, and to repair/renew a further 347 shelter spaces or transitional housing units.The Government of Canada recognizes that Indigenous women and children face unique challenges and barriers to housing. For those who experience violence, a shelter is often a first step to rebuilding their lives and protecting them from further violence. The NHS includes programming and funding exclusively for shelters in Indigenous communities and in the North.As part of the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced funding of $724.1 million to develop a comprehensive Violence Prevention Strategy to expand culturally relevant supports for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people facing gender-based violence. From this funding, $420 million is allocated to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) over five years to support the construction of a minimum of 38 shelters and 50 transitional homes across the country. In addition, we have committed $44.8 million to build a total of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping family violence. To date, construction is complete for four shelters, with the remaining eight shelters expected to be completed in 2024.These Indigenous-led shelters will provide vital refuge and culturally appropriate critical supports and services to help survivors of family violence recover from the trauma of their experiences, access support programming and create a stable environment where they can begin to regain an independent life. They are also a crucial element of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an important contribution to the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.To date, the Indigenous led Steering committees have selected 47 projects for funding (25 shelters and 22 transitional housing) and provided $195.9 million in capital for the creation of 349 units. A total of 24 projects have advanced to the point of receiving an agreement, and $27 million in funding has been advanced. The committees have conditionally approved an additional 23 projects, which may be provided final approval once complete proposals are received. Budget 2021 included an additional $315.4 million for the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) to increase support for women and children fleeing violence. The program has since shifted in scope to encompass survivors of gender-based violence consistent with the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence which the Government of Canada and provinces and territories (excluding Quebec) endorsed in November 2022.CMHC is in the process of negotiating agreements with provinces and territories to deliver and cost-match the additional federal funding for survivors of gender-based violence through the CHB. This funding will be available for provinces and territories to deliver until 2028. Each province and territory has flexibility to cost-match this funding through a housing benefit for any vulnerable population, including survivors of gender-based violence. To date, agreements for additional funding for survivors of gender-based violence through the CHB have been signed with 3 provinces and territories.  CMHC launched a Call for Proposals in November 2021 and the submission window will remain open on a continual basis until March 1, 2024. CMHC and Indigenous Services Canada work with Indigenous-led committees comprised of representatives from Indigenous organizations, subject matter experts in shelters and housing delivery, as well as people with lived experience. The Government of Canada understands that a need for urgent shelter remains and is committed to working collaboratively to support the work of the Indigenous-led committees and expediting funding for projects that are approved.
FemmesMaisons de refuge
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02027441-02027 (Processus démocratique)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON30 janvier 202418 mars 202426 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des CommunesNous, soussignés, citoyens canadiens, souhaitons attirer l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :La nécessité d'une réforme électorale demeure une question fondamentale pour les citoyens de toutes les convictions politiques, alors que les politiciens ne parviennent pas à s'entendre sur la meilleure façon d'aller de l'avant; Il est donc nécessaire d'adopter une nouvelle approche pour parvenir à un consensus citoyen sur la réforme électorale.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes :De donner aux citoyens la possibilité de s'exprimer sur la réforme électorale et le droit de formuler des recommandations; Plus précisément, nous souhaitons la création d'une assemblée citoyenne représentative et non partisane, qui disposerait des ressources, du soutien d'experts et du temps nécessaire pour parvenir à un consensus citoyen sur des recommandations à soumettre au gouvernement; Nous demandons aux députés de tous les partis de voter en faveur de la motion M-86 Assemblée citoyenne sur la réforme électorale, qui sera débattue à la Chambre du Parlement à l'automne 2023.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicM-86Réforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02026441-02026 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB30 janvier 202418 mars 202413 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Le gouvernement Trudeau cherche à interdire et à saisir les fusils de chasse de millions de Canadiens;
  • Le fait de viser les fermiers et les chasseurs ne permet pas de combattre le crime;
  • Le gouvernement Trudeau a laissé tomber ceux qui participent à la tradition canadienne de tir sportif.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin à toutes les interdictions actuelles et futures des armes de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighborhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners.A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21, which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control. The new law includes a new forward-looking technical definition of a prohibited firearm that contains the characteristics of an assault-style firearm.Firearms that match the characteristics and requirements of this new technical definition will be prohibited. That is, a firearm that is not a handgun and that fires centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner, was originally designed with a detachable magazine with a capacity of six cartridges or more, and that is designed and manufactured on or after the day the definition comes into force. As this new definition is forward looking, it applies to firearms that are designed and manufactured on or after December 15, 2023. This ensures that new firearms that exceed safe civilian use are not introduced into our communities. This definition does not apply to firearms that were on the market prior the passage of C-21. No firearms legally owned by Canadians today will be affected.To stop the growth of handgun ownership, which grew from 500,000 in 2010 to more than 1 million in 2020, Bill C-21 codified the handgun freeze in statute. While current handgun owners can continue to use their handguns, Bill C-21 prevents most individuals from transferring or acquiring new handguns, with narrow exemptions, including for sport shooting. Individuals who are training, competing or coaching in a handgun discipline on the programme of the Olympic or Paralympic Committees and who are recognized as such by the national or provincial-territorial sport shooting governing body can continue to acquire or import handguns. Public Safety Canada will conduct consultations regarding the process for these athletes to acquire handguns for their sport and to support the development of regulations related to this exemption.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.The Government has also invested over $1.3B since 2016 to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase firearms tracing capacity and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuChasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02025441-02025 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB30 janvier 202418 mars 202415 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Winnipeg and India and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, including residents of Manitoba. The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.  The means by which the Government of Canada supports international air services is by ensuring that Canada's air transport agreements include the rights that airlines require to operate. The Government expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022 and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India.  The Government of Canada remains interested in further expansion of the agreement, and Canadian Ministers and officials have raised Canada’s interest in access to additional points in India during meetings with their Indian counterparts.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of International Trade, and the previous Minister of Transport have all met with their respective Indian counterparts and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interest in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).  Canada’s High Commissioner to India also wrote to the Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory.  With respect to services operated via Europe, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02024441-02024 (Médias et télécommunications)DaveEppChatham-Kent—LeamingtonConservateurON30 janvier 202418 mars 202413 décembre 2023Pétition adressée au ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’IndustrieATTENDU QUE :Les Canadiens continuent de payer les deuxièmes tarifs de téléphonie cellulaire les plus élevés au monde, tout en continuant d’avoir l’une des pires couvertures de réseau qui soit; Les Canadiens devraient être en mesure d’avoir au moins un service fiable le long de grandes voies de circulation, comme les autoroutes de la série 400, étant donné l’éloignement relatif, les conditions météorologiques difficiles et les grandes distances à parcourir pour certains déplacements; Les plaintes déposées auprès de la Commission des plaintes relatives aux services de télécom-télévision (CPRST) ont augmenté de 12 % à l’échelle nationale depuis le 1er août 2022 et que la CPRST a confirmé 36 infractions au Code sur les services sans fil commises par des fournisseurs de services de télécommunications canadiens au cours de la même période; Au Canada, l’infrastructure des tours de communication cellulaire continue de présenter un manque de capacité grave et pouvant mettre la vie de personnes en danger, en particulier dans nos régions rurales mal desservies et saturées, afin de nous permettre de rester connectés; Ces interruptions de service, dans certains cas, empêchent les Canadiens de communiquer avec les services d’urgence les plus élémentaires, ce qui entraîne des tragédies humaines évitables lors d’incendies, d’inondations ou d’accidents de la route. Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Veiller à ce qu’aucune zone résidentielle de l’Ontario ne soit privée d’un service cellulaire fiable et sûr, ainsi que de l’accès à des services d’urgence comme le 9-1-1, en demandant au Conseil de la radiodiffusion et des télécommunications canadiennes (CRTC) d’examiner sans tarder l’intégrité de l’infrastructure cellulaire du Canada et de présenter un rapport sur la qualité du service à la Chambre des communes d’ici la fin du mois de février 2024;Demander au Comité permanent de l’industrie et de la technologie de réaliser une étude en faisant appel aux fournisseurs de services de télécommunications, aux consommateurs, aux défenseurs des droits publics et aux spécialistes de l’industrie, d’accepter les mémoires du public sur la question et de présenter un rapport à la Chambre des communes avant la fin du mois de mars 2024; Demander au ministre du Patrimoine et au ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie du Canada de déposer à la Chambre les politiques, règlements et directives de leur ministère montrant comment ils répondent et prévoient de répondre à cette crise de service public en matière de capacité et de qualité des télécommunications.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views on the importance of reliable mobile cellular connectivity.The Government of Canada knows that now more than ever, Canadians rely on telecommunications services for work, school, finances, health care, and staying connected. In particular, the Government recognizes that providing access to emergency services is a critical function of mobile cellular services. The Government is working to improve the reliability of telecommunications and better protect Canadians.Following the Rogers outage in July 2022, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry brought together major telecommunications companies to improve Canada’s network reliability, and as a result, a memorandum of understanding between these companies is now in place with provisions on emergency roaming, mutual assistance, and improving public awareness around telecommunications outages.In September 2022, the Government announced the Telecommunications Reliability Agenda, which includes a set of actions to improve the reliability and resilience of Canada’s telecommunications networks. As part of this work, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry charged the industry members of the Canadian Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (CSTAC) with developing a set of recommendations to improve the reliability of Canada’s telecommunications networks. Similarly, the Minister requested that the industry members of the Canadian Forum for Digital Infrastructure Resilience (CFDIR) develop a set of recommendations to improve the reliability and resilience of digital infrastructure. Both CSTAC and CFDIR have submitted their recommendations and the Government is reviewing their reports. Additionally, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is holding a series of consultations to develop a regulatory framework to improve telecommunications network reliability and resiliency, beginning with its consultations on reporting telecommunications outages. The CRTC is also considering consultations on network resiliency principles, emergency services (9-1-1), public alerting, and other consumer protection measures.Amendments to the Telecommunications Act have also been put forward as part of Bill C-26: An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. It includes provisions that would enable the Government to take further action to promote the security and reliability of telecommunications networks.A number of initiatives are also underway to improve universal access to telecommunications services in more challenging to connect rural and remote areas. In June 2019, the Government of Canada released High-Speed Access for All: Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, a historic commitment to make affordable, high-speed Internet infrastructure available to all Canadians and to improve mobile wireless access from coast to coast to coast. The Strategy outlines Canada's action plan to leverage new and existing investments and technologies, as well as to collaborate with provinces, territories and other partners.The Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) is a key initiative under the Strategy and provides a total of $3.225 billion to support connectivity in underserved rural and remote communities. This includes up to $50 million for mobile Internet projects that primarily benefit Indigenous peoples, including projects along highways and roads where mobile connectivity is lacking. With this program, the Government has now made a total of $7.6 billion available to connect Canadians since 2015.These investments build on existing programs that continue to roll out. The CRTC has a $675 million Broadband Fund in place, sourced through an industry levy, to support connectivity projects, including for mobile wireless networks in underserved communities and along major transportation roads. The Fund’s most recent third call for applications focused on transport projects, mobile wireless projects along major transportation roads, and projects requiring operational funding to increase satellite transport capacity in all eligible geographic areas across Canada.The Government is also taking steps to improve mobile wireless connectivity by making more radiofrequency spectrum available, which is needed to provide services to Canadians. In November 2023, the Government concluded its auction of the 3800 MHz band, where it set a 100 MHz cap on how much combined 3500 MHz and 3800 MHz spectrum a provider could acquire, effectively reserving spectrum for smaller competitors. In total, 4,099 licences were awarded to 20 Canadian bidders, including 870 licences to small and regional providers across the country. When combined with the results of the 3500 MHz auction, small and regional providers have doubled their spectrum holdings, further strengthening their ability to offer competitive services.In addition, on February 13, 2023, the Government issued a binding policy direction to the CRTC on a renewed approach to telecommunications policy. The policy direction requires Canada’s telecommunications regulator to regulate in a manner consistent with the Government’s priorities in telecommunications. The policy direction includes a range of measures to improve competition, affordability, consumer rights, and innovation, and will help the Government speed up deployment and reach its universal access goals.Regarding wireless connectivity specifically, the policy direction instructs the CRTC to continue administering a funding mechanism for connectivity projects with consideration for greater priority on mobile wireless connectivity; to improve its approach to collecting and reporting data on mobile wireless coverage; and to periodically review the effectiveness of its mobile wireless services regulatory framework to help ensure Canadians have access to affordable mobile wireless services and improved wireless competition.With respect to mobile wireless prices, data from Statistics Canada shows that with increased competition in the market in the past year, wireless prices have declined across the board by 26%. The government will continue to insist on improved competition and better prices for consumers.The Government of Canada supports a competitive marketplace where consumers are treated fairly and shares the concerns that many Canadians have expressed regarding the practices of certain telecommunications companies. That is why the Government of Canada helped to establish the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services (CCTS) in 2007. The CCTS is an independent organization that provides consumers with recourse when they are unable to resolve disagreements directly with their Telecommunications Service Provider (TSP).Although the CCTS had a 14% increase in the complaints it received last year, the CCTS has consistently resolved a high majority of the complaints it receives to the satisfaction of telecommunications customers. In their 2022-23 Annual Report, the CCTS reported that it had resolved 89% of the complaints it concluded that year to the satisfaction of both the consumer and the service provider, which is one percent higher than last year. The CCTS is well positioned to investigate any breaches of the Wireless Code and to ensure any issues are resolved appropriately. The CCTS is a valuable resource for Canadians seeking to resolve their telecommunications complaints, and is part of the Government’s overall approach to improving outcomes for consumers.More information on the Government's efforts to improve mobile connectivity and resiliency can be found in the Telecommunications Reliability Agenda, Canada’s Connectivity Strategy, and the 2023 Policy Direction. The Government will continue to take action to promote access to reliable and dependable telecommunications services in all regions of the country.
OntarioTélécommunications et industrie des télécommunications
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02023441-02023 (Transport)L’hon.DavidLamettiLaSalle—Émard—VerdunLibéralQC30 janvier 202418 mars 202419 janvier 2024PÉTITION À L'HONORABLE SEAN FRASER, MINISTRE DU LOGEMENT, DE L'INFRASTRUCTURE ET DES COLLECTIVITÉS, ET MINISTRE RESPONSABLE D'INFRASTRUCTURE CANADAATTENDU QUE :1. Le projet de corridor du nouveau pont pour le Saint-Laurent prévoit une obligation contractuelle de la part du consortium Signature sur le Saint-Laurent (SSL) pour respecter certains niveaux sonores, notamment dans les zones en bordure de l'approche Nord de l'A15;2. Les relevés sonores effectués indépendamment par l'Arrondissement de Verdun, Infrastructure Canada et SSL confirment que les niveaux sonores dépassent les seuils, et ce, depuis 2020;3. Infrastructure Canada a publiquement reconnu les faits depuis au moins avril 2021, et a promis de corriger la situation;4. Une réunion virtuelle tenue conjointement par SSL et Infrastructure Canada le 13 octobre 2021 à l'intention des résidents touchés réitérait l'intention de corriger la situation;5. Deux ans plus tard, aucun correctif n'a été déployé et ni SSL, ni Infrastructure Canada n'a répondu aux multiples demandes de suivi de la part des citoyens.Nous, soussignés, résidents des zones affectées par le niveau de bruit supérieur aux limites permises, demandons à l'honorable Sean Fraser, Ministre du Logement, de l'Infrastructure et des Collectivités de :
  • S'assurer que les solutions techniques appropriées soient implantées dans les plus brefs délais;
  • Mettre en place une cellule de communication entre Infrastructure Canada et les citoyens permettant d'échanger de façon efficace et avec célérité;
  • De continuer à réaliser des relevés sonores à intervalles réguliers dans la zone visée pour les 30 prochaines années et appliquer les correctifs nécessaires, le cas échéant.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleSince the outset of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor project, the Government of Canada has prioritized ensuring that residents living in the areas surrounding the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor are able to peacefully enjoy their properties. Noise management and reductions have been important for both Infrastructure Canada (INFC) and its private partner, Signature on the Saint Lawrence Group (SSL), in both the construction phase and in the operations phase.As a result, from 2012 to 2014, before the beginning of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor project, an environmental evaluation was performed in order to establish a baseline for the Project Agreement. This assessment was able to:•    Determine the noise impacts of the project;•    Identify noise sensitive areas;•    Create a series of baseline pre-project noise levels to measure against.The Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor project is being delivered as a public-private partnership between the Government of Canada, represented by INFC, and the private partner, SSL. The two parties are bound by the New Bridge for the St. Lawrence Project Agreement, signed on June 16, 2015 for the design, construction, financing, operating, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the corridor (Project Agreement). INFC is the project authority responsible for the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor project. The department is responsible for ensuring compliance of the Project Agreement, notably in the areas of environmental protection and the related performance criteria therein, in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada, who is the contracting authority for the project. INFC oversees and measures the quality of work carried out by SSL, particularly in terms of environmental studies, and identifies any deficiencies that require correction.SSL is responsible for the design, construction, financing, operation, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor project. SSL is also responsible for controlling and measuring the quality of work required in the Project Agreement and to make any corrections to deficiencies as needed. Any corrections performed must adhere to the standard set out in the Project Agreement. SSL is contractually obligated to take noise level measurements at 1, 5, and 10 years following the opening of the bridge to ensure that noise levels are in line with the requirements of the Project Agreement. Road vehicle counts are also performed to ensure the sound prediction model is accurate. The Project Agreement stipulates a minimum intervention threshold for sound to evaluate the effectiveness of sound barriers and, once triggered, requires that corrective measures be put in place once an acoustic issue is detected. SSL is responsible for modifying or replacing any and all noise abatement barriers deemed insufficient for the required noise levels.The work done by SSL and INFC is carried out using professional equipment such as sound meters in accordance with the parameters set out in the Ministère des Transports du Québec’s Methodological Guide related to noise pollution studies for existing road infrastructure. This is done over a 24 hour period to obtain data that is truly representative of the noise in a given area.Noise levels must be measured based on the following conditions:•    Over a 24 hour period within previously identified sensitive areas;•    1.5m from the ground and 3.5m from buildings;•    In favourable weather conditions (no precipitation, wind speeds below 20km/h); and•    In conditions where all other sources of noise are filtered out.Improvements to Noise Abatement Barriers:In fall 2023, SSL developed an action plan to improve the noise levels for residents living close to highway A15, which respects the noise criteria defined in the Project Agreement. The work, which was done between November 17 and December 22, 2023, included removing existing noise abatement barriers and replacing them with new, thicker, and more acoustically absorbent barriers. Furthermore, the height of the barriers was increased, as per SSL’s acoustic modelling, while maintaining the placement and configuration of the panels and respecting urban integration directives which call for both opaque and transparent panels. In 2024, a follow-up noise measurement campaign will be undertaken to determine the effectiveness of the new noise abatement barriers. The results will be analyzed and shared with elected officials and the general public.INFC and SSL both have the public’s wellbeing at heart and place a high importance on communication with different stakeholders and citizens.As such, neighbourhood committees and other forums were held on a regular basis during the construction period whereby the progress of the work was discussed, but also where updates on the project were provided regularly, including information related to noise barriers. In addition to the neighbourhood committees, INFC and SSL have worked and continue to work hand in hand with various partners located around the Samuel De Champlain Bridge Corridor, most notably the City of Montréal, to coordinate different projects and respond to challenges that arise. When necessary, meetings or communications can take place with elected officials or the general public. Finally, INFC and SSL are always available to respond to questions, requests for information, and concerns through several different methods, including our respective Websites (Samuel de Champlain Bridge - Infrastructure Canada) and SSL’s call centre (514-360-8181).  
Bruit et pollution par le bruitCorridors de transportPont Champlain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4697e-4697 (Santé)AndrewKonecnyAnitaVandenbeldOttawa-Ouest—NepeanLibéralON22 novembre 2023 à 11 h 45 (HAE)21 janvier 2024 à 11 h 45 (HAE)29 janvier 202418 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition au <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">premier ministre</Addressee>Attendu que : Novembre est le mois national de la sensibilisation au diabète;Quatre millions de Canadiens ont reçu un diagnostic de diabète (type 1 et 2), 1,7 million ont un diabète de type 2 non diagnostiqué et 6 millions sont prédiabétiques;Le gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique, en mars 2023, a soulevé la question d’une pénurie d’Ozempic (15 % expédiés de la Colombie-Britannique vers les États-Unis);En 2022, au Canada, plus de 3,5 millions d’ordonnances d’Ozempic (1,2 milliard de dollars) ont été délivrées par des pharmacies de détail (données fournies au National Post par IQVIA CompuSript);CBC Ottawa a rapporté que Barry Power, de l’Association des pharmaciens du Canada (APC), a déclaré qu’une enquête interne menée par l’APC a révélé qu’entre 25 % et 50 % des ordonnances canadiennes d’Ozempic sont destinées à la perte de poids;Santé Canada confirme que la pénurie d’Ozempic se poursuivra jusqu’en mars 2024, tandis que le gouvernement belge estime qu’elle durera jusqu’en juin 2024;D’autres gouvernements réglementent l’utilisation non conforme de médicaments essentiels pour les diabétiques (c’est-à-dire qu’ils causeraient la mort ou des lésions corporelles s’ils n’étaient pas disponibles). Au Canada, l’utilisation de l’Ozempic pour la perte de poids constitue une utilisation non conforme; Des mesures urgentes sont nécessaires pour éviter des décès ou des lésions corporelles inutiles.Nous les soussignés, résidents et citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de mettre en œuvre des lois et des règlements visant à limiter la prescription de certains médicaments contre le diabète, notamment les médicaments Ozempic (semaglutide), Rybelsus et Victoza de Novo Nordisk; Trulicity et Mounjaro (terzepatide) d’Eli Lilly Co.; Bydureon d’AstraZeneca Plc et tous les autres médicaments similaires, aux patients résidant au Canada chez qui on a diagnostiqué un diabète de type 2 ou des types spécifiques d’obésité, comme déterminé par Santé Canada en collaboration avec les provinces et les territoires du Canada.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Yasir NaqviHealth Canada recognizes the importance of Ozempic (semaglutide) and other Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. There have been concerns about the availability of Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Ensuring there is adequate supply of these products is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Supply issues have impacted the Canadian supply of GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists because of high global demand. While manufacturers are continuing to receive supplies in Canada, and improvements are being seen, certain products are still experiencing some constraints and may not always be available at pharmacies.Efforts are being made to increase manufacturing capacity but it will take time to build up supply levels to meet the demand. Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. (NNCI) has advised Health Canada that the shortage of Ozempic 1mg pen was resolved on January 18, 2024. The shortage of their lower-dose product (0.25mg/0.5mg) was also resolved on February 17, 2024. NNCI is not currently experiencing any supply issues for Rybelsus and Victoza. Eli Lilly Canada Inc. (Eli Lilly) has advised Health Canada that shortages of Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are expected throughout early 2024 due to increased demand and competitor shortages. AstraZeneca Canada Inc.’s Bydureon (exenatide) has not been marketed in Canada since 2022.Health Canada is working with manufacturers and stakeholders to monitor supply, mitigate the impacts of the supply disruptions on patients, look at how these products can be made more available and ensure that patients living with diabetes can access the medication they need. Health Canada has issued a supply notice on Ozempic where Canadians can find the latest information on the supply and use of the product.  The GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists currently authorized and marketed in Canada are indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Prescribing these products for weight loss would be considered off-label use as it is not an indication approved by Health Canada. Off-label use refers to the use of a marketed health product outside of indications included in approved drug labeling. While Health Canada oversees the regulation of drugs, it has no jurisdiction over how health care professionals prescribe drugs once they are approved. Health Canada understands the concerns related to the off -label use, however, the decision to prescribe a drug for off-label use is part of the “practice of medicine”, which is regulated by the provinces and territories. The decision involves the health care professional diagnosing a patient's symptoms and deciding which treatment would be most appropriate. The practice of medicine allows a healthcare professional to use their professional judgement/knowledge to determine whether a drug can be useful to a patient if used off-label. Practice of medicine is under the purview of the provincial and territorial Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, which oversee medical practice and well-established clinical guidelines.On December 6, 2023, Health Canada published recommendations from clinical experts for prescribers while Ozempic and other GLP-1/GIP agonists are in shortage. These expert groups recommended that prescribers:
  • do not start new patients on these drugs that are in shortage, unless there are no suitable alternatives and there’s a clinical reason to do so;
  • consider prescribing an alternative drug for patients taking a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that is in shortage, as a continuous supply can’t be guaranteed; and  
  • conserve the existing supply for patients who are stabilized and have no other treatment options.
Health Canada will continue to work with manufacturers and stakeholders to ensure the supply of Ozempic and other GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists are made available for patients living with type 2 diabetes. Health Canada encourages patients who have concerns about access to these drugs to speak to a health care professional about their options.
DiabèteMédicamentsObésité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4676e-4676 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)OleHendricksonSophieChatelPontiacLibéralQC11 décembre 2023 à 14 h 07 (HAE)10 janvier 2024 à 14 h 07 (HAE)29 janvier 202418 mars 202412 janvier 2024Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Les Laboratoires nucléaires canadiens (LNC), une ancienne filiale d’Énergie atomique du Canada limitée (EACL), ont lancé les tout premiers grands projets canadiens de stockage permanent des déchets radioactifs provenant de réacteurs nucléaires; Ces projets concernent les déchets « hérités » du gouvernement du Canada : l’élimination in situ de deux réacteurs d’EACL mis à l’arrêt, et l’Installation de gestion des déchets près de la surface des Laboratoires de Chalk River d’EACL, en Ontario, laquelle établit un précédent; L’approbation de ces projets pourrait contrevenir à l’article 29 2. de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (DNUDPA), selon lequel les États devraient veiller à ce qu’« aucune matière dangereuse ne soit stockée ou déchargée sur les terres ou territoires des peuples autochtones sans leur consentement préalable, donné librement et en connaissance de cause »; Lors des audiences de la Commission canadienne de sûreté nucléaire (CCSN), des experts en gestion des déchets radioactifs ont mis en doute la conformité de ces projets avec les normes de sécurité de l’Agence internationale de l’énergie atomique (AIEA);L’AIEA dispose d’un service d’examen « ARTEMIS », qui fournit des conseils indépendants sur la gestion des déchets radioactifs et qui pourrait éclairer les décisions relatives à ces projets;En mai 2018, un représentant de la CCSN a indiqué aux organismes de réglementation internationaux qu’un examen ARTEMIS était prévu, mais aucun n’a été réalisé;Le paragraphe 19 (1) de la Loi sur la sûreté et la réglementation nucléaires accorde au gouverneur en conseil le pouvoir de donner à la CCSN des instructions d’orientation générale sur sa mission. Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de donner instruction à la CCSN de ne prendre aucune décision concernant l’autorisation d’une installation de stockage de déchets radioactifs à moins que les obligations du Canada en lien avec la DNUDPA ne soient respectées, et demander que les principaux projets des Laboratoires nucléaires canadiens relatifs au stockage permanent des déchets radioactifs hérités du gouvernement fassent l’objet d’un examen ARTEMIS de l’AIEA.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to the safe, effective, and environmentally sound management of radioactive waste. Advancing reconciliation and protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is the government’s top priority when it comes to nuclear energy and radioactive waste.  In addition, the Government of Canada recognizes the unique status and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and is committed to upholding these rights and implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (the UN Declaration) in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, with regard to radioactive waste management and decommissioning.The development, production, and use of nuclear energy and materials are regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, Canada’s independent nuclear regulator, which comprises the Commission and CNSC staff. All nuclear projects, including the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) proposed by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and other proposed legacy radioactive waste projects, require the Commission’s authorization, under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), and they may also require an environmental assessment or an impact assessment. Pursuant to its mandate and responsibilities set out in the NSCA, the Commission is as an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that makes science and evidence-based decisions and solicits information from interested Canadians and Indigenous Peoples through public engagement and hearings. Federal departments, such as Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Natural Resources Canada, as well as other levels of government, participate in and contribute to environmental assessments, where applicable, for proposed major nuclear projects based on their expertise and knowledge. Along with public participation and input, including from Indigenous Peoples, this ensures an open, balanced process that strengthens the quality and credibility of a project’s review. The Commission approves projects under the NSCA if it concludes that they will be safe for the public and the environment, both now and into the future, that Canadians have been engaged, and that Indigenous Peoples have been sufficiently and appropriately consulted. The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources has no role in the Commission’s independent licensing decisions under the NSCA and did not participate in the environmental assessment decision of the NSDF project under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA, 2012).The Commission ensures that all decisions it carries out under federal legislation uphold the honour of the Crown and that consultations with Indigenous Peoples and groups are undertaken whenever the Commission’s decisions or conduct may have a potential impact on Aboriginal or treaty rights protected under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. As Canada’s nuclear regulator, the CNSC is committed to long-term relationship building and to enabling meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and groups in Commission proceedings and CNSC regulatory processes.On June 21, 2021, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UN Declaration Act) received Royal Assent and came into force. This Act requires the Government of Canada, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to: take all measures necessary to ensure that the laws (including regulations) of Canada are consistent with the Declaration (section 5); prepare and implement an action plan to achieve the Declaration’s objectives (section 6); and, table an annual report on progress to align the laws of Canada with the UN Declaration Act and on the action plan (section 7). The Action Plan was released in June 2023 and provides a roadmap of actions Canada needs to take in partnership with Indigenous peoples to implement the principles and rights set out in the UN Declaration and to further advance reconciliation in a tangible way.   Canada’s nuclear regulatory framework, including for radioactive waste management and decommissioning, is aligned with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards that are internationally well-regarded, as confirmed by peer reviews of international nuclear experts. In 2019, an IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Services (IRRS) Mission to Canada was requested by the Government of Canada. The purpose of the 2019 IRRS Mission was to perform a peer review of Canada’s regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety against IAEA Safety Standards, with a focus on radioactive waste management and decommissioning. The scope was more comprehensive than an IAEA Integrated Review Service for Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management, Decommissioning and Remediation (ARTEMIS) review. The Mission concluded that Canada has a comprehensive and robust regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety covering current facilities and activities. It also recommended that the Government should enhance the existing policy and establish the associated strategy to give effect to the principles stated in Canada’s former Radioactive Waste Policy Framework (1996). A follow-up IRRS Mission will occur in June 2024, to review Canada’s progress on meeting the recommendations of the 2019 Mission. In 2022, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) found that Canada does a good job of managing low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste.In 2023, the Government of Canada released a modernized Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning and accepted the Integrated Strategy for Radioactive Waste developed by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization and associated partners. Both reflect international best practices and enhance Canada’s framework so that radioactive waste management and disposal are carried out in a safe, environmentally sound, comprehensive, and integrated manner, now and for generations to come.Canada’s commitment to nuclear safety is further reinforced through participation and leadership in the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management (the Joint Convention). The Joint Convention is the first legally binding international treaty governing all aspects of spent fuel and radioactive waste management. Under the Joint Convention, delegates, including from Canada, participate in review meetings every three years to review the work of their peers to fulfill their obligations under the Convention.  The Government is confident that the CNSC will continue to follow international standards and best practices in its licensing decisions and as needed, conduct international peer reviews as part of its commitment to continuous improvement in the management of radioactive waste and decommissioning.
Déchets radioactifsGestion des déchets
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02020441-02020 (Environnement)SophieChatelPontiacLibéralQC29 janvier 202418 mars 202421 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des CommunesAttendu que :1. Le parc de la Gatineau est l'un des parcs les plus visités du Canada;2. Le parc de la Gatineau abrite environ 90 espèces de plantes et 50 espèces animales en péril;3. Les limites du parc de la Gatineau, qui appartient à tous les Canadiens, ne sont pas inscrites dans une Loi du Parlement;4. Des portions du parc de la Gatineau peuvent être retranchées, vendues, ou développées sans l'autorisation du Parlement;5. La direction du parc de la Gatineau manque l'autorité requise pour protéger les ressources naturelles du parc.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des Communes de modifier la Loi sur la Capitale-nationale afin de doter le parc de la Gatineau des protections légales nécessaires à sa préservation pour les générations futures.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Charles SousaGatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s largest and most popular natural space. The Park’s varied ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for over 5,000 species, including rare species found nowhere else in the region, and over 150 species at risk.The National Capital Commission’s (NCC’s) Gatineau Park Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Directors in January 2021, is a foundational planning document that outlines a comprehensive vision for managing Gatineau Park on a longterm horizon and guiding its planning, use, and management. The Master Plan was the product of a three-year, phased process that included extensive online and in-person consultations, as well as multiple engagements with a public advisory committee, representatives of the Algonquin Nation, local municipalities, elected officials, and stakeholders throughout the National Capital Region. It is structured around four key objectives: (1) conserving nature, (2) providing recreational and cultural experiences in nature, (3) promoting equitable and sustainable access, and (4) fostering engagement and collaboration.Gatineau Park encompasses an area of 36,100 hectares. As part of its conservation mandate the NCC has a policy of acquiring private property in the Park whenever possible, with a view to further consolidating the Park under NCC ownership. In 2008, 600 hectares were under private ownership. Since then, the NCC has acquired over 266 hectares, with only approximately 334 hectares of private property remaining in the Park. The NCC continues to actively pursue acquisition of private properties.Land owned by the NCC within Gatineau Park is federal public land and therefore subject to federal legislation, including that relating to conservation and environmental protection. Compliance with these laws is paramount in the NCC’s decisions regarding the Park’s use and management.The results of this emphasis on conservation in Gatineau Park have been positive. The 2016-17 Status Report on Gatineau Park Ecosystems found that the overall condition of the Park is “good”, and that this condition remains stable.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Gatineau Park to the National Capital Region and Canadians. The Government will continue to support the NCC’s efforts to protect a critical jewel of the region
Conservation de la natureParc de la Gatineau
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4347e-4347 (Administration et services gouvernementaux)JohnMcDonnellSophieChatelPontiacLibéralQC21 mars 2023 à 15 h 10 (HAE)19 juillet 2023 à 15 h 10 (HAE)29 janvier 202418 mars 202419 juillet 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Le parc de la Gatineau est l’un des parcs les plus visités au Canada;On y trouve près de 90 espèces végétales et 50 espèces animales menacées;Les limites du parc de la Gatineau, qui appartient à tous les Canadiens, ne sont pas inscrites dans une loi du Parlement;Des sections du parc peuvent être éliminées, développées ou cédées sans l’autorisation du Parlement; Les gestionnaires du parc de la Gatineau n’ont pas le pouvoir nécessaire pour protéger les ressources naturelles du parc.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de modifier la Loi sur la capitale nationale afin d’accorder au parc de la Gatineau la protection juridique nécessaire pour que l’on assure sa préservation pour les générations futures.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Charles SousaGatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s largest and most popular natural space. The Park’s varied ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for over 5,000 species, including rare species found nowhere else in the region, and over 150 species at risk.The National Capital Commission’s (NCC’s) Gatineau Park Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Directors in January 2021, is a foundational planning document that outlines a comprehensive vision for managing Gatineau Park on a longterm horizon and guiding its planning, use, and management. The Master Plan was the product of a three-year, phased process that included extensive online and in-person consultations, as well as multiple engagements with a public advisory committee, representatives of the Algonquin Nation, local municipalities, elected officials, and stakeholders throughout the National Capital Region. It is structured around four key objectives: (1) conserving nature, (2) providing recreational and cultural experiences in nature, (3) promoting equitable and sustainable access, and (4) fostering engagement and collaboration.Gatineau Park encompasses an area of 36,100 hectares. As part of its conservation mandate the NCC has a policy of acquiring private property in the Park whenever possible, with a view to further consolidating the Park under NCC ownership. In 2008, 600 hectares were under private ownership. Since then, the NCC has acquired over 266 hectares, with only approximately 334 hectares of private property remaining in the Park. The NCC continues to actively pursue acquisition of private properties.Land owned by the NCC within Gatineau Park is federal public land and therefore subject to federal legislation, including that relating to conservation and environmental protection. Compliance with these laws is paramount in the NCC’s decisions regarding the Park’s use and management.The results of this emphasis on conservation in Gatineau Park have been positive. The 2016-17 Status Report on Gatineau Park Ecosystems found that the overall condition of the Park is “good”, and that this condition remains stable.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Gatineau Park to the National Capital Region and Canadians. The Government will continue to support the NCC’s efforts to protect a critical jewel of the region. 
Commission de la capitale nationaleParc de la GatineauParcs nationaux, provinciaux et territoriaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02017441-02017 (Processus démocratique)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON29 janvier 202418 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • La réforme électorale demeure un enjeu fondamental pour les citoyens, quelle que soit leur allégeance politique, mais les politiciens ne réussissent pas à s’entendre sur la voie à suivre;
  • Une nouvelle approche est donc nécessaire pour construire un consensus au sein de la population;
  • On sait que les assemblées citoyennes représentatives et non partisanes, si elles disposent des ressources nécessaires, du soutien de spécialistes et de suffisamment de temps, réussissent à traiter efficacement l’enjeu de la réforme électorale et à bâtir un consensus citoyen.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Permettre aux citoyens de s’exprimer sur la réforme électorale et leur donner le droit de faire des recommandations à ce sujet;
  • Soutenir la motion M-86 sur la tenue d’une assemblée citoyenne consacrée à la réforme électorale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.As part of this continuous improvement, in 2021, the Prime Minister asked the now-Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs to consider the Chief Electoral Officer’s legislative recommendations from the 43rd and 44th general elections to further support transparency, fairness and participation in the federal electoral process. And more recently, in March 2022, the Prime Minister announced an agreement reached by the Liberal Party of Canada and the New Democratic Party in Parliament, Delivering for Canadians Now, A Supply and Confidence Agreement, which recognizes a shared commitment to maintaining the health of Canada’s democracy and the need to remove barriers to voting and participation by exploring ways to expand the ability for people to vote.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024441-02016441-02016 (Santé)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON29 janvier 202418 mars 202423 janvier 2024Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is an important issue. The Government recently tabled online harms legislation (Bill C-63), which recognizes the need to better protect children online.Bill C-63 proposes to create the Online Harms Act, whichaims to promote online safety by reducing exposure to harmful content on social media services, with a special emphasis on protecting children.The Online Harms Act imposes three statutory duties that establish minimum standards that services must meet to ensure the safety of Canadians online:
  1. Duty to Act Responsibly
  2. Duty to Protect Children
  3. Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible
The Duty to Act Responsibly establishes a standard of conduct that social media services must follow to ensure the safety of users on their platforms and to create more transparency and accountability about how they deal with harmful content. The Duty to Protect Children requires social media services to provide protections for children online including the integration of age-appropriate design features on their platforms and to be more transparent by reporting on the specific measures that they are taking to protect children. Design features could include things like defaults for parental controls, default settings related to warning labels for children, or safe search settings for a service’s internal search function. They could also include design features to limit children’s exposure to harmful content, including explicit adult content, cyberbullying content and content that incites self-harm.The Duty to Make Certain Content Inaccessible requires social media services to expeditiously remove two categories of content from their services: 
  1. Content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor, and 
  2. Intimate content communicated without consent. 
The Act also creates a new Digital Safety Commission of Canada to oversee and enforce the Act; a Digital Safety Ombudsperson of Canada to advocate for and support victims and a Digital Safety Office of Canada which supports both administratively. Part of the Digital Safety Commission’s mandate would be to enforce the removal of content that sexually victimizes a child or revictimizes a survivor and intimate content communicated without consent; and to promote societal resilience to harms online and set new standards for online safety by providing guidance to services on how to mitigate risk, perform research, work with stakeholders, and develop educational resources for the public, including children and parents. Overall, the Digital Safety Commission would be able to enact guidelines and regulations under the three duties, which would allow the legislation to be adaptable and to grow over time as the landscape of harmful content affecting children changes.The Government has also looked at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.The Online Harms legislation was developed following extensive consultations by the Government of Canada since 2021, including public consultations, an Expert Advisory Group on Online Safety, a Citizens’ Assembly on Democratic Expression focused on online safety, and 22 online and virtual roundtables across Canada, as well as consultations held in 2020 by the Minister of Justice, when he was Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice. During these engagements there was strong consensus for protecting children and youth from online harm. Summaries of consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlOverall, the Government believes Bill C-63 would create stronger online protections for children and better safeguard everyone in Canada from online hate and other types of harmful content. It would hold online platforms, including livestreaming and user-uploaded adult content services, accountable for reducing users’ exposure to harmful content on their platforms and help prevent its spread.Despite its important policy objective, we do not believe that Bill S-210 is the best way to achieve the goal of protecting children online. It is a partial, piecemeal solution that ignores many of the most harmful forms of content that affect children online, including cyberbullying, incitement to self-harm, and child-sexual-abuse material. Furthermore, the bill has a broad scope and would regulate more websites than just adult websites and more content than pornographic content, it imposes unrealistic timelines for implementation and compliance, it raises a range of potential privacy risks, and it relies on website blocking which is a contentious enforcement mechanism with freedom of expression risks. 
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 mars 2024e-4594e-4594 (Fiscalité)KeriMartensGordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC11 octobre 2023 à 9 h 18 (HAE)10 décembre 2023 à 9 h 18 (HAE)29 janvier 202418 mars 202412 décembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers intervenants essentiels à la lutte contre les incendies au Canada;De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels engagés dans des opérations de recherche et sauvetage interviennent chaque année dans des milliers d’incidents;Le code des impôts du Canada permet actuellement aux pompiers volontaires et aux bénévoles en recherche et sauvetage de demander un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ si 200 heures de services volontaires ont été effectuées au cours d’une année civile;Cela ne représente que 450 $ par an, que nous permettons à ces volontaires essentiels de conserver sur les gains provenant de leur emploi régulier, soit 2,25 $ de l’heure;S’ils font plus de 200 heures de bénévolat, ce qui est le cas de beaucoup d’entre eux, ce crédit d’impôt est encore plus faible;Non seulement ces volontaires essentiels mettent leur vie en danger et font bénéficier les Canadiens de leur temps, de leur formation et de leurs efforts, mais ils permettent également aux villes et aux municipalités de maintenir les impôts fonciers à un niveau inférieur à celui qui serait rendu nécessaire pour des prestations rémunérées;L'augmentation de ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de conserver une plus grande partie des sommes durement gagnées qu’ils dépenseraient probablement dans les collectivités dans lesquelles ils vivent;Cela permettrait également de retenir ces volontaires à une époque où le bénévolat est en baisse.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et d’adopter des modifications aux paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin d'augmenter le montant du crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $ pour les pompiers volontaires engagés dans la lutte contre les incendies et les opérations de recherche et sauvetage.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe community service shown by volunteer firefighters and search and rescue volunteers, especially following the extraordinary fire season over the past summer, is exemplary. The Government of Canada recognizes this service through the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit.In addition to this credit, the government has committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 février 2024441-02018441-02018 (Environnement)SophieChatelPontiacLibéralQC29 janvier 202429 février 202420 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des CommunesAttendu que :1. Le parc de la Gatineau est l'un des parcs les plus visités du Canada;2. Le parc de la Gatineau abrite environ 90 espèces de plantes et 50 espèces animales en péril;3. Les limites du parc de la Gatineau, qui appartient à tous les Canadiens, ne sont pas inscrites dans une Loi du Parlement;4. Des portions du parc de la Gatineau peuvent être retranchées, vendues, ou développées sans l'autorisation du Parlement;5. La direction du parc de la Gatineau manque l'autorité requise pour protéger les ressources naturelles du parc.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des Communes de modifier la Loi sur la Capitale-nationale afin de doter le parc de la Gatineau des protections légales nécessaires à sa préservation pour les générations futures.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Charles SousaGatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s largest and most popular natural space. The Park’s varied ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for over 5,000 species, including rare species found nowhere else in the region, and over 150 species at risk.The National Capital Commission’s (NCC’s) Gatineau Park Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Directors in January 2021, is a foundational planning document that outlines a comprehensive vision for managing Gatineau Park on a longterm horizon and guiding its planning, use, and management. The Master Plan was the product of a three-year, phased process that included extensive online and in-person consultations, as well as multiple engagements with a public advisory committee, representatives of the Algonquin Nation, local municipalities, elected officials, and stakeholders throughout the National Capital Region. It is structured around four key objectives: (1) conserving nature, (2) providing recreational and cultural experiences in nature, (3) promoting equitable and sustainable access, and (4) fostering engagement and collaboration.Gatineau Park encompasses an area of 36,100 hectares. As part of its conservation mandate the NCC has a policy of acquiring private property in the Park whenever possible, with a view to further consolidating the Park under NCC ownership. In 2008, 600 hectares were under private ownership. Since then, the NCC has acquired over 266 hectares, with only approximately 334 hectares of private property remaining in the Park. The NCC continues to actively pursue acquisition of private properties.Land owned by the NCC within Gatineau Park is federal public land and therefore subject to federal legislation, including that relating to conservation and environmental protection. Compliance with these laws is paramount in the NCC’s decisions regarding the Park’s use and management.The results of this emphasis on conservation in Gatineau Park have been positive. The 2016-17 Status Report on Gatineau Park Ecosystems found that the overall condition of the Park is “good”, and that this condition remains stable.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Gatineau Park to the National Capital Region and Canadians. The Government will continue to support the NCC’s efforts to protect a critical jewel of the region. 
Conservation de la natureParc de la Gatineau
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée28 février 2024e-3956e-3956 (Justice)SoniaRobinsonPamDamoffOakville-Nord—BurlingtonLibéralON30 mars 2022 à 10 h 54 (HAE)28 juillet 2022 à 10 h 54 (HAE)29 janvier 202428 février 20248 août 2022Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :La violence faite aux femmes est une crise de santé publique au Canada qui nécessite la prise de mesures urgentes;Le système judiciaire actuel au Canada n’est pas équipé pour protéger les femmes; La violence conjugale touche une femme sur quatre au cours de sa vie;Une femme ou une fille est tuée tous les deux jours, en moyenne, quelque part au Canada;Parallèlement, le taux d’enfants tués par un parent violent augmente parce que les juges ne tiennent pas compte des signaux d’alarme et mettent les enfants directement en danger;Les enfants ne sont pas seulement exposés à la violence familiale, ils la subissent; Dans le pire des cas, les enfants sont tués par un parent violent; Chaque année au Canada, une trentaine d’enfants sont tués par un de leurs parents; La mère est responsable dans environ 40 % des cas, souvent à cause d’une dépression postnatale ou d’un trouble mental;Dans les 60 % des cas où le père est le meurtrier, le mobile est généralement la colère, la jalousie ou la vengeance à la suite d’une séparation;Les juges doivent suivre une formation sur la violence conjugale et le contrôle coercitif;Un programme de formation structuré offrirait un autre rempart aux victimes et permettrait de prévenir la violence et les mauvais traitements;La Loi de Keira porte le nom de Keira Kagan, tuée par son père à l’âge de quatre ans en 2020; Un vote pour la Loi de Keira, qu’édicterait le projet de loi C-233, aura pour effet non seulement de protéger les victimes de violence et les enfants, mais aussi de sauver des vies.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’appuyer le projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire C-233 parrainé par Anju Dhillon, qui prévoit une formation accrue pour les juges de nomination fédérale sur la violence conjugale et le contrôle coercitif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyPrivate Member’s Bill C-233, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Judges Act (violence against an intimate partner), received Royal Assent on April 27, 2023. The Government was proud to support this important bill and pleased to see it receive Royal Assent.
C-233, Loi modifiant le Code criminel et la Loi sur les juges (violence contre un partenaire intime)Libération conditionnelleViolence familiale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée28 février 2024441-02014441-02014 (Travail et emploi)WarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservateurSK29 janvier 202428 février 20241 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02012441-02012 (Affaires sociales et égalité)BrendanHanleyYukonLibéralYT15 décembre 202329 janvier 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • En novembre 2020, le rapport final du Comité spécial de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard sur la pauvreté dans la province a recommandé au gouvernement de l’Île d’entreprendre sans tarder des négociations avec le gouvernement du Canada en vue d’élaborer et de mettre en œuvre un programme de revenu minimum garanti dans la province;
  • Tous les partis politiques de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard se sont dits en faveur, comme le réclame le rapport, du lancement d’un projet pilote de revenu minimum garanti dans la province;
  • Ce projet profiterait à tout le Canada, puisque la pauvreté est le premier déterminant social de la santé et que des approches audacieuses et créatives sont nécessaires pour comprendre et traiter dans leur complexité les causes réelles et les conséquences de la pauvreté au pays.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Commencer sans tarder des négociations avec le gouvernement de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard en vue de l’élaboration et de la mise en œuvre d’un projet pilote de revenu minimum garanti dans la province, lequel projet sera administré, contrôlé et évalué pendant au moins cinq ans.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is taking crucial steps to help make life more affordable for more Canadians, while investing to grow the economy and create jobs.  Income security is a shared responsibility across all orders of government. The federal Government recognizes the importance of working with provinces and territories to address issues regarding affordability for Canadians.This petition calls for the Government of Canada to negotiate with the Government of Prince Edward Island to develop and implement a Basic Income Guarantee demonstration program for Prince Edward Island. If the province of Prince Edward Island decides to proceed with a basic income pilot, the Government of Canada would be pleased to collaborate and could potentially share federal-level administrative, survey, and tax data that could support program design and evaluation.The Government of Canada has already implemented programs that address some elements of a partial basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, and the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. These and other initiatives have contributed to progress on lifting Canadians out of poverty. These programs complement provincial and territorial programs, including those that deliver social assistance.In addition, recent budgets introduced several measures that will help to reduce poverty and inequality. For example, Budget 2023 made significant investments to build a healthier Canada and deliver affordable dental care, including $13 billion over five years, and $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the Canada Dental Care Plan.  The Government is also working with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based early learning child care system. The federal government is providing provinces and territories with significant funding to support substantial reductions to families for the cost of regulated child care spaces.The Government of Canada also undertakes research and analysis on potential basic income programs and other approaches that could positively impact Canada’s economy and society, as part of its efforts to tackle poverty and to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed.
Île-du-Prince-ÉdouardRevenu annuel garanti
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4604e-4604 (Récompenses et distinctions honorifiques)CatherineBibeau-LorrainMaximeBlanchette-JoncasRimouski-Neigette—Témiscouata—Les BasquesBloc QuébécoisQC28 septembre 2023 à 9 h 59 (HAE)27 novembre 2023 à 9 h 59 (HAE)15 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :La communauté étudiante en recherche aux cycles supérieurs constitue la main-d’œuvre du Québec et du Canada en matière de recherche et d’innovation. Chaque jour, ils font des découvertes qui contribuent à notre société. Ces découvertes sont le moteur de notre économie, et nous avons besoin de leur créativité et de leur savoir pour que le Québec et le Canada restent compétitifs sur la scène internationale. Malheureusement, les communautés étudiantes québécoises et canadiennes diplômées et en recherche aux cycles supérieurs sont mal rémunérées en raison de la stagnation, depuis 20 ans, du financement des organismes subventionnaires fédéraux. Ce manque d’investissement entraîne une perte rapide de talents, qui abandonnent leurs recherches et qui ne peuvent pas se permettre de vivre dans la pauvreté. Le succès du Québec et du Canada dépend de sa capacité à retenir et à attirer les meilleures personnes étudiantes chercheuses aux cycles supérieurs.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Augmenter de 50 % la valeur des bourses d’études des cycles supérieurs et des bourses postdoctorales attribuées par les trois organismes subventionnaires et de les indexer sur l’inflation;2. Augmenter de 50 % le nombre de bourses d’études des cycles supérieurs attribuées par les trois organismes subventionnaires;3. Augmenter de 100 % le nombre de bourses postdoctorales attribuées par les trois organismes subventionnaires;4. Augmenter d’au moins 10 % par an au cours des cinq prochaines années le budget des subventions de recherche accordées aux facultés par les trois organismes, afin d’augmenter la rémunération des étudiants des cycles supérieurs et des chercheurs postdoctoraux.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Government of Canada recognizes that investment in research and talent is critical to driving discoveries and innovative breakthroughs that generate social, health, and economic benefits for Canadians and to help train the next generation of diverse research leaders. Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $16 billion to support the valuable contributions that scientists and researchers make to the health, well-being, and prosperity of all Canadians.Through Budget 2021, the government announced a total of $1 billion to strengthen research systems and talent pipelines for biomanufacturing and life sciences through the Tri-Council Canada Biomedical Research Fund, the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Clinical Trials Fund. Budget 2021 also provided $360 million to launch the National Quantum Strategy to amplify Canada's significant strength in quantum research, grow our quantum-ready technologies and talent, and solidify Canada's leadership in the field.The Government of Canada acknowledges the critical role that federal scholarships and fellowships play in nurturing and sustaining Canada’s top talent through support for career progression and increased financial security and independence. The government also recognizes that a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential for creating innovative, impactful research. To this end, the granting agencies are continuing their work to increase opportunities for Black student researchers, using the funding received in Budget 2022 for targeted scholarships and fellowships.In Budget 2023, the government proposed $813.6 million in 2023-24 to increase Canada Student Grants by 40 percent, providing up to $4,200 for full-time students to support postsecondary students and make life more affordable. Budget 2023 further proposed to raise the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study and waive the requirement for mature students, aged 22 years or older, to undergo credit screening in order to qualify for federal student grants and loans for the first time, allowing up to 1,000 additional students to benefit from federal aid in the coming year.Budget 2023 also proposed $197.7 million in 2024-25 to the Student Work Placement Program to continue creating quality work-integrated learning opportunities for students through partnerships between employers and postsecondary institutions. This investment will support students in gaining the necessary skills, education, and real-life work experience to transition successfully into the workforce.Looking forward, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting a strong federal system that fosters new ideas, breakthroughs, and advancements. In order to cement Canada’s leadership position on the world stage, our research support system must meet the needs of today’s research, which is increasingly complex, collaborative, multi- and inter-disciplinary, and international. To these ends, the government recognizes the importance of continued evaluation of and investment in Canada’s science and research ecosystem. The government welcomes the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System’s report and is carefully reviewing the findings and recommendations, and taking them under consideration as it advances its efforts to support the research ecosystem and Canada’s top talent.
Bourses d'étudesÉtudes universitaires supérieuresRecherche universitaire
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4549e-4549 (Environnement)SageMcIntoshL’hon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservateurAB15 août 2023 à 15 h 39 (HAE)13 décembre 2023 à 15 h 39 (HAE)14 décembre 202329 janvier 202414 décembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :En décembre 2023, le gouvernement du Canada interdira les plastiques à usage unique à l’échelle du pays, y compris les sacs d’emplettes entièrement compostables de Calgary Co-op;Et ce, malgré le fait que Calgary Co op ait indiqué que leurs sacs ne contiennent aucune forme de plastique et qu’ils sont conçus pour être décomposés dans les installations locales de compostage dans les 28 jours;Calgary Co-op affirme que ses sacs sont extrêmement populaires auprès de leurs membres et qu’ils sont souvent réutilisés comme sacs de poubelle pour les déchets organiques ménagers, ce qui constitue une deuxième utilisation;Calgary Co-op a permis d’éviter que plus de 100 millions de sacs de plastique ne se retrouvent dans les sites d’enfouissement grâce à l’utilisation de leurs sacs d’emplettes compostables;La Ville de Calgary appuie l’utilisation des sacs compostables de Calgary Co-op, affirmant que ces derniers se décomposent entièrement dans leurs installations de compostage;Par ailleurs, l’interdiction du gouvernement fédéral dans sa forme actuelle permet à Calgary Co-op de vendre ses sacs compostables à même les étagères de son magasin, mais l’empêche de les vendre quelques pas plus loin près des caisses, ce qui est peu logique et ne permet pas réellement de restreindre leur utilisation; Cette interdiction non nécessaire pourrait ralentir l’élaboration et l’adoption de produits écologiques.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconnaître que les sacs compostables ne constituent pas des plastiques à usage unique et qu’ils méritent donc d’être exemptés de l’interdiction à venir.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTIn 2020, the Government of Canada released a Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution - a thorough scientific review of the occurrence and potential impacts of plastic pollution on human health and the environment. The Assessment found that plastic pollution is everywhere - in the air, water and land - and macroplastic pollution (greater than 5mm in size) harms wildlife and damages habitats. The Assessment concluded that, in accordance with the precautionary principle, action is needed to reduce plastics that end up in the environment.Single-use plastic checkout bags are one of the most common plastic pollution items, consistently listed as one of the top 12 items found littering shorelines and beaches in Canada and around the world. Plastic bag pollution is one of the most harmful macroplastic litter items to marine biota. It threatens wildlife through entanglement and ingestion and can disrupt habitat.The Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of single-use plastic checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws with some exceptions. From 2023 to 2032, it is estimated that the Regulations will avoid 22,000 tonnes of plastic pollution.On November 16, 2023, the Federal Court retroactively declared the 2021 Order adding “plastic manufactured items” to Schedule 1 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, invalid and unlawful. On December 8, 2023, the Government filed an appeal of the Federal Court’s decision. The Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations are in force and have spurred businesses across Canada to elevate their efforts and successfully transition to sustainable alternatives, including the adoption of reusable items.Compostable plastics require specific conditions in industrial composting facilities to degrade properly. According to the Government’s 2020 Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution, there is no significant evidence that biodegradable, compostable and biobased plastics will fully degrade in the natural environment. Thus, when biodegradable and compostable plastic bags enter the environment, they are a form of plastic pollution, just like conventional plastics. Their increased fragmentation can lead to micro and nanoplastics contaminating the environment and could impact ecosystem health. Public misconception that biodegradable and compostable plastics are environmentally friendly can also lead to increased littering and improper waste management practices of these materials. The Calgary Co-op bags are made from a type of plastic called polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biobased plastic resin made from starch and certified to a standard specific to compostable plastics (ASTM 6400 Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities). These standards require specific conditions for degradation (i.e., industrial composting or recycling facilities) that are not present in the natural environment. Third-party testing provided to Environment and Climate Change Canada by Calgary Co-op only demonstrates that the bags are not made of polyethylene, which is a conventional, fossil fuel-based resin. The Government’s 2020 Science Assessment of Plastic Pollution clearly indicates that plastics can be made from either petroleum or plant-based starting materials.There are no accredited standards or certifications in North America to ensure the natural degradation of biodegradable or compostable plastics, including bags, in the environment and without causing harm to the environment and wildlife.The approach in these Regulations is consistent with other countries as well as other jurisdictions in Canada that have implemented bans, including Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and dozens of municipalities across Canada.Compostable plastic bags require specific conditions in industrial composting facilities to degrade properly.  During consultations on the proposed Regulations, municipal and provincial governments, as well as recyclers and non-governmental organizations, were mostly supportive of treating single-use items made from non-conventional plastics in the same manner as their conventional plastic counterparts. They stated that difficulty distinguishing compostable from non-compostable plastics leads to the contamination of both the recycling and composting streams. Loose single-use plastic checkout bags are also known to hamper recycling systems by becoming caught up in sorting and processing machinery.A reusable item is designed to be used multiple times, for the same use, without losing its original functionality. Using single-use plastic checkout bags for a second time as a bin liner or lunch bag does not mean that they are reusable. As described in the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement accompanying the Regulations, the Government estimates that any benefit from these kinds of secondary uses is offset by the environmental harm caused by the item when it becomes plastic pollution.To help businesses and organizations transition away from the prohibited items, the Government of Canada has developed a guidance document outlining important considerations when selecting alternative products or systems that prevent plastic pollution and help Canada transition to a circular economy. Reduction strategies and reusable alternatives to single-use plastic items are identified as preferable in terms of overall long-term costs and environmental impacts.Many life cycle assessments conclude that a reusable substitute must be used many times before its environmental impacts equal or become less than that of a single-use plastic. That is why the Regulations mandate minimum performance standards for reusable plastic checkout bags. This is to ensure that reusable alternatives made of plastic can be reused enough times to minimize or negate many of the negative environmental effects identified at the upstream stage of the product lifecycle.Environment and Climate Change Canada recognizes there is ongoing research and innovation on biodegradable and compostable plastics, and when designed in consideration of the full lifecycle, used in suitable applications and with access to the appropriate systems, technology and infrastructure, biodegradable and compostable plastics may offer an environmentally promising future pathway that could support the goal of zero plastic waste.  Environment and Climate Change Canada is working with partners and stakeholders, including provinces and territories, to advance science on non-conventional plastics, which will inform future actions to promote innovation, clean growth and circularity in this sector for applications outside of the items prohibited by these Regulations.  
CompostageInterdictionSacs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02009441-02009 (Justice)BobZimmerPrince George—Peace River—Northern RockiesConservateurBC14 décembre 202329 janvier 20248 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :Cette interdiction cible injustement les propriétaires d’armes à feu canadiens, qui sont déjà parmi les plus contrôlés de la société canadienne. Les détenteurs de permis de possession et d’acquisition (PPA) et de PPA à autorisation restreinte (PPA-AFAR) sont soumis à un contrôle quotidien et il est statistiquement prouvé qu’ils sont moins susceptibles de commettre des crimes que les détenteurs d’armes à feu qui ne possèdent pas ces permis;L’interdiction des « armes d’assaut de style militaire » n’empêche pas les criminels de posséder des armes à feu;La sécurité publique est toujours menacée, et les taux de criminalité sont restés les mêmes ou ont empiré malgré les mesures prévues dans le projet de loi C 21;Le rachat proposé d’armes à feu légales et autorisées pourrait coûter aux contribuables canadiens plus de 1 000 000 000 (un milliard) de dollars. Cet argent pourrait être mieux investi dans des initiatives ayant un impact positif significatif sur la sécurité publique, notamment la prévention auprès des jeunes concernant les gangs de rue, le traitement de la toxicomanie et des problèmes de santé mentale, le renforcement de la sécurité frontalière, l’augmentation des capacités antigang des services de police et le soutien aux anciens combattants;Ce décret prive les Canadiens respectueux de la loi, qui sont titulaires d’une autorisation dans le cadre du Programme canadien des armes à feu de la GRC, des biens qu’ils ont achetés légalement;Le recours à ce projet de loi est un excès flagrant de pouvoirs exécutifs. Il contourne le processus démocratique;Les propriétaires d’armes à feu comprennent que la sécurité est la plus haute responsabilité et surtout, le devoir le plus important en tant que propriétaire légal d’armes à feu.Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement canadien : 1. De respecter les honnêtes citoyens qui possèdent des armes à feu;2. D’abolir immédiatement le projet de loi C-71 et de le remplacer par un projet de loi qui cible directement les criminels et qui respecte les honnêtes citoyens qui possèdent des armes à feu;3. D’abandonner l’idée d’une interdiction générale des armes à feu pour les Canadiens respectueux de la loi ayant fait l’objet d’un contrôle approfondi.>
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Too many Canadians have been affected by senseless acts of gun violence. Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities.To address this, our Government is implementing a comprehensive approach to strengthen firearms control and tackle firearm-related violence across Canada, prioritizing public safety, reducing access to dangerous firearms, strengthening our borders, and supporting effective police work and community programming. To date our Government has:
  • Helped communities divert youth away from gang culture through the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), having invested approximately $565 million in support of 684 crime prevention interventions and over $40 million annually in funding to community organizations to deliver culturally specific interventions that address the root causes of violence among youth and young people;
  • Invested $122.7 million and have supported 47 gang prevention and diversion projects through the Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF);
  • Announced $250 million through the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) which provides direct funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities to strengthen local efforts to counter the social conditions that lead to criminal behaviour;
  • Invested $656.1 million over five years for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to modernize our borders, including enhancing our ability to detect contraband and helping protect the integrity of our border infrastructure;
  • Invested $15 million to enhance our capabilities to trace crime guns. This funding will support the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in the development of a new national tracing database; and,
  • Allocated over $700 million under the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence.
This holistic approach to prevention, including addressing root causes and strengthening police and borders, allows for a more impactful and enduring approach to reducing violence and gun crime within our communities.As part of this approach, on May 1, 2020, the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited, Restricted or Non-Restricted were amended to reclassify, and prohibit, approximately 1,500 models of firearms and their variants. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms.An Amnesty Order has been put in place to protect impacted owners from criminal liability, and to provide them with time to come into compliance with the law. Those who remain in possession of these firearms at the end of the amnesty period could be subject to criminal liability for unlawful possession.To support compliance with the law, the Government is committed to implementing a Firearms Buyback Program to ensure that these prohibited firearms are safely removed from our communities and that law abiding Canadians are fairly compensated for their contribution to public safety.The Government is designing a program that is user-friendly, safe, and efficient while also recognizing the interests of hunters, including Indigenous hunters. Canadians and businesses can expect fair compensation for participation in the Firearms Buyback Program, for use as they see fit, including buying other firearms. Impacted owners, especially Indigenous groups, will continue to be engaged to understand and appreciate their unique interests and ensure they are considered in the design and implementation of the Program.As part of its comprehensive approach to address firearms violence, on May 30, 2022, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms), which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and communities from gun violence.The new legislative measures aim to:
  • Reduce firearm-related family violence, self-harm and prevent firearms misuse;
  • Decrease the risks associated with handguns by preventing most individuals from buying, selling and transferring handguns;
  • Prevent new assault-style firearms from entering the Canadian market;
  • Address the growing threat posed by ghost guns;
  • Provide additional tools for border controls and authorities to combat firearms smuggling, trafficking and related offences;
  • Establish new firearm-related offences and strengthened penalties;
  • Reaffirm respect for Aboriginal and treaty rights of Indigenous peoples; and,
  • Maintain the security of federal entities and solidify the administration of firearms control.
The amendments to the Criminal Code introduced by Bill C-21 include a new technical definition of a prohibited firearm which contains the characteristics of an assault-style firearm. Firearms that meet the technical characteristics and requirements of that definition, if they are designed and manufactured on or after Royal Assent, are prohibited.  On May 1st, 2023, the Government announced measures that complement Bill C-21, this included re-establishing the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee (CFAC) to independently review the classification of existing firearms. There are firearms on the existing market that do not belong in our communities. With a diverse membership, the Committee will make expert recommendations to account for any gaps in the market.
Armes à feu
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02008441-02008 (Affaires étrangères)RichardCanningsOkanagan-Sud—Kootenay-OuestNPDBC13 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à Richard Cannings, député d’Okanagan-Sud—Kootenay-OuestNous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du gouvernement du Canada sur ce qui suit : la situation actuelle en Palestine, particulièrement dans la bande de Gaza, est désespérée, car il est difficile ou impossible de combler les besoins fondamentaux des gens.Par conséquent, nous prions instamment le gouvernement du Canada de réclamer un cessez-le-feu immédiat entre Israël et la Palestine et une augmentation considérable de l’aide humanitaire fournie par les Nations Unies, la Croix Rouge et le Croissant Rouge.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.Canada remains deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.Canada supported the previous pause in hostilities that allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. Canada wants to see this pause resumed and supports urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining its support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada supports Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. Canada emphasizes that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism.The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $60 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Canada remains committed to working with allies and partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesConflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02007441-02007 (Médias et télécommunications)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON13 décembre 202329 janvier 202411 décembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE : En 2020, le gouvernement du Canada a créé le Fonds pour la large bande universelle doté d’un budget de 3,225 milliards de dollars pour que 98 % des Canadiens puissent avoir accès à des services Internet haute vitesse d’ici 2026, ce qui est dans moins de trois ans;94 % des Canadiens auraient maintenant accès à des services Internet haute vitesse.Nous, soussignés, résidents de la région de Georgian Bluffs, prions le ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie : de mettre en œuvre et d’annoncer un plan clair pour le financement de projets menés dans des régions géographiques précises afin que des câbles à fibres optiques soient installés sur les routes qui font partie du « dernier kilomètre », y compris les culs-de-sac comme la route secondaire 15 à Shallow Lake, en Ontario.
Response by the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities AgencySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY DARRELL SAMSONThe Government of Canada is on track meet the national connectivity targets of providing high-speed Internet access to 98% of Canadian households by 2026 and 100% by 2030. The Governments of Canada and Ontario are working collaboratively under the $1.2 billion Canada-Ontario broadband partnership to get all Ontarian households connected to high-speed Internet. As of December 2023, 92.9% of households in Ontario have access to high-speed Internet, compared to 86.9% in 2017.In the Township of Georgian Bluffs, 61.9% of homes have access to high-speed Internet today, with 100% projected to have access by December 2025 which is the province of Ontario’s target for universal connectivity. As shown on the High-Speed Internet Projects and Availability Map, projects underway in Georgian Bluffs include two Xplore projects, an Eh!Tel Networks project as well as a Bragg Communications project.
Communautés ruralesServices Internet à large bande
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02006441-02006 (Citoyenneté et immigration)KenHardieFleetwood—Port KellsLibéralBC12 décembre 202329 janvier 202412 décembre 2023Pétition à l’intention de Marc Miller, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :Nous vous remercions, vous, ainsi que le gouvernement et le public du Canada, pour les efforts déployés afin de permettre aux réfugiés de venir au Canada par l’entremise du Programme de parrainage privé de réfugiés (PPR); Nous, les membres de la Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church, participons au programme de parrainage de réfugiés depuis plus de 40 ans et avons récemment demandé à parrainer 16 réfugiés afghans qui se trouvent actuellement au Pakistan; Nous avons été consternés d’apprendre que le temps d’attente entre le dépôt de la demande et l’arrivée au Canada est très long; Ce délai n’est pas sain pour les réfugiés et peut même mettre leur vie en danger.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, membres et amis de la congrégation de la Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church, demandons donc ce qui suit :1. Que vous augmentiez immédiatement les ressources allouées au programme PPR afin de réduire à au plus un an le temps d’attente après la présentation de la demande;2. Que vous amélioriez les relations avec le gouvernement du Pakistan et que vous lui apportiez votre aide afin d’empêcher l’expulsion de véritables réfugiés pendant qu’ils attendent le traitement de leur demande de parrainage.Nous vous remercions de l’attention que vous porterez à cette question.Nous attendons avec impatience votre réponse.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.The Government of Canada recognizes the dedication and significant efforts of Canadians and permanent residents who support the resettlement of refugees through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program. In the 40 years since the program began, Canada has become a model for the world, inspiring 15 countries to develop their own community sponsorship programs. Its success is due to the immense contributions of sponsors who help refugees find protection in Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) takes the safety and security of all refugees seriously.  We continue to process applications as quickly as possible, and are actively introducing measures and exploring new options to reduce wait times for vulnerable clients.The Immigration Levels Plan establishes admission targets in the permanent resident programs, which determines the total number of people that can arrive in Canada each year from each program stream. Levels space for the PSR program has grown significantly since 2015 to accommodate growing demand, from 6,300 in 2015 to 27,505 in 2023.  Looking forward, Canada aims to welcome 27,750 privately sponsored refugees in 2024, 28,250 in 2025 and 28,250 in 2026.The number of resources allocated to support processing each year is based on the admissions target approved by Cabinet in the Immigration Levels Plan. When the number of applications submitted to the Department exceeds the admissions target, those applications are added to the inventory and are processed in subsequent years. In the PSR program, we do not currently limit the number of applications certain groups of sponsors can submit to the program, and over the years more applications have been submitted than the Department can process in a given year, resulting in growing inventories and wait times in the PSR program.To help reduce the inventory and processing times, IRCC has made several key investments to boost operational processing capacity, including technological improvements and adding additional officers. We have also implemented digital tools that allow officers to process requests from different parts of the world more effectively, and the use of automation tools to help sort and process applications while ensuring there is no built-in bias.  We are also developing an intake management system for the PSR program, which will allow us to better calibrate application intake to the annual Levels plan, with the goal of reducing the inventory and introducing shorter and more predictable processing times for PSR clients.The Government of Canada, including the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad, is monitoring the situation closely and is actively and continuously engaging with the Government of Pakistan and other domestic and international partners on the resettlement of Afghans and related issues. The Government of Canada appreciates Pakistan’s support of our efforts to resettle vulnerable Afghans to Canada while we navigate an extremely complex situation. We all play critical roles in moving Afghans to safety - the Government of Pakistan sets its own entry and exit requirements and determines when and if these requirements are changed, and Canada continues to advocate for streamlined procedures and strengthened protections for vulnerable Afghans. Clients facing potential detention who need to demonstrate to the Government of Pakistan that they have an ongoing application may do so using any of the communications that they have received from IRCC related to their application. Also, if an applicant is facing the possibility of being detained or deported, we urge them to notify the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad immediately or have a family member do this on their behalf. IRCC continues to communicate with clients as we are made aware of their change in circumstances, and we are treating each case with a great sense of urgency.Despite challenges facilitating movement out of Afghanistan, thousands of Afghans have transited through Pakistan over the past year. Since 2021, there have been 45 chartered flights from Pakistan to Canada in addition to hundreds of Afghan refugees who traveled on commercial flights from Pakistan (As of December 18, 2023). We are doing everything we can to help, including processing applications and moving Afghans approved for resettlement to Canada, as quickly and safely as possible.
PakistanParrainage de réfugiésProgramme de parrainage privé de réfugiés
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02005441-02005 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 20249 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02004441-02004 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 202425 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:
  • A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (See Budget 2023, chapter 4)
  •  2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement
  • 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression
  • 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
The first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country. 
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02003441-02003 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • La demande pour les refuges pour femmes est malheureusement en croissance;
  • En raison du coût élevé de la vie et de la crise du logement, il est plus difficile pour les femmes et les enfants vivant de la violence domestique de s’enfuir et de trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre;
  • Alors que ce gouvernement libéral augmente considérablement les dépenses pour la bureaucratie et les consultants, il coupe 145 millions de dollars pour le financement des refuges pour femmes.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir le financement pour les refuges pour femmes.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home.Providing a safe and secure space for persons fleeing domestic violence is a priority for our Government. The National Housing Strategy (NHS), a 10-year, more than $82-billion plan launched in 2017, is giving more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum and prioritize populations most in need, including women and their children. The federal government aims to put 33% of the strategy’s investments, with a minimum of 25%, toward serving the unique needs of women and their children.NHS programs and initiatives support the creation of shelters, such as the $13.2 billion Affordable Housing Fund, previously known as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which aims to create 2,000 new shelter spaces and repair 2,000 shelters for survivors of family violence. As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed to create 1,388 new shelter spaces or transitional housing units available for survivors of gender-based violence, and to repair/renew a further 347 shelter spaces or transitional housing units.  The Government recognizes that Indigenous women and children face unique challenges and barriers to housing. For those who experience violence, a shelter is often a first step to rebuilding their lives and protecting them from further violence. The NHS includes programming and funding exclusively for shelters in Indigenous communities and in the North. This includes $420 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative to build a minimum of 38 shelters and 50 new transitional homes for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping gender-based violence. As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed $89 million toward the construction of 11 shelters and 23 transitional homes through this program.In May 2020, our government committed $44.8 million to build a total of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping family violence. These Indigenous-led shelters will provide vital refuge and culturally appropriate critical supports and services to help survivors of family violence recover from the trauma of their experiences, access support programming and create a stable environment where they can begin to regain an independent life. They are also a crucial element of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an important contribution to the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerGender-based violence is one of the most pervasive, deadly and deeply rooted human rights violation of our time.  This is why the Government of Canada is taking action.  The pandemic created unprecedented challenges for those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV) and the organizations providing supports and services to them. While preventing and addressing GBV is a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, the Government of Canada acted swiftly in 2020 to provide an initial $90 million in COVID-19 emergency funding, through Women and Gender Equality Canada, to organizations across Canada serving those experiencing GBV. A year into the pandemic, the government responded to high demand and pressing needs by more than tripling the funding support and extending the timeframe for this emergency measure through Budget 2021. Since April 2020, approximately $300 million in total funding has been committed to organizations, providing emergency funding to over 1,400 organizations including women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other GBV organizations. As a result, more than 2 million individuals experiencing violence had a safe place to go, and access to supports across Canada.  These investments served as an emergency response to the crisis above and beyond the ongoing work under the Federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy.Like other COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by the federal government since 2020, this temporary measure has come to an end. However, the Government of Canada remains committed to addressing GBV:
  • Budget 2021 invests $601.3 million over five years in initiatives to advance towards the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This included $200 million (of the $300 million) specifically for COVID-19 emergency funding. 
  • Budget 2022 invests a further $539.3 million over five years to support provinces and territories with the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
On November 9, 2022,  Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for the Status of Women launched a historic 10-year National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This Plan is a concrete step in fulfilling a long-standing commitment of Federal, Provincial and Territorial governments to work together towards a Canada free of gender-based violence.  The Plan is supported by an investment of $539.3 million over five years, committed in Budget 2022, to support the provinces and territories in their implementation efforts.  This funding is provided to provinces and territories through bilateral agreements.As of December 2023, the Government of Canada announced agreements with all provinces and territories. These agreements, along with the respective provincial/territorial implementation plans are available on Women and Gender Equality Canada’s website.
FemmesMaisons de refuge
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02002441-02002 (Travail et emploi)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 20243 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02001441-02001 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • L’Érythrée est gouvernée par un dictateur brutal et autoritaire, à la tête d’un régime totalitaire depuis les 30 dernières années sans constitution, sans élection, sans Parlement et sans liberté de presse, de mouvement et d’association;
  • Les Érythréens continuent de fuir la conscription militaire indéfinie, la persécution religieuse et la répression politique, ce qui les force à chercher l’asile partout dans le monde;
  • Des centaines de milliers d’Érythréens (environ 30 % de la population) fuient les graves violations des droits de la personne qui constituent des crimes contre l’humanité, comme l’a documenté la Commission d’enquête des Nations Unies sur l’Érythrée;
  • Les Érythréens qui ont réussi à fuir le pays sont toujours victimes d’intimidation et d’extorsion de la part de représentants et d’agents du régime érythréen dans la diaspora. Leurs familles restées en Érythrée se font également harceler et sont forcées de payer des dizaines de milliers de dollars en devises locales;
  • Les ambassades érythréennes et d’autres représentants dans la diaspora sont utilisés, surtout, pour contrôler les activités des demandeurs d’asile érythréens et les opposants au régime, qui se voient refuser des services consulaires et se font surveiller, endoctriner et extorquer;
  • Les ambassades érythréennes et d’autres représentants dans la diaspora organisent aussi régulièrement des événements communautaires politiques destinés à recueillir des fonds, qui sont ensuite détournés dans les coffres du régime et utilisés par le régime pour se donner du pouvoir, se maintenir au pouvoir et continuer de réprimer la population érythréenne à l’intérieur du pays;
  • De nombreux militants des droits de la personne de la diaspora ont commencé à déployer des efforts afin que cessent les événements prétendument communautaires et culturels organisés par les ambassades érythréennes et leurs mandataires. À cette fin, ils ont alerté les niveaux de gouvernements concernés des pays d’accueil, leur demandant de refuser les permis pour ce genre d’événements;
  • Le régime érythréen a réagi aux efforts des militants de la diaspora érythréenne en encourageant les interventions violentes, allant jusqu’à organiser et à armer ses loyalistes, par exemple les affrontements récents à Tel-Aviv, en Israël, et la réponse de l’ambassade érythréenne en Israël;
  • Le dictateur érythréen appuie ouvertement Vladimir Poutine et son attitude belliqueuse envers les démocraties occidentales et les pays de la Corne de l’Afrique;
  • Les Canadiens d’origine érythréenne sont profondément préoccupés par la portée du régime et l’ingérence de ce dernier dans leurs collectivités locales par l’entremise des dirigeants et des agents du parti.
À ces causes, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • mobiliser les militants politiques et des droits de la personne ainsi que les groupes prodémocratie érythréens;
  • jouer un rôle de leadership parmi les alliés occidentaux afin de dénoncer la conspiration du dictateur érythréen avec Vladimir Poutine contre les pays occidentaux ainsi que son attitude belliqueuse dans la Corne de l’Afrique;
  • enquêter sur l’ingérence de l’Érythrée au Canada et prendre les mesures nécessaires (y compris refuser des demandes de visas d’entrée et des permis d’événements) contre toutes les organisations, les individus et les événements paravents qui permettent cette ingérence;
  • appliquer les lois canadiennes en matière d’asile pour sévir contre les individus qui fournissent explicitement du matériel et un soutien politique au régime qu’ils prétendent avoir fui puisqu’ils ne se qualifient pas comme réfugiés de bonne foi;
  • annuler le processus de demande de parrainage pour les loyalistes du régime érythréen, notamment ceux qui ont pris part aux affrontements récents à Tel-Aviv, en Israël, puisqu’ils pourraient poser un danger pour la population canadienne après leur arrivée au Canada;
  • militer en faveur de la libération de tous les journalistes emprisonnés, dont le journaliste suédois d’origine érythréenne Dawit Isaak, les 11 parlementaires érythréens emprisonnés (Petros Solomon, Mahmoud Ahmed Sherifo, Haile Woldense, Ogbe Abraha, Hamid Himid, Saleh Idris Kekya, Estifanos Seyoum, Berhane Ghebrezgabiher, Astier Fesehazion, Germano Nati et Beraki Gebreselassie) et d’autres prisonniers politiques ainsi que tous les prisonniers de conscience;
  • resserrer les sanctions contre les auteurs de violations des droits de la personne en Érythrée.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marc MillerInsofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is concerned:5)The Government of Canada is committed to the safety and security of the Canadian public. When foreign nationals seek entry to Canada, IRCC and CBSA work closely with their security partners to screen applicants, on a case by case basis, to determine whether they are admissible to enter and/or remain in Canada. Security screening is an important part of the overall assessment of whether a person is admissible to Canada. If an individual is determined to be inadmissible, they may be denied a visa and entry to Canada. Inadmissible individuals who are already in Canada may be removed from Canada.Under our immigration law, an individual can be found inadmissible for security reasons, including espionage; subversion (for example, attempts to overthrow a government); terrorism; or membership in an organization for which there are reasonable grounds to believe they are engaged, have engaged or will engage in any of these activities.They are also inadmissible on grounds of violating human or international rights for committing a crime against humanity or war crime outside Canada or being a prescribed senior official in a government that does so.Additionally, under the IRPA, foreign nationals who have committed or who are convicted of a crime outside Canada may be inadmissible to Canada. All past criminal history is considered. Immigration officers examine foreign charges, convictions, and evidence of criminal activity to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is an equivalent offence, the individual would be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted for that offence. Insofar as the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is concerned:4)The IRB hears individual claims for refugee status from claimants within Canada. IRB members (decision-makers) must decide whether a claimant has a well-founded fear of persecution or is at risk of torture, or cruel or unusual punishment in their country of origin and is not excluded from refugee protection for having committed a war crime or crime against humanity, among other reasons.In each case, IRB members make their decision applying the law to the evidence presented in the case. In most instances, the process is non-adversarial but at any time, the Minister may choose to intervene by submitting evidence, which the IRB member will consider in arriving at a decision, and participating in the hearing.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Eritrea and raises this concern directly with Eritrean officials, in its engagements with activists and representatives of the diaspora community, and in multilateral forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council. At the Human Rights Council, Canada regularly calls upon Eritrea to improve the human rights situation in the country. At the Council’s 47th session in 2021, Canada actively negotiated the text and co-sponsored the Resolution entitled "Situation of human rights in Eritrea", which established the mandate of a UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. Canada consistently co-sponsors this Resolution, most recently in 2023, and the extension of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur.In March 2023 during the Council’s General Debate, Canada raised the issue of restrictions on freedoms and arbitrary detention in Eritrea, and continues to monitor the cases of imprisoned journalists, political activists, and members of religious groups. Canadian officials met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea during his October 2023 visit to Canada to discuss the dire human rights situation and his mandate.Canada has also repeatedly and publicly called for the swift withdrawal of Eritrean forces from northern Ethiopia, including through public joint statements with likeminded countries, as done on November 2, 2023, in the Joint Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. On September 22, 2022, officials of the Government of Canada spoke at the Human Rights Council and urged all parties to cease violence immediately, respect human rights and implement accountability measures, and called for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean Defence Forces.Canada’s former Ambassador to Sudan, who represented Canada to Eritrea, engaged with Eritrean officials in 2021, calling on them to withdraw Eritrean Defense Forces from northern Ethiopia. On September 20, 2022, a tweet issued from the Global Affairs Canada corporate account deplored the movement of Eritrean Defence Forces in northern Ethiopia and condemned the escalation of hostilities.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools, which include dialogue, capacity building, advocacy, multilateral engagement, and other diplomatic actions. Canada reviews all of its policy options continuously and tailors its responses to the specifics of each unique situation. Canada is judicious in its approach to imposing sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use when appropriate. To that end, Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Canada also considers the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.The Government of Canada will continue to engage on the human rights situation in Eritrea. Promoting and protecting democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and striving for a world where the rights and freedoms of all people are respected.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.There is no greater responsibility for the Government of Canada than to ensure its citizens and communities remain safe. Any report of harassment and intimidation of individuals in Canada is troubling and unacceptable. Where there is credible evidence of foreign interference, including transnational repression, Canada’s security and intelligence agencies use the full extent of their mandates to respond to these threats.This includes foreign influence activities within or relating to Canada that involve a threat to any person. The Government may take measures to reduce threats to the security of Canada in accordance with well-defined legal requirements and Ministerial direction.Complaints are received and assessed by the police of jurisdiction, and may be subject to further investigation. Applicable actions under Canadian legislation are taken as deemed appropriate.The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) provides the Canada Border Services Agency of Canada (CBSA) with the authority to undertake immigration enforcement actions against foreign nationals or permanent residents in Canada (including removal and detention where the necessary grounds exist).Among the security reasons for which foreign nationals or permanent residents may be inadmissible under section 34 (1) of the IRPA are, based on reasonable grounds to believe, that they have engaged in espionage; in subversion by force of any government, or in an act of subversion against a democratic government, institution or process as they are understood in Canada; or have engaged in terrorism. They may also be found inadmissible for being a member of an organization engaged in any of these activities.Any individual allegation of inadmissibility will be based on the evidence that is before the immigration official;  allegations of foreign interference, if supported by facts, can fall within the definition of espionage or subversion.Should investigations by the CBSA or other agencies (Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), local law enforcement, etc.) into a permanent resident or foreign national occur, such information would be used to support appropriate IRPA enforcement actions by CBSA officials. Allegations related to these types of inadmissibility ground must be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) for an admissibility hearing to determine if the person is inadmissible. If the IRB issues a removal order, enforcement action is then taken. With respect to overseas cases, the CBSA Centre for Immigration National Security Screening provides support to immigration officials assessing inadmissibility by providing analysis and support relating to assessments of inadmissibility due to terrorism, espionage, subversion, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and organized criminality. Where a visa applicant has been determined to be inadmissible, their visa may be refused by an immigration official.The IRPA provides no legislative authority relating to the denial of event permits.
Activités influencées par l'étrangerDroits de la personneÉrythréePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-02000441-02000 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 20241 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01999441-01999 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :
  • Les Canadiens sont aux prises avec une crise du coût de la vie sans précédent;
  • La législation actuelle fera disparaître 170 000 emplois canadiens directs, il déplacera 450 000 emplois directs et indirects et perturbera considérablement, partout au Canada, 2,7 millions d’emplois dans les secteurs de l’énergie, de la fabrication, de la construction, des transports et de l’agriculture;
  • Au Canada, le secteur pétrolier et gazier est le premier secteur privé dans le domaine des technologies propres, car il occupe 75 % du marché, soit plus que tous les autres secteurs combinés, et dans le développement et la commercialisation des énergies renouvelables et de remplacement et d’autres carburants de l’avenir;
  • Le secteur de l’énergie représente 10 % du PIB du Canada et contribue chaque année pour plus de 26 milliards de dollars en impôts à tous les ordres de gouvernement, dont 48 milliards de dollars en 2022;
  • Les entreprises du secteur des ressources naturelles, y compris le pétrole et le gaz, sont celles dont les actions sont les plus vendues et constituent la base de la Bourse de Toronto (TSX); la législation actuelle mettra en péril les portefeuilles des Canadiens et risque de mettre en danger des millions de dollars en investissements;
  • L’autosuffisance et la sécurité énergétiques du Canada sont de plus en plus menacées par le programme anti-énergie du gouvernement, qui vise à accélérer l’élimination progressive et irréfléchie des secteurs pétrolier et gazier en imposant des obligations, des pénalités, des politiques, des interdictions et des coûts supplémentaires, sans aucune feuille de route concrète sur la façon de remplacer ces secteurs;
  • La demande mondiale de pétrole et de gaz continue d’augmenter, et nous pensons que les derniers barils de pétrole et mètres cubes de gaz naturel utilisés dans le monde devraient provenir du Canada;
  • L’incertitude créée par le gouvernement a déjà fait fuir du Canada des milliards de dollars en investissements, des technologies et des centaines de milliers d’emplois, et nuit déjà en majeure partie et de manière disproportionnée aux communautés, aux provinces et aux régions éloignées, rurales, autochtones et fondées sur l’énergie et les ressources;
  • La législation actuelle aura un impact disproportionné sur les cols bleus et les travailleurs à faible revenu, dont de nombreux Canadiens autochtones et membres de minorités visibles, qui devront composer avec des interruptions de travail plus importantes et qui auront plus de mal à trouver de nouvelles occasions d’emploi;
  • La législation actuelle ne tient pas compte de la nature et du nombre d’emplois qui remplaceront ceux que le programme du gouvernement fera disparaître, ni de la façon dont les contributions économiques, fiscales et technologiques du secteur de l'énergie seront remplacées au Canada, ni du besoin d’assurer un accès à des sources d’énergie abordable à toutes les communautés et régions, tant dans les villes que dans les milieux ruraux.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’annuler son programme de planification centrale de « transition juste », qui est ciblé, hostile au secteur de l’énergie et au secteur privé, imposé d’en haut et source de division, et qui n’est ni juste, ni équitable, et d’accélérer plutôt les projets, l’aménagement d’infrastructures, les technologies et les exportations énergétiques du Canada, et de donner le feu vert aux projets verts, en réduisant la paperasserie, les coûts et les délais d’obtention des permis, et de soutenir la transformation énergétique menée par le secteur privé au lieu d’une transition imposée par le gouvernement.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reduction targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seize the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonization technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our global partners need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in investment tax credits.Canada’s highly skilled and educated workforce, and comparative advantages in energy, critical minerals, and clean technology are helping Canadian industries and workers to seize the enormous economic opportunities in a net-zero future. The Government of Canada is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, outlines the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, clean energy, low-carbon building products, carbon management technologies, and small modular reactors, Canada is building a prosperous net-zero future that works for Canadians in every region. This includes significant opportunities in existing energy industries that are taking action to respond to global demand by lowering their emissions and enhance their long-term competitiveness.Skills training is a critical factor in ensuring that Canadian workers can seize the economic opportunities ahead, which is why the federal government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including as it relates to sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers seize new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding to establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, among other things.As committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023. The legislation proposes establishing a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill would also require the Government to:
  • establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures;
  • create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and
  • release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025.
These legislated mechanisms would guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities in building a net-zero economy, advancing economic prosperity across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables) are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables are helping to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and with the input of experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders.  The Regional Tables will form the basis for implementing joint strategies to leverage energy and resource opportunities to realize each region of Canada’s comparative advantage in a net-zero future.To date, the federal government has jointly launched Regional Tables across the country with British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon.The Government of Canada is working in partnership with workers, industries, and communities across Canada to take ambitious climate action while developing low-carbon industries that spur affordability, energy security, and economic prosperity in every sector and region.
C-50, Loi concernant la responsabilité, la transparence et la mobilisation à l'appui de la création d'emplois durables pour les travailleurs et de la croissance économique dans une économie carboneutreÉconomie verteTransition énergétique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01998441-01998 (Travail et emploi)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB12 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :
  • La reconnaissance des titres de compétences étrangers détenus par les nouveaux arrivants du Canada reste problématique;
  • Seuls 41 % des médecins formés à l’étranger exercent leur profession de médecin au Canada;
  • De même, à peine 37 % des infirmiers et infirmières formés à l’étranger exercent leur profession au Canada;
  • Les gens qui décident d’étudier la médecine à l’étranger, même s’ils viennent du Canada, connaissent des difficultés pour obtenir leur permis d’exercice s’ils décident de revenir au pays;
  • Les contrôleurs des autorités provinciales qui délivrent les permis font face à des problèmes et à des formalités administratives inutiles, ce qui empêche les professionnels de la santé d’exercer la profession à laquelle ils ont été formés;
  • Le Canada compte 53 005 infirmiers, infirmières et médecins qui pourraient mettre fin à la pénurie, mais le gouvernement libéral ne parvient pas à lever les obstacles au soutien indispensable pour combler les besoins des réseaux de santé provinciaux;
  • Il existe déjà le programme Sceau rouge qui fixe des normes pancanadiennes reconnues pour les travailleurs de métier et qui permet, dans le cadre d’un partenariat réciproque, de prouver les compétences acquises par le professionnel pour exercer son métier;
  • Les professionnels de la santé souhaitent travailler au Canada, mais il reste à mettre sur pied un système libre d’obstacle pour accueillir ces professionnels hautement qualifiés.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la ministre de l’Emploi, du Développement de la main-d’œuvre et de l’Inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap de : mettre sur pied un programme « Sceau bleu », qui facilitera la délivrance de permis d’exercice des médecins et des infirmiers et infirmières, dans les 60 jours fixés par une norme, afin d’atténuer les pénuries des professionnels de la santé au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykForeign credential recognition and licensure in regulated occupations (e.g., nurses, physicians) is a provincial and territorial responsibility that is typically further delegated to regulatory authorities through legislation. Each jurisdiction is responsible for establishing education, training and licensing standards in the interest of public health and safety.The Government of Canada recognizes that skilled newcomers, including internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs), are sometimes not able to contribute to their full potential. They can face challenges obtaining employment commensurate with their education, skills and experience, due to barriers such as lack of Canadian work experience, occupation-specific language proficiency, discrimination and bias from employers, and lack of awareness of existing employment supports and other social and professional resources. The foreign credential recognition process itself can also be a barrier for the successful labour market integration of skilled newcomers, as it can be complex, lengthy, and costly and varies by occupation and jurisdiction. In the context of these challenges, many provinces and territories have introduced initiatives and legislation to improve foreign credential recognition processes and support fair registration practices.For example, on May 1, 2023, the Atlantic premiers announced the launch of the Atlantic Physician Register that allows for greater mobility of fully licensed physicians in Atlantic Canada. Previously, physicians had to submit a separate full application to each provincial college, including a registration fee, to obtain a license to practice in that province. This Registry could be expanded to allow other jurisdictions to join.National organizations are also helping to harmonize and coordinate the credential recognition process amongst the provincial and territorial regulatory bodies to make it easier for internationally educated physicians and nurses to have their credentials recognized and become licensed to practice in Canada. For example, the Medical Council of Canada and the National Nursing Assessment Services are national bodies that play a role in facilitating the foreign credential recognition process of internationally educated physicians and nurses respectively.Additionally, on October 12, 2023, Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health and Ministers responsible for mental health met to discuss shared priorities, including the health workforce, health data, mental health and addiction, and public health. The meeting highlight was that all levels of government are taking action and making significant investments to improve health care services in Canada. Following the meeting, Ministers released a statement reaffirming their commitment to focus attention on foreign credential recognition by reducing the time it takes for IEHPs to join the workforce, and advance labour mobility to support an agile and flexible workforce.For its part, the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program supports the labour market integration of skilled newcomers by funding projects with provinces and territories, regulatory authorities and organizations that simplify and harmonize national credential recognition processes, provide loans and support services to help skilled newcomers navigate foreign credential recognition processes, and help skilled newcomers gain their first Canadian work experience in their profession or field of study.For example, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program supported the Medical Council of Canada to create the Physicians Apply portal (https://physiciansapply.ca/). The portal has streamlined the process for international medical graduates to apply for a license to practice medicine in Canada by offering a platform where international and Canadian medical students and physicians can complete and submit the application for medical registration with medical regulatory authorities, access all Medical Council of Canada examinations, use source verification services, and share their credentials and documents with registered partners. The Physicians Apply portal has so far reached over 83,000 individuals who now have accounts and can access the full range of services. The portal has made it easier for nearly 1.9 million documents to be shared in support of credential recognition and licensure for international and Canadian medical graduates.Budget 2022 provided an additional $115 million over five years, with $30 million ongoing, to expand the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, with an initial focus on supporting the integration of IEHPs into the Canadian labour market. The most recent open call for proposals ran from December 5, 2022, to January 30, 2023. The call invited eligible organizations and provincial and territorial governments to submit proposals for projects that improve Foreign Credential Recognition processes, provide Canadian work experience that is relevant to the IEHPs’ intended healthcare field of work, and/or facilitate labour mobility between jurisdictions in Canada for health care professionals. Approximately $89 million will be invested in 16 new projects which are expected to start in early 2024.
Immigration et immigrantsSoignants et professionnels de la santéTitres de compétences
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01997441-01997 (Congés et commémorations)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC12 décembre 202329 janvier 202411 décembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE :
  • La Commission canadienne des droits de la personne, qui est financée par le gouvernement fédéral, a scandaleusement déclaré que Noël était « discriminatoire » et constituait un exemple d’« intolérance religieuse colonialiste »;
  • Le libre exercice de la religion a été inscrit dans le droit canadien avant la Confédération, notamment dans la Loi sur la liberté des cultes de 1851 qui protégeait la « jouissance et le libre exercice du culte de toute profession religieuse, sans distinction ni préférence »;
  • Selon un sondage réalisé par Léger en 2022, 92 % des Canadiens qui ne sont pas chrétiens ont dit qu’ils ne se sentaient pas offusqués lorsqu’on leur souhaitait un « joyeux Noël »;
  • Selon le même sondage, lorsqu’on a demandé aux Canadiens de toutes les religions si Noël et les autres fêtes « religieuses » devraient être retirés de la liste des jours fériés officiels du pays, 94 % des répondants ont répondu « non ».
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de dénoncer la position scandaleuse et déconnectée de la Commission canadienne des droits de la personne selon laquelle Noël est « discriminatoire » et constitue un exemple d’« intolérance religieuse colonialiste ».
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada is a great place to live and call home for many reasons, one aspect of what makes Canada the country that it is, is the value we place on freedom and diversity. Canada is strong as a result of its diversity, and not despite of it.The Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, including but not limited to, in the areas of goods, services, facilities or accommodation customarily available to the general public, commercial premises or residential accommodation, and employment.In addition, section 2(a) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Charter) protects everyone’s freedom of conscience and religion. Section 15(1) of the Charter guarantees equality to all individuals without discrimination based on several prohibited grounds, including religion. The Canadian Human Rights Commission (“the Commission”) is an independent agency and has a broad mandate to promote and protect human rights under the CHRA, including conducting research in consultation with rights holders, stakeholders and issuing public statements. Acknowledging the historic appointment of the first-ever Muslim Canadian to hold the position of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the importance of the CHRA and the work carried out by the Commission to promote and protect the rights of religious minorities is well appreciated. Our Government fully supports and celebrates the right of everyone to practise the holidays and observances of their choosing.  The House of Commons in a motion made on November 30, 2023, recalled “that Christmas is a tradition celebrated in Quebec and Canada” and invited “all Quebecers and Canadians to unite as we approach the Christmas season”. The full text of the motion, which was made by unanimous consent, can be found on the House of Commons’ website (https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/house/sitting-259/hansard).The Commission issued a statement on December 2, 2023 (https://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/en/resources/course-christmas-not-racist-we-never-said-it-was), clarifying the Paper was seeking to convey that “based on current Canadian law, providing a statutory holiday for one religion, and not providing reasonable accommodation for other religions may be considered discrimination.” The Discussion Paper raised that non-Christian holidays are not statutory holidays in Canada, and therefore “[…] non-Christians may need to request special accommodations to observe their holy days and other times of the year where their religion requires them to abstain from work”.The Commission further noted that Christmas was mentioned as “an example of a religious holiday that is also a statutory holiday.” With that in mind, the Paper also explained various legal obligations on employers and service providers, including the duty to accommodate, in the context of religious discrimination.In Canada’s multicultural and multi-faith society, everyone has the freedom to practice their religious beliefs, including observing religious holidays, in accordance with the CHRA and the Charter. Our Government has made strides in addressing systemic discrimination and will continue to break down barriers to continue to ensure Canada is an equitable place to live for all.
Commission canadienne des droits de la personneDiscrimination fondée sur la religionJours fériésNoël
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01996441-01996 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON12 décembre 202329 janvier 202411 décembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation en milieu scolaire sont reconnus de par le monde comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves, et plus de 388 millions d’enfants d’au moins 161 pays reçoivent des repas gratuits ou à moindre coût quand il sont à l’école;
  • Il ressort des données les plus récentes (2022) de Statistique Canada qu’au Canada, un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit dans l’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire;
  • Le budget de 2022 réitérait les engagements figurant dans les lettres de mandat qu’ont reçues en 2021 la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire et leur demandait d’élaborer, en collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les parties intéressées, une politique nationale d’alimentation en milieu scolaire et de trouver des façons qu’un nombre accru d’enfants canadiens puissent obtenir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, et des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et en décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté du Centre d’éducation de North Addington et habitants de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox and Addington, demandons à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire d’accorder la priorité, dans le budget de 2024, au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire qui verrait le jour à l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01995441-01995 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON12 décembre 202329 janvier 202411 décembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation en milieu scolaire sont reconnus de par le monde comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves, et plus de 388 millions d’enfants d’au moins 161 pays reçoivent des repas gratuits ou à moindre coût quand il sont à l’école;
  • Il ressort des données les plus récentes (2022) de Statistique Canada qu’au Canada, un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit dans l’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire;
  • Le budget de 2022 réitérait les engagements figurant dans les lettres de mandat qu’ont reçues en 2021 la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire et leur demandait d’élaborer, en collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les parties intéressées, une politique nationale d’alimentation en milieu scolaire et de trouver des façons qu’un nombre accru d’enfants canadiens puissent obtenir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, et des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et en décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école catholique Ste-Marguerite-Bourgeoys et habitants de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox and Addington, demandons à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire d’accorder la priorité, dans le budget de 2024, au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire qui verrait le jour à l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01994441-01994 (Environnement)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC12 décembre 202329 janvier 202430 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • L’écume produite par les infrastructures maritimes constitue une source croissante de pollution sur les plages du Canada;
  • Dans les milieux marins, la mousse de polystyrène, plus connue sous le nom de « styromousseTM », peut causer d’immenses dommages à la vie marine, aux fruits de mer et aux écosystèmes;
  • Une fois qu’elle s’étiole, la mousse de polystyrène est très difficile, voire impossible à retirer des rivages et elle risque fort de contaminer les milieux environnant les infrastructures maritimes endommagées, qu’elles soient enclavées ou pas;
  • Le district régional de Qathet et l’association des localités côtières et insulaires de Vancouver ont adopté à l’unanimité une motion demandant l’interdiction de la mousse de polystyrène dans les milieux marins.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’interdire l’utilisation de la mousse de polystyrène dans les milieux marins.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada recognizes that plastic pollution affects wildlife and habitats, burdens economies, threatens livelihoods, and impacts the spaces Canadians cherish. This is a critical global challenge that requires prompt action. As such, the Government of Canada is committed to working with all levels of government, industry, civil society, and others to reduce plastic pollution from land and aquatic sources and transition to circular and sustainable systems where plastics stay in the economy and out of the environment.The Government is implementing its comprehensive plan https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste/canada-action.html#toc1 through a range of complementary actions spanning the plastics lifecycle to reduce plastic waste, enable a circular plastics economy and protect the environment from plastic pollution. This includes:
  • strengthening plastics economy and pollution science and investing in innovations;
  • banning certain categories of single-use plastics, including expanded and extruded polystyrene foam foodservice ware;
  • developing minimum recycled content requirements for plastic items;
  • introducing rules to enhance the labelling of recyclable and compostable plastics and better inform consumers;
  • establishing a recycling target for plastic beverage containers;
  • designing a federal plastics registry that will require producers to report on plastics they place on the Canadian economy to support provincial and territorial extended producer responsibility efforts; and
  • working with countries and other stakeholders to develop a new legally binding global instrument on plastic pollution.
The Government is also working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to implement the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Wasteand its associated Action Plan https://ccme.ca/en/current-activities/waste. This includes the recent publication of a roadmap to manage single-use and disposable plastics as well as guidance to facilitate consistent extended producer responsibility programs for plastics. Additional work is underway to create guidance to inform consumer behaviours and target plastic pollution sources.Expanded polystyrene (EPS), due to its buoyancy, functionality and cost, is often used in the marine environment for floating structures (e.g. docks and buoys), boat stands, storage, seafood packaging, or in recreational items such as surfboards. EPS is also used in consumer goods and packaging such as food containers, cups, and lids, and in other sectors (e.g. construction). The Government recognizes that the mismanagement of these materials can result in their breakdown and release into the environment as a form of plastic pollution.Some efforts are currently in place to target the use of EPS in marine infrastructure. In 2021, the Province of Ontario adopted legislation to prohibit unencapsulated expanded or extruded polystyrene in floating docks, floating platforms, and buoys. In addition, some dock manufacturers no longer offer unencapsulated foam.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) Small Craft Harbours program is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Canada’s network of fishing harbours, which are used by commercial fish and seafood harvesters. Over the past 20 years, the program has been moving away from using uncoated polystyrene and adopting other, more environmentally friendly floating mechanisms in the construction of its floating docks. All polystyrene currently installed at these harbours is coated with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a water-resistant material that reduces product breakdown and is more durable in the marine environment.Another source of EPS pollution in the marine environment is from abandoned, lost, or discarded shellfish aquaculture gear in the form of floats and buoys, or as large pieces of floatation for raft structures. While aquaculture is a shared jurisdiction in Canada, the Government of Canada issues aquaculture licences under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations in British Columbia. In 2021, DFO introduced new shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence, which directly address the issue of marine plastic litter and ghost gear in British Columbia’s coastal waters. The new licence conditions support lost gear identification: https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/41014388.pdf, foam floatation pollution reduction: https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/41014376.pdf , and regular clean-ups of licensedfacilities: https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/41016865.pdf. DFO also secured $1.3 million in funding for the removal of 13,000 cubic metres of degraded polystyrene floatation from British Columbia’s waters, replacing it with highly durable, air-filled, foam-free floatation. This is the equivalent of 52 billion foam microbeads being removed from the ocean. These efforts contribute to the Government of Canada’s commitments under the Ocean Plastics Charter: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/international-commitments/ocean-plastics-charter.html and the implementation of its comprehensive plan to reduce plastic pollution, including leading several large-scale clean-ups of abandoned and degrading shellfish farm facilities on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and in the Pendrell Sound Rockfish Conservation Area.The Government of Canada does not intend to prohibit the use of EPS in the marine environment at this time. The Government will continue to review the performance of existing management measures and will work with partners and stakeholders to identify areas where further action is needed.
InterdictionPollutionPolystyrène expanséZones littorales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01993441-01993 (Environnement)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC12 décembre 202329 janvier 202430 octobre 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit répondre à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des lois pour une transition équitable, qui :
  • Réduiront les émissions d’au moins 60 % par rapport aux niveaux de 2005 et contribueront de manière importante à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Mettront fin à l’industrie des combustibles fossiles, aux infrastructures connexes ainsi qu’aux subventions pour les combustibles fossiles, et assureront la transition vers une économie décarbonisée;
  • Créeront de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et étatiseront une plus grande part des services publics dans tous les secteurs de l’économie pour mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créeront de bons emplois verts et favoriseront le perfectionnement de la main-d’oeuvre de manière inclusive, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs et des collectivités concernés, et garantiront un emploi décent et à faible émission de carbone à tous les travailleurs;
  • Protégeront et consolideront les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respecteront les droits, la souveraineté et les connaissances des Autochtones en les impliquant dans la création et l’application de ces lois, assureront la justice envers les migrants et mettront l’accent sur le soutien des communautés traditionnellement marginalisées;
  • Étendront le filet de sécurité sociale grâce à de nouvelles mesures de soutien au revenu, à des logements sociaux carboneutres et à un financement opérationnel visant à rendre les transports collectifs abordables et accessibles dans tout le pays;
  • Financeront la transition en augmentant les impôts des plus riches et des entreprises et en recourant à une banque nationale publique.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, our current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.      
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reduction targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seize the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonization technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our global partners need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in investment tax credits.At COP26, Canada and other countries committed to phasing out international fossil fuel subsidies. Following this, the Government of Canada released direction for federal departments and agencies. Through ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada is ensuring federal investments abroad are aligned with domestic and international climate commitments, while refocusing investment towards low-carbon innovation, including in Canada’s growing clean industries.Domestically, the Government of Canada has committed to phasing out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025. The Government of Canada took swift action, and in July 2023, Canada became one of the first countries in the world to meet this commitment well ahead of the 2025 deadline. The guidance document and assessment framework is being used by government departments to ensure all future programs and spending decisions are aligned with this commitment.Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan commits to reducing emissions from the oil and gas sector. As announced at COP28, the Government of Canada released a draft Regulatory Framework for an Oil and Gas Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions Cap in December 2023 to cap the oil and gas sector’s 2030 emissions at 35 to 38 percent below 2019 levels. This measure is a cap on pollution, and will incentivize innovation as the sector invests in maximum technically achievable decarbonization in order to achieve significant emission reductions by 2030 and get on a credible pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.Canada’s  highly skilled and educated workforce, and comparative advantages in energy, critical minerals, and clean technology are helping Canadian industries and workers to seize the enormous economic opportunities in a net-zero future.  The Government of Canada is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, outlines the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, clean energy, low-carbon building products, carbon management technologies and small modular reactors, Canada is building a prosperous net-zero future that works for Canadians in every region. This includes significant opportunities in existing energy industries that are taking action to respond to global demand by lowering their emissions and enhance their long-term competitiveness.Skills training is a critical factor in ensuring that Canadian workers can seize the economic opportunities ahead, which is why the federal government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including as it relates to sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers seize new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding to establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and fund additional sustainable jobs training, among other things.As committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023. The legislation proposes establishing a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill would also require the Government to:
  • establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures;
  • create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and
  • release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025.
These legislated mechanisms would guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a low-carbon economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables) are an important initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables are helping to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and with the input of experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for implementing joint strategies to leverage energy and resource opportunities to realize each region of Canada’s comparative advantage in a net-zero future.To date, the federal government has jointly launched Regional Tables across the country, including with British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change, while strengthening our economy by fostering the creation of sustainable jobs. This shift towards a low-carbon economy presents significant opportunities across existing and emerging sectors and will require the transformation of Canadian industries and the Canadian labour market. Ensuring Canada has a plan to advance a low-carbon economy and a workforce that can thrive in the low-carbon economy is fundamental to achieving our climate targets.On February 17, 2023, the Government of Canada released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada. This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including establishing legislation that ensures ongoing engagement and accountability.As part of this Plan, on June 15, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which aims to facilitate and promote the creation of sustainable jobs and support workers and communities in Canada as the world advances toward a net-zero future. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation. The bill completed second reading in October 2023, and is expected to continue through the legislative process throughout 2024.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. For example, the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP), which was announced in Budget 2021, is a contribution program that helps key sectors of the economy, including sectors contributing to the low-carbon economy, implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs. The SWSP funds projects that can leverage a wide-range of activities, from developing labour market information, to developing training curriculum and tools, and implementing initiatives that support employers and workers, including members of equity-deserving groups.Budget 2022 announced the creation of a new Union-Led Advisory Table. It brings together labour leaders to provide advice on Government and Ministerial priorities on ways to help workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding for the creation of a Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, also an action area under the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan. The Fund will support a series of training projects to help 15,000 workers across the country upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy. Addressing pressing skills needs and training gaps in areas of high demand will help ensure that Canada’s workforce is prepared to support 2050 climate targets, and that employers have the labour they need to meet demand and seize growth opportunities in the new low-carbon economy.In addition, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding for a new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) sustainable jobs stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. This stream will aim to fund projects that support unions in leading the development of green skills training for workers in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.Finally, the Government also offers a broad suite of programming to support jobseekers and workers of all ages and from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, as well as employers, unions and training providers. Many of these programs, created in consultation with stakeholders, are already helping to advance sustainable jobs. They include:•         The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP), a program that helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs, recent investments of $145.9 million in nine projects that will help build talent for the green economy. Overall, the nine projects are expected to support over 24,000 Canadians and benefit approximately 2,100 employers across Canada.•         The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which provides funding to help pre-apprentices, apprentices, employers, unions, and other organizations and tradespeople participate in apprenticeships and succeed in skilled trades careers. This includes recent investments to develop green skills training for workers in the trades under the sustainable jobs initiative.•         The Skills and Partnership Fund, a project-based fund that supports partnerships between Indigenous organizations and industry employers to provide skills training for Indigenous peoples in priority sectors, which include industries that support more efficient use and alternative sources of energy and resources. Through this Fund, Indigenous people are being trained for current and emerging job opportunities in the green economy.•         The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), a horizontal initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in collaboration with 11 other federal departments, agencies and Crown Corporations. The YESS provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help youth overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge to participate in the current and future labour market. Some YESS programs such as Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program, Natural Resources Canada’s Science and Technology Internship Program - Green Jobs, and Parks Canada’s Young Canada Works Program focus on connecting young Canadians with careers in the sustainable jobs sector.•         The Foreign Credential Recognition Program, to support the labour market integration of skilled newcomers by funding projects that will make credential recognition processes faster and more efficient, and providing loans (up to $30,000), support services, and employment supports to help skilled newcomers acquire Canadian work experience, including within the low-carbon sector.Canada has a strong social safety net of which the Employment Insurance (EI) program is an important part. Millions of Canadians rely on it each year when they lose their jobs or need to step away from work for illness, childbirth, or taking care of a loved one. The Government continues to build an EI program that is responsive to all labour market conditions, and is accessible, adequate and financially sustainable.Canada also has a comprehensive pension system, the Old Age Security Program and the Canada Pension Plan for all Canadian workers, no matter what type of work they choose. The Old Age Security Program is quasi-universal, with benefits being paid to seniors 65 and over based on years of residence in Canada after age 18. Furthermore, recent studies and modelling suggest that one of the most significant challenges facing the low-carbon economy will not be a shortage of jobs, but instead an abundance of jobs with a shortage of skilled workers required to fill them. Assisting workers to acquire new skills to support continued employment in the low-carbon economy will be key to filling future needs.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01992441-01992 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK12 décembre 202329 janvier 202422 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01991441-01991 (Droits de la personne)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK12 décembre 202329 janvier 20241 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01990441-01990 (Droits de la personne)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK12 décembre 202329 janvier 202422 novembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :
  • Le Canada a traditionnellement respecté, honoré et affirmé le rôle des traditions de foi dans les Forces armées canadiennes;
  • L’aumônerie des Forces armées canadiennes contribue à la santé, au moral et au bien-être spirituel des hommes et des femmes des forces armées de toutes confessions ou n’ayant aucun lien avec une religion;
  • Le gouvernement libéral mine les droits et libertés des hommes et des femmes des forces armées en interdisant l’expression de diverses religions.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :
  • d’affirmer que les Forces armées canadiennes doivent être libres d’appuyer les hommes et les femmes des forces armées au moyen de la prière en public, conformément aux traditions honorables et durement acquises des Forces armées canadiennes, plus particulièrement le jour du Souvenir.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeThe Defence Team deeply values the work of military chaplains to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, and we will continue to build a diverse, inclusive military that attracts and retains talented people, as well as a chaplaincy that reflects the diversity of spiritual and faith beliefs of Canada and supports both the free expression of religious belief and the right of military members not to express a religious belief.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service holds deep respect for the diverse religious and spiritual belief systems and practices of serving and retired CAF members, their families and Canadians. As such, CAF chaplains prioritize cultivating inclusive environments where all can feel welcome at ceremonies and events in which chaplains participate or offer leadership. This is why prayer and other faith-specific language that may be offered by CAF chaplains is very much subject to the context, participants and intended nature of the gathering or ceremony in which they are participating, including whether the ceremony or event is secular or non-secular in nature, open to the public at large, or private.With respect to Remembrance Day, specifically, most important to the Chaplain General is maintaining the focus on honouring the sacrifice of all who have gone before us in service to Canada, and to offer thanksgiving for their service and sacrifice. It is paramount that chaplains continue to offer words of remembrance, encouragement, and hope to CAF members and their families.
Forces armées canadiennesLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01989441-01989 (Justice)BobZimmerPrince George—Peace River—Northern RockiesConservateurBC12 décembre 202329 janvier 202411 décembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Le gouvernement Trudeau cherche à interdire et à saisir les fusils de chasse de millions de Canadiens;
  • Le fait de viser les fermiers et les chasseurs ne permet pas de combattre le crime;
  • Le gouvernement Trudeau a laissé tomber ceux qui participent à la tradition canadienne de tir sportif.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin à toutes les interdictions actuelles et futures des armes de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighborhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners.A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21, which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control. The new law includes a new forward-looking technical definition of a prohibited firearm that contains the characteristics of an assault-style firearm.Firearms that match the characteristics and requirements of this new technical definition will be prohibited. That is, a firearm that is not a handgun and that fires centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner, was originally designed with a detachable magazine with a capacity of six cartridges or more, and that is designed and manufactured on or after the day the definition comes into force. As this new definition is forward looking, it applies to firearms that are designed and manufactured on or after December 15, 2023. This ensures that new firearms that exceed safe civilian use are not introduced into our communities. .This definition does not apply to firearms that were on the market prior the passage of C-21. No firearms legally owned by Canadians today will be affected.To stop the growth of handgun ownership, which grew from 500,000 in 2010 to more than 1 million in 2020, Bill C-21 codified the handgun freeze in statute. While current handgun owners can continue to use their handguns, Bill C-21 prevents most individuals from transferring or acquiring new handguns, with narrow exemptions, including for sport shooting. Individuals who are training, competing or coaching in a handgun discipline on the programme of the Olympic or Paralympic Committees and who are recognized as such by the national or provincial-territorial sport shooting governing body can continue to acquire or import handguns. Public Safety Canada will conduct consultations regarding the process for these athletes to acquire handguns for their sport and to support the development of regulations related to this exemption.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.The Government has also invested over $1.3B since 2016 to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase firearms tracing capacity and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuChasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01988441-01988 (Fiscalité)BobZimmerPrince George—Peace River—Northern RockiesConservateurBC12 décembre 202329 janvier 202423 septembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous, soussignés, résidents de Mackenzie en Colombie-Britannique, prions la Chambre des communes de revoir la classification de Mackenzie aux fins de l’allocation de subsistance nordique, la faisant passer de zone intermédiaire visée par règlement (50 % des déductions) à zone nordique visée par règlement (100% des déductions).
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the challenges facing those who live in northern or remote regions. The intent of the Northern Residents Deduction is to assist Canada’s northern and isolated regions in drawing skilled labour to their communities by providing recognition for the additional costs faced by residents of these areas.The current zonal system of tax benefits for northern residents was established following an extensive review of the former community-based system by the Task Force on Tax Benefits for Northern and Isolated Areas.  The Task Force held extensive consultations across the country and concluded that determining eligibility for the tax deductions for residents of northern and isolated areas on a community-by-community basis was arbitrary and divisive – residents of neighbouring communities were being treated differently for tax purposes, even though they often shared common workplaces, services, and cultural and recreational facilities.In October 1989, the Task Force recommended replacing the community-by-community approach with a zonal approach, where only communities within a “Northern Zone” would qualify for tax benefits. The boundaries of the Northern Zone were delineated with a view to ensuring that communities in the zone had similar characteristics. The Task Force used objective criteria to compare communities on the basis of isolation, nordicity, community characteristics, and environmental factors. The Task Force also attempted to minimize border delineation problems by having as much separation as possible between qualifying and non-qualifying communities. 
  • For example, the Task Force considered the distance of a community from the nearest urban centre with a population of at least 10,000. Communities at least 500 kilometers from such an urban centre, or with no road access, were scored as the most remote.
The Task Force recommended a Northern Zone and, following further consultations, an Intermediate Zone was added to bridge the gap between the Northern Zone and the less isolated areas of the country. The approach used by the Task Force to design the Northern Zone was also applied in developing the Intermediate Zone: the same ranking system was used, and efforts were made to minimize border problems. The new system of Northern Benefits took effect starting in 1991.It was recognized that regardless of where the borders of the Northern Zone and the Intermediate Zone are set, there would inevitably be communities across the country that would be disappointed with their exclusion from either zone. It was determined that the final border design incorporated fair trade-offs in difficult circumstances that were deemed workable in a broad-based, national tax system. It is important that the Government of Canada receive the views of Canadians on the tax system. This helps to focus our efforts on improvements to ensure that the tax system is fair and effective.
Déduction pour les habitants de régions éloignéesMackenzie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4443e-4443 (Affaires étrangères)MuhammadArshadYasirNaqviOttawa-CentreLibéralON17 mai 2023 à 14 h 34 (HAE)16 juin 2023 à 14 h 34 (HAE)7 décembre 202329 janvier 202419 juin 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :La stabilité de la démocratie pakistanaise est gravement menacée, tout comme la vie de son très populaire dirigeant, l’ancien premier ministre Imran Khan. Récemment, en violation directe de l’article 21 de la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies, le gouvernement fasciste actuel du Pakistan a illégalement et inconstitutionnellement ordonné le report des élections provinciales au Pendjab, la plus grande province du Pakistan, d’avril à octobre 2023 – une manœuvre orchestrée par l’establishment militaire du PDM au Pakistan. Ce report des élections contrevient également à la Constitution pakistanaise et aux ordonnances de la Cour suprême du Pakistan; Ce report fait partie d’un dangereux plan visant à assassiner Imran Khan, qui a été illégalement arrêté sur ordre d’un tribunal de haute instance le 9 mai 2023. Le Pakistan est en proie à des troubles majeurs, plus de 50 civils innocents ayant été abattus par l’armée pakistanaise. Cette guerre civile dans un pays qui, parmi les États dotés de l’arme nucléaire, est le cinquième plus peuplé au monde, risque d’embraser l’Asie du Sud et le Moyen-Orient et d’avoir des répercussions considérables sur la sécurité de l’Europe et de l’Amérique du Nord.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambres des communes réunie en Parlement de : 1. Condamner le gouvernement pakistanais (régime fasciste) pour ses violations des droits de la personne et pour les meurtres de civils; 2. Demander la libération immédiate du Premier ministre Imran Khan; 3. Demander que des élections régulières et démocratiques soient tenues au Pakistan (le Pakistan est actuellement un État de non-droit dépourvu de toute constitution); 4. Prendre des mesures énergiques pour que le Canada ne devienne pas un refuge pour les criminels (politiciens corrompus et membres des forces armées) qui fuient le Pakistan.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada believes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. This is central to Canada’s Foreign Policy, but Canadians also consider it a key part of Canada’s identity as a country. The Government will continue to ensure that Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. In keeping with this approach, Canada supports free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes around the world and condemns any use of violence for political goals.The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political and economic developments in Pakistan and continues to closely monitor the situation including legal proceedings, to receive regular updates, and to engage with the caretaker Government of Pakistan on concerns raised by civil society organizations and human rights defenders, including in the lead up to general elections announced for February 8, 2024.Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy, and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law globally in Pakistan. In fact, the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for engagement in Pakistan. Canada continues to advance an inclusive approach to democracy, one that allows people of all groups to participate in decision-making processes and institutions that impact their lives.Canadian officials engage with parties and individuals across the political spectrum in Pakistan. As part of Canada’s regular interactions with government officials and opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Canadian officials request that all legal and democratic principles be upheld in a fair manner. Canadian officials continue to engage with the National Commission for Human Rights and relevant caretaker Ministers regarding former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other individuals incarcerated following May 9, 2023, including prison conditions, protection concerns, and ensuring due process and the use of military courts.Global Affairs Canada officials regularly raise these topics with senior Pakistani government officials, opposition parties, and local and religious leaders, and the Government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights and free and fair elections, on an ongoing basis, and engaging in productive conversations with the Government of Pakistan on these topics. Global Affairs Canada is also funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan with an investment of $21 million over five years, which supports women’s political participation and leadership, works to improve the accountability of democratic processes, and to increase the capacity of government institutions. Canada also supports civil society in Pakistan through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to fund locally implemented projects focused on advancing inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.
Droits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4306e-4306 (Sécurité publique)AbbyDeshmanYasirNaqviOttawa-CentreLibéralON28 février 2023 à 13 h 21 (HAE)29 avril 2023 à 13 h 21 (HAE)7 décembre 202329 janvier 20241 mai 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278921" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Sécurité publique </Addressee> Attendu que : Plus d’un Canadien sur neuf possède un dossier judiciaire; Les personnes noires et les membres des autres communautés racisées, les Autochtones et les personnes qui ont connu l’itinérance, les problèmes de santé mentale, la toxicomanie et les conséquences de la criminalisation des drogues, ainsi que d’autres personnes marginalisées, sont, de manière disproportionnée, visés par la police et judiciarisés et, par conséquent, touchés de manière disproportionnée par les dossiers judiciaires; Les recherches dans le domaine social démontrent que l’existence d’un vieux dossier judiciaire ne constitue pas un indicateur fiable de la probabilité qu’une personne récidive; Les dossiers judiciaires constituent des obstacles considérables pour quiconque tente de trouver un emploi et un logement stables, de voyager ou d’obtenir une gamme de services; Il est possible d’accroître la sécurité des collectivités en éliminant les obstacles inutiles qui empêchent les gens de trouver un emploi et un logement stables et de participer pleinement à la vie de leur communauté; Le fait d’occuper un emploi est un facteur de protection clé qui diminue fortement la probabilité qu’un individu ait de nouveaux démêlés avec la justice pénale; La Loi sur le casier judiciaire permet à certaines personnes d’obtenir une suspension du casier, mais elle a établi un système de demandes qui est superflu, laborieux, lent et difficile à naviguer et qui est inaccessible aux membres des groupes les plus marginalisés; Une réforme du traitement des vieux dossiers judiciaires au Canada permettrait d’accroître remarquablement les chances que les individus obtiennent un emploi, transformant ainsi la vie des gens, améliorant la sécurité des collectivités et freinant la discrimination systémique. Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Sécurité publique de procéder à une réforme de la Loi sur le casier judiciaire en vue de mettre en place un système global et automatisé de suspension des casiers judiciaires afin d’éliminer le fardeau que représente un dossier judiciaire pour les personnes qui ont purgé leur peine et qui vivent dans la collectivité depuis plusieurs années sans avoir récidivé.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Government of Canada recognizes the stigma associated with having a criminal record, and the barriers it creates to successful reintegration into the community. Those who have served their sentence, and choose to live a crime-free life continue to face limited access to important milestones, such as safe housing, meaningful employment, and educational and volunteering opportunities. These barriers are often disproportionately felt by those from marginalized and racialized communities, in particular Indigenous Peoples and Black Canadians, who are overrepresented in all stages of the criminal justice system.One of the commitments announced in the 2021 Prime Minister’s Mandate Letter to the Minister of Public Safety was to advance reforms to the Record Suspension Program to address systemic barriers, promote re-integration and ensure the system is fair and proportionate. In the Fall 2022, Public Safety began to enter into new agreements to provide $18 million dollars over four years to 18 different community organizations that support people seeking a record suspension. These community organizations help applicants navigate the record suspension process, ensuring they have the right information and resources. The fee reduction, introduced on January 1, 2022 reducing the record suspension application fee from $657.77 to $50, and investments in community organizations are directly related to the funding that was announced for reforms to the current Record Suspension Program in Budget 2021, A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience.Also in 2022, Public Safety established a working group with partners at the federal, provincial and territorial level to discuss a potential automated sequestering of criminal records (ASCR) system in Canada. A report detailing the preliminary gaps and considerations associated with such a system was finalized and approved in November 2022, highlighting the complexity of implementing such a system, including the extent of financial resources and time that would be required. Consultation sessions also took place between April 2022 and June 2022 with several key stakeholders, such as groups from law enforcement, advocates for marginalized and racialized communities, and spokespersons for victims’ rights. A ‘What We Heard’ report was finalized in June 2022. The information gathered throughout both initiatives will play a valuable role in Public Safety’s continued efforts to advance reforms to the Record Suspension Program.Although the initiatives highlighted above have had a positive impact, Public Safety recognizes there is much work left to be done to reduce the barriers those with a criminal record continue to face on a daily basis. The Government remains committed to pursuing the best way forward to continue advancing reforms to the Record Suspension Program, and looks forward to working closely with partners at all levels to help ensure the program is fair, accessible, and supports reintegration.To help address these issues, the Minister of Public Safety tabled the Federal Framework to Reduce Recidivism in Parliament on June 22, 2022. It identifies crucial factors that impact why people reoffend and how to support safe and successful reintegration into the community. The Framework, developed in consultation with a diverse array of stakeholders, outlined five priority themes key to the successful reintegration of individuals and to community safety including: housing, education, employment, health, and positive support networks. Additionally, the Framework highlighted the need to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous Peoples, Black Canadians, and other marginalized groups in Canada's criminal justice system.To support the Framework, a federal Implementation Plan was shared on the Public Safety website on November 15, 2023. The Plan looks to federal programs and processes, primarily within the Public Safety portfolio, to identify actions that will support individuals that are reintegrating in the community, including accessing housing, supporting individuals in finding employment and in building positive connections in the community.
Loi sur le casier judiciaireSuspension du casier judiciaire
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01985441-01985 (Santé)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB7 décembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Les incitatifs pour les infirmières devraient être offerts à toutes les infirmières pour favoriser des relations saines et des milieux de travail sains;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux pour reconnaître les diplômes en soins de santé des professionnels qualifiés qui ont été formés et instruits à l’étranger;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux et mettre en œuvre de meilleures stratégies et mesures incitatives pour attirer et retenir les travailleurs de la santé au Manitoba;
  • Des infirmières, jeunes comme expérimentées, ainsi que des professionnels de la santé quittent notre province et profitent d’occasions offertes par d’autres provinces qui donnent des incitatifs et des avantages très avantageux à leurs professionnels de la santé;
  • Au Manitoba, beaucoup de personnes âgées ont un revenu fixe et ne peuvent se payer leurs médicaments de prescription;
  • Les infirmières sont surmenées en raison des charges de travail élevées.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Manitoba, prions la Chambre des communes de travailler avec les gouvernements des provinces et les autres intervenants du secteur de la santé pour :1. Prendre le recrutement et la rétention des infirmières au sérieux pour résoudre la crise dans les soins de santé;2. Garantir à toutes les personnes qui contribuent avec leurs impôts au Manitoba et à notre économie qu’elles auront accès à des soins de santé au Manitoba;3. Revoir la charge de travail des infirmières et le programme d’incitatifs pour qu’il inclut toutes les infirmières, sans égard à leur ancienneté ou à leur type de poste;4. Réévaluer une partie des changements qui ont été apportés au cours des dernières années, et transformer les installations de soins de santé en installations fonctionnelles, pour que les résidents du Manitoba, en particulier les communautés de Tyndall Park, Maples, Burrows, Kildonan et même Lakeside aient un endroit où aller.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandHealthcare is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. While the federal government provides financial support to the provinces and territories for healthcare services, the responsibility for matters related to management of the health care system and health workforces falls within provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As part of their responsibility to administer and deliver healthcare services, provinces and territories establish training curricula and manage licensure, and regulate healthcare professionals through arms-length regulatory bodies, such as professional colleges and associations.At the same time, the federal government acknowledges that it has a key leadership role to play in supporting solutions to the challenges facing health systems across the country, including those related to Canada’s health workforce. We remain committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments to protect and strengthen the publicly funded health care system.Budget 2023 delivered nearly $200 billion to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding also includes $25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority: family health services; health workers and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and a modernized health system. Additionally, provinces and territories are being asked to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals, and to advance labour mobility.On October 12, 2023 federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health issued a public statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting Canada’s health workforce so our health workers are able to provide high-quality, accessible and effective health services for people living in Canada. In particular, FPT governments committed to concrete actions focusing on retention, domestic education supply and demand, foreign credential recognition and ethical recruitment, labour mobility, and health workforce data and planning. These commitments included undertaking credential processes overseas in order to improve processing of licensure of international physicians and nurses within 90 days and support for a Nursing Retention Toolkit developed by the federally-appointed Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Leigh Chapman, in consultation with Canada’s nursing community. The toolkit highlights retention initiatives that employers or health authorities can implement to support their nursing workforce.The details on the Ministers commitments can be found here: Federal, provincial and territorial statement on supporting Canada’s health workforce.
ManitobaPersonnel infirmierSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01984441-01984 (Travail et emploi)EricMelilloKenoraConservateurON7 décembre 202329 janvier 20241 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01983441-01983 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON7 décembre 202329 janvier 202430 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation en milieu scolaire sont reconnus de par le monde comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves, et plus de 388 millions d’enfants d’au moins 161 pays reçoivent des repas gratuits ou à moindre coût quand il sont à l’école;
  • Il ressort des données les plus récentes (2022) de Statistique Canada qu’au Canada, un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit dans l’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire;
  • Le budget de 2022 réitérait les engagements figurant dans les lettres de mandat qu’ont reçues en 2021 la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire et leur demandait d’élaborer, en collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les parties intéressées, une politique nationale d’alimentation en milieu scolaire et de trouver des façons qu’un nombre accru d’enfants canadiens puissent obtenir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, et des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et en décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école publique Enterprise et habitants de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox and Addington, demandons à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire d’accorder la priorité, dans le budget de 2024, au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire qui verrait le jour à l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01982441-01982 (Aliments et boissons)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC7 décembre 202329 janvier 202421 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • En leur qualité de pépinières d’entreprises, d’architectes des systèmes nationaux et de la sécurité alimentaire, et de bâtisseurs communautaires qui stimulent l’économie locale, les marchés agricoles jouent un rôle essentiel à la relance économique postpandémique. De plus, les programmes de coupons d’alimentation dans les marchés agricoles sont un outil important pour créer de nouveaux marchés et soutenir les marchés existants et les associations provinciales dont ils relèvent;
  • Les programmes de coupons d’alimentation dans les marchés agricoles favorisent la sécurité et la résilience alimentaires en donnant à des personnes vulnérables une occasion de se procurer des aliments locaux sains et d’apprendre comment mieux s’alimenter, et ils améliorent la santé physique et mentale de leurs adhérents en leur permettant de consommer une plus grande quantité de fruits et de légumes variés;
  • Forte de 135 marchés membres, de plus de 4 000 marchands et d’un long partenariat avec sa province, l’association des marchés agricoles de la Colombie-Britannique distribue ses coupons hebdomadaires à près de 16 000 familles vulnérables, personnes âgées et femmes enceintes, les revenus en découlant se chiffrant pour les agriculteurs locaux à près de 2 millions de dollars chaque année. Le taux moyen d’utilisation des coupons s’élève actuellement à plus de 91 %, et 79 % des participants affirment que le programme a eu une incidence durable sur leurs habitudes alimentaires;
  • La demande de coupons dépasse de beaucoup leur disponibilité : il existe une liste d’attente de personnes admissibles dans chaque localité dotée d’un programme de coupons;
  • Un programme national qui offrirait une contribution équivalente à celle des programmes provinciaux permettrait de mieux répondre à la demande, encouragerait les provinces dépourvues d’un tel programme à en créer un, et aiderait les provinces à élargir les programmes existants pour satisfaire à la demande.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer la motion M-66 et de lancer un programme national pour tous les programmes provinciaux de coupons d’alimentation dans les marchés agricoles qui offrirait une contribution équivalente à celle qu’offrent déjà les provinces et qui aiderait les provinces dépourvues d’un tel programme à en créer un.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, PC, MPOn June 17, 2019, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) launched the first Food Policy for Canada, a whole-of-government approach supporting the vision that “All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.”The Food Policy for Canada is an ambitious initiative, the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government of Canada heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including agricultural producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.Recognizing the importance of helping communities access healthy food, AAFC is delivering the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, a Food Policy initiative with $70 million in funding to strengthen local food systems and to facilitate access to safe and nutritious food for at-risk populations.To date, the Local Food Infrastructure Fund has committed $55.4 million to support close to 900 vital food security projects across Canada, such as: community gardens and kitchens; refrigerated trucks and storage units for donated food; greenhouses in remote and Northern communities; and more.The Government of Canada also delivered the $330 million Emergency Food Security Fund by providing funding to national and regional organizations, which in turn supported food banks and local food organizations across Canada. This emergency fund helped improve access to food for people experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.In British Columbia, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program (FMNCP) is supported by the Province of British Columbia, the Provincial Health Services Authority, and community donors. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) Healthy Canadians and Communities Fund (HCCF) program, which was previously known as the Multi-sectoral Partnerships Program to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Disease, supported a similar initiative with an investment of $1.5M from 2019 to 2025 to expand Community Food Centres Canada’s Market Greens initiative to 30 locations across Canada. The Market Greens initiative supports increased access to low-cost fresh produce markets and offers fruit and vegetable vouchers/coupons that can be used at participating local affordable markets.The HCCF program supports projects that increase access to healthy foods through supportive food environments, which are important determinants of healthy eating behaviours. Projects such as FMNCP that address social and physical environments affecting the accessibility and types of healthy foods available to communities are eligible for funding through HCCF.Thank you for the sharing your proposal to improve Canadians’ access to healthy, local foods through farmers markets and FMNCPs. The Government of Canada remains committed to considering all opportunities to improve food security for Canadians and a vibrant, productive agriculture sector in Canada.
Aliments et boissonsApprovisionnement alimentaireMarchés de producteursProgramme de bons alimentaires dans les marchés agricoles
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01981441-01981 (Travail et emploi)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB7 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023, and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01980441-01980 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB7 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :
  • Les Canadiens sont aux prises avec une crise du coût de la vie sans précédent;
  • La législation actuelle fera disparaître 170 000 emplois canadiens directs, il déplacera 450 000 emplois directs et indirects et perturbera considérablement, partout au Canada, 2,7 millions d’emplois dans les secteurs de l’énergie, de la fabrication, de la construction, des transports et de l’agriculture;
  • Au Canada, le secteur pétrolier et gazier est le premier secteur privé dans le domaine des technologies propres, car il occupe 75 % du marché, soit plus que tous les autres secteurs combinés, et dans le développement et la commercialisation des énergies renouvelables et de remplacement et d’autres carburants de l’avenir;
  • Le secteur de l’énergie représente 10 % du PIB du Canada et contribue chaque année pour plus de 26 milliards de dollars en impôts à tous les ordres de gouvernement, dont 48 milliards de dollars en 2022;
  • Les entreprises du secteur des ressources naturelles, y compris le pétrole et le gaz, sont celles dont les actions sont les plus vendues et constituent la base de la Bourse de Toronto (TSX); la législation actuelle mettra en péril les portefeuilles des Canadiens et risque de mettre en danger des millions de dollars en investissements;
  • L’autosuffisance et la sécurité énergétiques du Canada sont de plus en plus menacées par le programme anti-énergie du gouvernement, qui vise à accélérer l’élimination progressive et irréfléchie des secteurs pétrolier et gazier en imposant des obligations, des pénalités, des politiques, des interdictions et des coûts supplémentaires, sans aucune feuille de route concrète sur la façon de remplacer ces secteurs;
  • La demande mondiale de pétrole et de gaz continue d’augmenter, et nous pensons que les derniers barils de pétrole et mètres cubes de gaz naturel utilisés dans le monde devraient provenir du Canada;
  • L’incertitude créée par le gouvernement a déjà fait fuir du Canada des milliards de dollars en investissements, des technologies et des centaines de milliers d’emplois, et nuit déjà en majeure partie et de manière disproportionnée aux communautés, aux provinces et aux régions éloignées, rurales, autochtones et fondées sur l’énergie et les ressources;
  • La législation actuelle aura un impact disproportionné sur les cols bleus et les travailleurs à faible revenu, dont de nombreux Canadiens autochtones et membres de minorités visibles, qui devront composer avec des interruptions de travail plus importantes et qui auront plus de mal à trouver de nouvelles occasions d’emploi;
  • La législation actuelle ne tient pas compte de la nature et du nombre d’emplois qui remplaceront ceux que le programme du gouvernement fera disparaître, ni de la façon dont les contributions économiques, fiscales et technologiques du secteur de l'énergie seront remplacées au Canada, ni du besoin d’assurer un accès à des sources d’énergie abordable à toutes les communautés et régions, tant dans les villes que dans les milieux ruraux.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’annuler son programme de planification centrale de « transition juste », qui est ciblé, hostile au secteur de l’énergie et au secteur privé, imposé d’en haut et source de division, et qui n’est ni juste, ni équitable, et d’accélérer plutôt les projets, l’aménagement d’infrastructures, les technologies et les exportations énergétiques du Canada, et de donner le feu vert aux projets verts, en réduisant la paperasserie, les coûts et les délais d’obtention des permis, et de soutenir la transformation énergétique menée par le secteur privé au lieu d’une transition imposée par le gouvernement.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reduction targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seize the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonization technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our global partners need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in investment tax credits.Canada’s highly skilled and educated workforce, and comparative advantages in energy, critical minerals, and clean technology are helping Canadian industries and workers to seize the enormous economic opportunities in a net-zero future. The Government of Canada is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, outlines the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, clean energy, low-carbon building products, carbon management technologies, and small modular reactors, Canada is building a prosperous net-zero future that works for Canadians in every region. This includes significant opportunities in existing energy industries that are taking action to respond to global demand by lowering their emissions and enhance their long-term competitiveness.Skills training is a critical factor in ensuring that Canadian workers can seize the economic opportunities ahead, which is why the federal government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including as it relates to sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers seize new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding to establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, among other things.As committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023. The legislation proposes establishing a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill would also require the Government to:
  • establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures;
  • create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and
  • release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025.
These legislated mechanisms would guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities in building a net-zero economy, advancing economic prosperity across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables) are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables are helping to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and with the input of experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders.  The Regional Tables will form the basis for implementing joint strategies to leverage energy and resource opportunities to realize each region of Canada’s comparative advantage in a net-zero future.To date, the federal government has jointly launched Regional Tables across the country with British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon.The Government of Canada is working in partnership with workers, industries, and communities across Canada to take ambitious climate action while developing low-carbon industries that spur affordability, energy security, and economic prosperity in every sector and region.
C-50, Loi concernant la responsabilité, la transparence et la mobilisation à l'appui de la création d'emplois durables pour les travailleurs et de la croissance économique dans une économie carboneutreÉconomie verteTransition énergétique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01979441-01979 (Affaires étrangères)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB7 décembre 202329 janvier 202421 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Divers médias ont rapporté que le Parti communiste chinois (PCC) a tenté de s’ingérer dans les élections fédérales canadiennes (CCP);
  • Des rapports contenant des renseignements classifiés du Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité prétendent qu’un ancien agent consulaire du PCC au Canada a célébré la défaite de deux parlementaires et s’en est attribué le mérite;
  • La conseillère à la sécurité nationale du premier ministre, Jody Thomas, a informé les députés que le premier ministre Justin Trudeau était régulièrement mis au courant de tentatives d’ingérence par Beijing dans les élections;
  • Les membres du conseil d’administration et la PDG de la Fondation Trudeau ont démissionné après l’octroi d’un don de 200 000 $ à l’organisation par un homme d’affaires ayant des liens avec le PCC;
  • Le comité parlementaire qui enquête sur l’ingérence étrangère a voté en faveur de la création d’une commission d’enquête publique sur l’ingérence étrangère;
  • Le gouvernement libéral bloque encore la création d’une commission d’enquête publique et nie sa nécessité immédiate;
  • Le rapporteur spécial nommé par le premier ministre est en plein conflit d’intérêt, ayant été membre de la Fondation Trudeau et étant un ami du premier ministre;
  • Le PCC crée des liens avec le Canada en tant qu’adversaire stratégique, pratiquant notamment la diplomatie d’otages avec l’emprisonnement injustifié de Michael Spavor et Michael Kovrig;
  • Le PCC utilise cette position de confrontation pour mener une guerre économique aux exportations canadiennes, notamment les produits céréaliers et oléagineux, ce qui met les producteurs canadiens à risque;
  • Les Canadiens ont droit à des institutions démocratiques dans lesquelles ils ont confiance qu’elles servent leur intérêt, sans ingérence de la part d’agents étrangers.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :mener une enquête publique approfondie, ouverte et indépendante sur l’ingérence par Beijing dans les élections afin de donner aux Canadiens la transparence nécessaire pour leur redonner confiance dans les institutions publiques et parlementaires.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to protecting and continuously strengthening Canada’s democracy, including its institutions and processes, in the face of evolving threats. This is why, in the summer of 2023, the Prime Minister asked the Minister responsible for democratic institutions to work to determine a way forward to shine light into the matter of foreign interference in Canada’s elections, and to determine who may be best suited to lead this public work.Following extensive consultations with all recognized parties in the House of Commons, the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs on September 7, 2023, announced that a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and democratic institutions would be established under the Inquiries Act. All parties agreed to the Terms of Reference and the appointment of the Commissioner.The Honourable Marie-Josée Hogue, puisne judge of the Quebec Court of Appeal, was appointed as the Commissioner to lead the public inquiry. Her mandate began on September 18, 2023. Appointed under the Inquiries Act, the Commissioner operates independently from the government and has a full range of powers, including the power to compel witnesses and testimony on matters within federal jurisdiction, and broad access to classified and unclassified documents.The Commissioner is mandated to examine and assess interference by China, Russia and other foreign states or nonstate actors, including any potential impacts, to confirm the integrity of, and any impacts on, the 43rd and 44th federal general elections at the national and electoral district levels.The Commissioner is also mandated to assess the capacity of federal entities to detect, deter and counter foreign interference targeting Canada’s democratic processes, and to make any recommendations she deems appropriate to better protect Canada’s democratic processes from foreign interference, including in relation to the creation and dissemination of intelligence, relevant supports and protections for members of diasporas, and the mechanisms that were in place to protect the integrity of 43rd and 44th elections.The Commissioner is directed to submit her first report no later than May 3, 2024, and her second report no later than December 31, 2024. As outlined in the Terms of Reference (https://www.canada.ca/en/democratic-institutions/general/terms-reference.html), to foster transparency and a better understanding of the findings, leaders of all parties recognized in the House of Commons with appropriate clearance will be invited to review classified versions of the Commissioner’s reports. The Government of Canada looks forward to receiving the Commissioner’s reports and any recommendations contained therein.The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) each have ongoing, parallel, reviews to assess the state of foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and the flow of information from national security agencies to decision makers during the 43rd and 44th general elections. The Government of Canada looks forward to receiving NSICOP’s and NSIRA’s findings and reports.The Government of Canada also continues to reinforce its efforts to counter any form of foreign interference in our electoral processes and to strengthen trust in Canada’s democratic institutions.  On March 6, 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada announced measures to further these objectives. This included the establishment of a National Counter Foreign Interference Coordinator at Public Safety Canada to coordinate efforts to combat foreign interference; the development of a plan to address outstanding recommendations from NSICOP and from the independent assessments of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol by Mr. Morris Rosenberg and Mr. James Judd; and, the investment of $5.5 million that created the Canadian Digital Media Research Network, that will further strengthen Canadians’ information resilience by researching how quality of information, including disinformation narratives, impacts Canadians’ attitudes and behaviours and by supporting strategies for Canadians’ digital literacy.Following the Prime Minister’s announcements, the Government released its report, Countering an evolving threat: Update on recommendations to counter foreign interference in Canada’s democratic institutions, which outlines the recommendations made in the reports to protect Canadian democratic institutions and processes; summarizes the actions that have been taken or are in progress to address the recommendations; and proposes further steps for consideration to bolster Canada’s response to foreign interference threats.These efforts demonstrate the Government’s continued efforts to protect our democratic institutions, including our electoral processes, from any possible threats, and to ensure Canada’s democracy remains one of the strongest in the world. Thank you for taking the time to submit this important petition and for being an active and engaged participant in our democracy.
Activités influencées par l'étrangerChineEnquêtes et enquêtes publiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01978441-01978 (Justice)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB7 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Vu l’augmentation soutenue du nombre de crimes haineux déclarés par la police et ciblant une religion en particulier (en hausse de 67 % entre 2020 et 2021), il est clairement nécessaire d’accorder toute notre attention à ce problème;
  • En 2021 seulement, les crimes haineux ciblant des juifs ont augmenté de 47 %, ceux ciblant des musulmans, de 71 %, et ceux ciblant des catholiques, de 260 %;
  • Les cas de méfaits motivés par la haine à l’encontre de propriétés utilisées par des groupes religieux et confessionnels continuent d’augmenter; cependant, le nombre de personnes inculpées pour ces crimes reste stable;
  • En outre, notre approche en matière de crimes haineux est éclairée par les données susmentionnées recueillies par Statistique Canada; cependant, ces données ne reflètent pas avec précision le portrait des crimes haineux au Canada;
  • Une part importante des incidents n’est pas signalée – la part que le gouvernement du Canada appelle le « chiffre noir » de la criminalité –, ce qui signifie que le problème des crimes motivés par la haine est beaucoup plus grave que ce que les données laissent voir;
  • Malgré ce problème de grande envergure, le nombre de personnes inculpées continue de diminuer, contrairement au nombre de crimes haineux, qui augmente.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mener des enquêtes approfondies sur les crimes haineux et de veiller à ce que les crimes visant des groupes religieux et leurs lieux de culte donnent lieu à des inculpations pénales appropriées.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is on alert for and categorically condemns violence aimed at any community.The RCMP encourages that all hate crimes be reported to the  police of local jurisdiction. Such allegations would be subject to investigation by the police, including the RCMP where it is the police of jurisdiction. Subsequently, applicable actions under Canadian legislation will be taken to hold accountable all those responsible for such crimes.The RCMP has a national operational policy to assist investigators responding to hate-motivated crimes and strives to build trusting relationships with communities by collaborating on crime prevention initiatives that enhance community resilience and promote bias-free policing. The RCMP has also provided guidance and reference materials for frontline members relating to the recent increase in demonstrations and hate crimes.Along with the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, the RCMP co-chairs the national Hate Crimes Task Force, which was established in 2022 in recognition of the growing rate of hate crimes and incidents in Canada. Comprised of representatives from small, medium, large and First Nations police services from across the country, as well as Statistics Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, the Task Force includes some of the country’s leading experts in the areas of investigation, community outreach and training. The group seeks to enhance the police response to hate crimes in Canada through the development of practical tools and solutions, including within the current context. Over the past two months, the Task Force has been sharing information and best practices, and collaborating on the development of aids to support the frontline response
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government has always firmly believed that there is no place in Canada for hate propaganda and hate crime, which includes those that target persons because of their religion. Our Government has been working to ensure Canada continues to be one of the most accepting countries in the world. All Canadians deserve to feel safe in their communities.Our Government is taking concrete steps to fight hate crime and hate speech, in all its forms. Some examples of these efforts include appointing Ms. Deborah Lyons as Canada’s new Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combating Antisemitism. She will continue leading efforts to combat antisemitism and preserve Holocaust remembrance in Canada and abroad. Moreover, our Government appointed Canada’s first Special Representative on Combating Islamophobia, Ms. Amira Elghawaby, to serve as a champion, advisor, and expert to the federal government in its efforts to counter Islamophobia, systemic racism, racial discrimination, and religious intolerance.Our Government has a responsibility to protect all Canadians from hate crimes, in particular by keeping community spaces safe, and that is a responsibility taken very seriously. One important tool is the Security Infrastructure Program (SIP), which helps community institutions fund the improvements they need to be safe. The Government of Canada is dedicating $5 million annually to the SIP to help protect communities from hate-motivated crime. On November 6, 2023, our Government announced an additional investment of $5 million to help Canadian communities at risk of hate-motivated crimes protect and strengthen the security of their community centres, places of worship and other institutions. A new temporary measure in the Security Infrastructure Program will cover new sites, such as office spaces and daycares, that are clearly linked to communities at-risk of hate-motivated crime, as well as costs associated with time-limited security guards.On November 17, 2023, the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with their provincial and territorial counterparts to discuss recent global events and their impacts in Canada. They shared best practices to ensure the safety of legal protests, as well as potential additional measures to address hate crimes. Our Government will continue to work collaboratively with its provincial and territorial partners to combat hate crime and keep Canadians safe.Canada has a strong legislative and policy framework in place to combat racial and religious discrimination, hate crime, and hate speech. The framework includes protections in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and non-discrimination legislation in every province and territory.The Criminal Code contains four hate propaganda offences, namely (1) advocating or promoting genocide against an identifiable group; (2) inciting hatred against an identifiable group by communicating, in a public place, statements that are likely to lead to a breach of the peace; (3) communicating statements, other than in private conversation, to willfully promote hatred against an identifiable group; and (4) willfully promoting antisemitism by denying, downplaying or condoning the Holocaust. “Identifiable group” is defined as any section of the public distinguished by colour, race, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or mental or physical disability.In addition, there are provisions in the Criminal Code to address hate crimes. These are crimes that are committed when motivated by hatred based on various grounds, such as race or religion. Paragraph 718.2(a)(i) of the Criminal Code requires judges to consider, as an aggravating circumstance in sentencing, any evidence that a crime was motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on grounds including race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, language, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or any other similar ground. It is also a specific crime in subsection 430(4.1) of the Criminal Code to vandalize or damage certain property, such as property primarily used for religious worship, or property such as educational institutions or residences for seniors that are primarily used by an “identifiable group”, as defined in the hate propaganda offences. Responsibility for investigating and prosecuting hate crimes in Canada falls primarily to the provinces.Finally, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada is continuing the work of his predecessor together with his colleagues, the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Public Safety, to develop and introduce legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content. This legislation will protect Canadians and hold social media platforms and other online services accountable for the content they host.In addition, this legislation will strengthen the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Criminal Code to be more effective in combatting online hate, and will reintroduce measures to strengthen hate speech provisions, including through the re-enactment of former section 13 of the Canadian Human Rights Act. Recognizing the pressing need for this legislation, Our Government is working diligently to introduce this bill as soon as possible.Canadians expect their Government to take action against hate speech and hate crimes. Our Government is committed to strengthening our legislative framework to combat hate and serious forms of harmful online content in the near future.
Crimes haineuxÉtablissements religieuxLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01977441-01977 (Travail et emploi)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB7 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :
  • La reconnaissance des titres de compétences étrangers détenus par les nouveaux arrivants du Canada reste problématique;
  • Seuls 41 % des médecins formés à l’étranger exercent leur profession de médecin au Canada;
  • De même, à peine 37 % des infirmiers et infirmières formés à l’étranger exercent leur profession au Canada;
  • Les gens qui décident d’étudier la médecine à l’étranger, même s’ils viennent du Canada, connaissent des difficultés pour obtenir leur permis d’exercice s’ils décident de revenir au pays;
  • Les contrôleurs des autorités provinciales qui délivrent les permis font face à des problèmes et à des formalités administratives inutiles, ce qui empêche les professionnels de la santé d’exercer la profession à laquelle ils ont été formés;
  • Le Canada compte 53 005 infirmiers, infirmières et médecins qui pourraient mettre fin à la pénurie, mais le gouvernement libéral ne parvient pas à lever les obstacles au soutien indispensable pour combler les besoins des réseaux de santé provinciaux;
  • Il existe déjà le programme Sceau rouge qui fixe des normes pancanadiennes reconnues pour les travailleurs de métier et qui permet, dans le cadre d’un partenariat réciproque, de prouver les compétences acquises par le professionnel pour exercer son métier;
  • Les professionnels de la santé souhaitent travailler au Canada, mais il reste à mettre sur pied un système libre d’obstacle pour accueillir ces professionnels hautement qualifiés.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la ministre de l’Emploi, du Développement de la main-d’œuvre et de l’Inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap de : mettre sur pied un programme « Sceau bleu », qui facilitera la délivrance de permis d’exercice des médecins et des infirmiers et infirmières, dans les 60 jours fixés par une norme, afin d’atténuer les pénuries des professionnels de la santé au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykForeign credential recognition and licensure in regulated occupations (e.g., nurses, physicians) is a provincial and territorial responsibility that is typically further delegated to regulatory authorities through legislation. Each jurisdiction is responsible for establishing education, training and licensing standards in the interest of public health and safety.The Government of Canada recognizes that skilled newcomers, including internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs), are sometimes not able to contribute to their full potential. They can face challenges obtaining employment commensurate with their education, skills and experience, due to barriers such as lack of Canadian work experience, occupation-specific language proficiency, discrimination and bias from employers, and lack of awareness of existing employment supports and other social and professional resources. The foreign credential recognition process itself can also be a barrier for the successful labour market integration of skilled newcomers, as it can be complex, lengthy, and costly and varies by occupation and jurisdiction. In the context of these challenges, many provinces and territories have introduced initiatives and legislation to improve foreign credential recognition processes and support fair registration practices.For example, on May 1, 2023, the Atlantic premiers announced the launch of the Atlantic Physician Register that allows for greater mobility of fully licensed physicians in Atlantic Canada. Previously, physicians had to submit a separate full application to each provincial college, including a registration fee, to obtain a license to practice in that province. This Registry could be expanded to allow other jurisdictions to join.National organizations are also helping to harmonize and coordinate the credential recognition process amongst the provincial and territorial regulatory bodies to make it easier for internationally educated physicians and nurses to have their credentials recognized and become licensed to practice in Canada. For example, the Medical Council of Canada and the National Nursing Assessment Services are national bodies that play a role in facilitating the foreign credential recognition process of internationally educated physicians and nurses respectively.Additionally, on October 12, 2023, Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health and Ministers responsible for mental health met to discuss shared priorities, including the health workforce, health data, mental health and addiction, and public health. The meeting highlight was that all levels of government are taking action and making significant investments to improve health care services in Canada. Following the meeting, Ministers released a statement reaffirming their commitment to focus attention on foreign credential recognition by reducing the time it takes for IEHPs to join the workforce, and advance labour mobility to support an agile and flexible workforce.For its part, the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program supports the labour market integration of skilled newcomers by funding projects with provinces and territories, regulatory authorities and organizations that simplify and harmonize national credential recognition processes, provide loans and support services to help skilled newcomers navigate foreign credential recognition processes, and help skilled newcomers gain their first Canadian work experience in their profession or field of study.For example, the Foreign Credential Recognition Program supported the Medical Council of Canada to create the Physicians Apply portal (https://physiciansapply.ca/). The portal has streamlined the process for international medical graduates to apply for a license to practice medicine in Canada by offering a platform where international and Canadian medical students and physicians can complete and submit the application for medical registration with medical regulatory authorities, access all Medical Council of Canada examinations, use source verification services, and share their credentials and documents with registered partners. The Physicians Apply portal has so far reached over 83,000 individuals who now have accounts and can access the full range of services. The portal has made it easier for nearly 1.9 million documents to be shared in support of credential recognition and licensure for international and Canadian medical graduates.Budget 2022 provided an additional $115 million over five years, with $30 million ongoing, to expand the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, with an initial focus on supporting the integration of IEHPs into the Canadian labour market. The most recent open call for proposals ran from December 5, 2022, to January 30, 2023. The call invited eligible organizations and provincial and territorial governments to submit proposals for projects that improve Foreign Credential Recognition processes, provide Canadian work experience that is relevant to the IEHPs’ intended healthcare field of work, and/or facilitate labour mobility between jurisdictions in Canada for health care professionals. Approximately $89 million will be invested in 16 new projects which are expected to start in early 2024.
Immigration et immigrantsSoignants et professionnels de la santéTitres de compétences
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4560e-4560 (Citoyenneté et immigration)LoriOschefskiYvanBakerEtobicoke-CentreLibéralON25 août 2023 à 10 h 13 (HAE)23 novembre 2023 à 10 h 13 (HAE)6 décembre 202329 janvier 202423 novembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">premier ministre</Addressee>Attendu que : Les petits immigrés/les enfants migrants et leurs descendants ont été victimes d’une politique d’immigration qui a injustement et systématiquement déraciné des familles et cherché à rompre des liens familiaux essentiels; Les petits immigrés/les enfants migrants ont été, par le biais du système, plongés dans des conditions de vie personnelles difficiles et inappropriées, exacerbées par la conviction qu’ils n’étaient pas désirés par leurs parents et, par conséquent, se sont vus refuser l’accès à leurs frères et sœurs et/ou à d’autres membres de leur famille; Les petits immigrés ont été exposés à des dangers importants, leur bien-être a été compromis et leur vie a été mise en danger; Les petits immigrés/les enfants migrants et leurs descendants ont, depuis leur arrivée au Canada, cherché à protéger, à préserver et à faire progresser la société canadienne par le biais du service public, militaire et civique malgré les abus, les mauvais traitements, la stigmatisation et l’ostracisme dont de nombreux petits immigrés ont souffert au Canada;Les gouvernements britannique et australien ont déjà présenté des excuses officielles aux petits immigrés et aux enfants migrants; Les petits immigrés/les enfants migrants et leurs descendants méritent des excuses semblables de la part du gouvernement canadien pour le rôle qu’il a joué dans ledit programme.Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et descendants du Canada, demandons au premier ministre de présenter des excuses sincères aux petits immigrés/aux enfants migrants qui ont souffert de la honte et de l’isolement, à ceux qui sont morts en ayant honte de leur histoire et en étant privés de leur famille, aux survivants âgés accablés par leur passé et aux descendants aux prises avec les conséquences intergénérationnelles d’un système qui a maltraité et séparé leurs familles.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the treatment of Home Children/Child Migrants in Canada’s past.The Government of Canada believes in the importance of learning from the past, including the more difficult moments in our history.Between 1869 and the late 1940s, approximately 100,000 British children, most under the age of 14, were transported to Canada by British religious and philanthropic organisations to work as indentured farm labourers and domestic servants. Although the children were often described as orphans, it is thought that the majority came from British orphanages, workhouses and other institutions because their families were indigent. It is generally agreed that their living and working conditions were poorly supervised in Canada, leaving the children vulnerable to abuse and prejudice.It is only right that Canadians remember Home Children/Child Migrants and the contributions they and their descendants made to the development of our country:
  • 2010 was designated as the Year of the British Home Child in Canada to increase awareness about the hardships many of the children experienced, as well as their strength and endurance. The Year was marked by the issuance of a commemorative poster by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and of a commemorative stamp by Canada Post in September 2010.
  • In February 2017, the House of Commons unanimously adopted an apology to the British Home Children/Child Migrants and their Descendants.
  • As adopted by the House of Commons in February 2018, the Government of Canada supports the designation of September 28 as British Home Child Day in order to raise awareness and ensure the recognition of the many contributions British Home Children have made to Canada.
The Government of Canada has also supported a number of outreach, commemorative and educational initiatives to recognize the experience of Home Children including:
  • The designation of Home Children’s immigration experience as a national historical event. Further to this, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board established a commemorative plaque at the site of a receiving home in Stratford, Ontario, to acknowledge the experience of all Home Children.
  • Educational information can be found on Parks Canada’s website, as well as the National Historic Sites at Grosse Isle, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, and the Partridge Island quarantine station in Saint John, New Brunswick.
  • Library and Archives Canada has worked in cooperation with Home Children stakeholder groups to make key archival information available to former Home Children, and their descendants.
  • The Canadian Museum of History and Telefilm Canada have also worked to document the history of the child migrant movement in Canada.
EnfantsExcuses officiellesImmigration et immigrantsPetits immigrants britanniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01975441-01975 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLibéralON6 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • Exiger un cessez-le-feu immédiat dans le conflit israélo-palestinien;
  • Demander à Israël de lever le blocus de la bande de Gaza et d’autoriser la création d’un corridor humanitaire et une intervention humanitaire d’urgence;
  • Demander à Israël de respecter ses engagements en vertu des conventions de Genève et du droit international humanitaire;
  • Respecter son engagement international de promouvoir et de défendre les droits de la personne;
  • Prendre toute autre mesure nécessaire pour protéger les civils, tant israéliens que palestiniens, et contribuer à favoriser un climat propice à l’instauration d’une paix durable.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.Canada remains deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.Canada supported the previous pause in hostilities that allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. Canada wants to see this pause resumed and supports urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining its support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada supports Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. Canada emphasizes that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism.The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $60 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Canada remains committed to working with allies and partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.
Conflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01974441-01974 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLibéralON6 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • Exiger un cessez-le-feu immédiat dans le conflit israélo-palestinien;
  • Demander à Israël de lever le blocus de la bande de Gaza et d’autoriser la création d’un corridor humanitaire et une intervention humanitaire d’urgence;
  • Demander à Israël de respecter ses engagements en vertu des conventions de Genève et du droit international humanitaire;
  • Respecter son engagement international de promouvoir et de défendre les droits de la personne;
  • Prendre toute autre mesure nécessaire pour protéger les civils, tant israéliens que palestiniens, et contribuer à favoriser un climat propice à l’instauration d’une paix durable.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.Canada remains deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.Canada supported the previous pause in hostilities that allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. Canada wants to see this pause resumed and supports urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining its support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada supports Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. Canada emphasizes that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism.The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $60 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Canada remains committed to working with allies and partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.
Conflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4543e-4543 (Droits de la personne)SalvatoreAmentaMikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON2 août 2023 à 15 h 12 (HAE)30 novembre 2023 à 15 h 12 (HAE)6 décembre 202329 janvier 20241 décembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :Plus de 22 % des Canadiens ont un handicap;Les politiques de logement sont discriminatoires à l’endroit des personnes handicapées;Il n’existe pas de code du bâtiment au Canada qui rende obligatoire l’accessibilité des logements;Des milliers de personnes se voient forcées de quitter leur logement devenu inaccessible pour elles alors qu’elles n’ont jamais été aussi vulnérables de leur vie;Cela donne lieu à de la « médecine de corridor » dans les hôpitaux et à de longues listes d’attente dans les foyers de soins;L’on pourrait économiser des millions de dollars en soins de santé en donnant aux gens les moyens de demeurer dans leur propre logement accessible;L’approbation et le financement de logements inaccessibles sont contraires à la Convention de l’ONU relative aux droits des personnes handicapées, à la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés ainsi qu’à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne, qui interdisent la discrimination fondée sur le handicap; La Société canadienne d’hypothèques et de logement (SCHL) définit la conception universelle comme étant la conception d’un environnement accessible, compréhensible et utilisable pour toute personne, peu importe son âge, sa taille, ses capacités ou ses handicaps.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :1. Modifier le Code national du bâtiment (CNB) pour rendre la conception universelle obligatoire dans tous les nouveaux édifices multi-logements relevant de la compétence du gouvernement du Canada, conformément à la loi et aux conventions en vigueur;2. Veiller à ce que la Table stratégique sur l’harmonisation des codes de construction, le Comité canadien de l’harmonisation des codes de construction et la SCHL collaborent en vue de définir et d’illustrer dans le CNB ce qui constitue une conception universelle visitable, adaptable, accessible et exempte d’obstacles; 3. Exiger que les fonds publics ou les concessions accordés pour le logement aux municipalités, aux promoteurs ou autres organisations servent exclusivement à la construction de logements de conception universelle.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleWith 22% of Canadians aged 15 and over living with one or more disabilities that limit their daily life, it is vital that we support the development of housing that accommodates the needs of people with disabilities. To support the housing needs of individuals with disabilities, the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) includes programs that encourage and support the use of Universal Design in housing development. In the report, Universal Design: A guide for designers, builders and developers of multi-unit residential buildings, CMHC undertook consultations with industry experts and people with lived experience. The goal of Universal Design is to ensure that spaces do not discriminate and they benefit people regardless of their abilities, needs and cultural preferences. Universal Design is frequently implemented by project owners, particularly those completing new construction, to provide accessible housing. As part of the criteria established to access funding support from the NHS and other Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) programs, all projects must achieve minimum accessibility standards and follow jurisdictional requirements, Universal Design criteria, or other technical requirements. Below are highlights of accessibility criteria from key CMHC housing programs. Additional details can be found at CMHC Housing Solutions.Apartment Construction Loan Program: At least 10% of project units must meet local codes or the 2015 National Building Code. Additionally, access to the project and all common areas must be barrier-free as regulated by the local codes or the 2015 National Building Code. Affordable Housing Fund: For the New Construction stream, 20% of units within the project must meet or exceed accessibility standards and its common areas must be barrier-free OR have full Universal Design applied. For the Repair and Renewal stream, 20% of units within the project must meet or exceed the accessibility standards and its common areas must be barrier-free. Mortgage Loan Insurance Select (Outside of the NHS but CMHC-delivered): Access to reduced premiums and longer amortization periods are based on a points system where borrowers earn points depending on their affordability, energy efficiency, and accessibility commitments. For borrowers making an accessibility commitment, there are options for achieving different levels of accessibility, with more ambitious commitments resulting in additional points.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), which is made up of representatives from provincial, territorial, and federal governments, is responsible for the development of Canada’s National Model Codes, including the National Building Code (NBC). The CBHCC works under the direction of the Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy which establishes the strategic priority areas that become the focus of code development activities. Accessibility is a priority for the 2030 code development cycle.The CBHCC and its committees develop Canada’s National Model Codes for building design and construction. The 2025 National Model Codes will include several changes to improve the accessibility of buildings and dwellings. Work is underway for changes targeting the 2025 National Model Codes for improving building access, including for persons with vision loss, and enhancing safety through improved accessibility, by aligning the National Building Code (NBC) Part 9 (applicable to housing and small buildings) with the NBC Part 3 (applicable to large buildings) in areas that include design and geometry requirements for tactile attention indicator surfaces, lighting requirements in public spaces, protruding building elements, and ramp design.Work is also underway on expanding accessibility requirements to dwelling units, to allow Canadians to easily and affordably adapt their homes to accommodate their changing health needs and to live at home for as long as possible (“adaptability”), as well as visit others in their homes (“visitability”). The CBHCC is working on expanding the application of the National Model Codes’ accessibility objective to include dwelling units and the development of technical requirements for adaptability in dwelling units and visitability in dwelling units in multi-unit residential buildings (MURB). Some of the adaptability measures being developed are wider entrances to accommodate assistive mobility devices, reinforced walls in washrooms for the installation of grab bars, and specific mounting locations for light switches and commonly used electrical outlets that can be reached by a person in a seated position. The CBHCC is also working to improve the visitability of dwelling units in multi-unit residential buildings to include wider paths of travel in the entrance floor living area and washrooms with enough space to maneuver a wheelchair or other assistive mobility device. The proposed additions to the 2025 National Model Codes on adaptable features would apply to most new dwelling units (detached houses, semi-detached houses, houses with a secondary suite, duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, row houses and boarding houses, and units designated by provinces and territories to be adaptable in MURBs), while visitability features would apply to a subset of MURB units that also have adaptable features, as decided upon by authorities having jurisdiction for regulation and related enforcement of construction based on their local needs.Further development of technical provisions for accessibility has been identified as a priority by the Canadian Table for Harmonized Construction Codes Policy for the 2030 National Model Codes. The CBHCC is currently in the process of developing its detailed work plan for the 2030 Codes.
Accessibilité des handicapésCode du bâtimentLogement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01972441-01972 (Santé)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservateurON6 décembre 202329 janvier 202428 novembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, souhaitons attirer l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE : Sur Internet, les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès à du contenu sexuellement explicite, y compris à du contenu dégradant et à du contenu présentant de la violence sexuelle;Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est mis à la disposition du public sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Le visionnement de contenu sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associé à toute une gamme de préjudices graves, notamment le développement de la dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement des stéréotypes de genre et le développement d’attitudes favorables à l’égard du harcèlement et de la violence, y compris le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle, particulièrement à l’endroit des femmes;Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets dévastateurs de l’accès accru à du contenu sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes sont une préoccupation importante en matière de santé publique et de sécurité publique;La technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs, sans enfreindre leurs droits à la vie privée;Toute personne qui rend du contenu sexuellement explicite disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;La principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants dans le cadre d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé portait sur la vérification de l’âge en ligne.PAR CONSÉQUENT, les pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-203, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding protecting young persons online – a very important issue. The Government is committed to making the Internet a safer and more inclusive place for Canadians. As you know, the Minister of Canadian Heritage has been mandated to work with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to develop and introduce legislation as soon as possible to combat serious forms of harmful online content, including child sexual exploitation content and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.The Government is committed to getting this right. The Government of Canada has held extensive consultations on the design of a legislative and regulatory framework for harmful content online. This includes a consultation in the summer of 2021; the advice from an Expert Advisory Group on online safety; direct perspectives from Canadians who participated in a Citizen’s Assembly; and engagement in roundtables with the Minister of Canadian Heritage in every province, as well as on a series of thematic issues in online safety.All of this engagement and consultation has been undertaken in an open and transparent manner, so that all interested parties can follow along, and can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.htmlThe Government intends to introduce legislation reflecting its consultations and engagement soon.
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01971441-01971 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON6 décembre 202329 janvier 202422 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’AgroalimentaireATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation dans les écoles sont reconnus dans le monde entier comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves. Plus de 388 millions d’enfants dans au moins 161 pays reçoivent des repas scolaires gratuits ou subventionnés à l’école;
  • Selon de nouvelles données de Statistique Canada (2022), un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit dans un ménage en situation d’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation dans les écoles;
  • Le budget de 2022 a réaffirmé les engagements énoncés dans la lettre de mandat remise à la ministre des Familles, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire en décembre 2021, soit de collaborer avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les parties prenantes pour concevoir une politique nationale sur l’alimentation dans les écoles et pour étudier comment un plus grand nombre d’enfants canadiens peuvent recevoir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, et des consultations publiques ont eu lieu de novembre à décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école publique Lord Strathcona et résidents de la région de Kingston, de Frontenac, de Lennox et d’Addington, prions la ministre des Finances, la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire d’accorder la priorité au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation dans les écoles dans le budget de 2024, en vue d’une mise en œuvre dans les écoles d’ici l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01970441-01970 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON6 décembre 202329 janvier 202422 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
   
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01969441-01969 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON5 décembre 202329 janvier 202430 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation en milieu scolaire sont reconnus de par le monde comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves, et plus de 388 millions d’enfants d’au moins 161 pays reçoivent des repas gratuits ou à moindre coût quand il sont à l’école;
  • Il ressort des données les plus récentes (2022) de Statistique Canada qu’au Canada, un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit dans l’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire;
  • Le budget de 2022 réitérait les engagements figurant dans les lettres de mandat qu’ont reçues en 2021 la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire et leur demandait d’élaborer, en collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les parties intéressées, une politique nationale d’alimentation en milieu scolaire et de trouver des façons qu’un nombre accru d’enfants canadiens puissent obtenir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, et des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et en décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école publique Frontenac et habitants de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox and Addington, demandons à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire d’accorder la priorité, dans le budget de 2024, au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation en milieu scolaire qui verrait le jour à l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01968441-01968 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON5 décembre 202329 janvier 202421 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/oil-gas-emissions-cap/options-discussion-paper.html to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions, and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. On December 7, 2023, the Government of Canada released a proposed regulatory framework for an oil and gas sector greenhouse gas emissions cap. Comments on the Framework will inform draft regulations, targeted for publication in 2024.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising by $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuel Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
             
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4648e-4648 (Administration et services gouvernementaux)BenoitDutrizacJulieVignolaBeauport—LimoilouBloc QuébécoisQC24 octobre 2023 à 15 h 18 (HAE)23 novembre 2023 à 15 h 18 (HAE)5 décembre 202329 janvier 202424 novembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que :Les Québécois et les Canadiens s’attendent à voir leurs taxes et impôts être utilisés et gérés consciencieusement et de manière socialement responsable, ce que ne respecte pas les dépenses actuelles liées à la fonction de gouverneur(e) général(e). Nous, soussignés, exigeons une rationalisation fondamentale des tâches et budgets liés à la fonction de gouverneur(e) général(e).Nous soussignés, citoyens québécois et canadiens, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de : 1. Un salaire de 50 000$ par an, imposable;2. La vente de Rideau Hall et la distribution aux banques alimentaires du produit de la vente et des frais d’entretiens économisésouFaire de Rideau Hall la résidence officielle du Premier Ministre et de la gouverneure générale et l’envoi des sommes économisées pour l’entretien de deux résidences officielles et du personnel qui y est affecté aux banques alimentaires canadiennes;3. L’interdiction de tout voyage à l’extérieur du Canada, que des rencontres virtuelles soient privilégiées;4. L’octroi d’une somme maximale de 12 000$ par année soit attribuée aux besoins vestimentaires;5. L’entretien de la garde-robe à l’interne;6. Le retrait des services de chauffeur et de limousine;7. L’utilisation des services de chef cuisinier lors de repas protocolaires seulement;8. Restreindre les tâches à la sanction de projets de lois, à des repas protocolaires avec les dignitaires en visite au Canada, à des cérémonies de commémoration ou de récompense civique et au discours du trône.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Charles SousaThe National Capital Commission (NCC) is an independent Crown Corporation and is responsible for year-round maintenance and operations for the six official residences in Canada’s National Capital Region.The NCC and the Government of Canada recognize the importance of the official residences and their heritage and cultural value.Rideau Hall has played a prominent historical and constitutional role in Canada since Confederation. Rideau Hall has been the official residence of every Governor General of Canada, and their official workplace since 1940. The residence’s apolitical identity is a symbol of Canada’s system of government.Rideau Hall is a National Historic Site of Canada and a Federal Heritage Building Review Office (FHBRO) “Classified” federal heritage complex, including the main residence, landscape grounds, and outbuildings.The Government of Canada continues to work closely with the NCC to develop a plan for the future of the Prime Minister’s Official Residence. The NCC is committed to full transparency and reports annually on capital expenditures incurred at the official residences. 24 Sussex remains the only official residence in critical condition. In order to protect the health and safety of residence staff, as well as to ensure the integrity of this FHBRO “Classified” Heritage Asset, the National Capital Commission closed 24 Sussex Drive. Residence employees have been relocated, and the abatement of designated substances, as well as the removal of obsolete systems, is currently underway.The current project will carry out the urgent and necessary work at 24 Sussex that must be undertaken.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe office of governor general is the oldest continuous institution in Canada. In accordance with the Letters Patent Constituting the Office of Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada, the Governor General exercises the powers and responsibilities accorded to the The King by Canada’s constitution. These responsibilities include the appointment of the Government and giving Royal assent to legislation. The Governor General is also Commander-in-Chief of Canada and, in that capacity, plays an important role for those who serve our country in the Canadian Armed Forces.The Governor General also exercises important ceremonial responsibilities. These include recognizing the achievements of outstanding Canadians, primarily through the Canadian honours system; receiving foreign dignitaries visiting Canada in an official capacity; representing Canada abroad at the request of the Government; and leading national commemorations and celebrations.In carrying out these functions, great care is taken to ensure the greatest value for Canadian taxpayers. This principle is also applied to the maintenance and operation of Rideau Hall, which, in addition to being the historic official residence of the Governor General, is a workplace, a place to receive foreign dignitaries, and a space for Canadians to gather, learn about our shared history, and celebrate our common identity.
Gouverneur général
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4649e-4649 (Affaires étrangères)MaëvaGaudraultAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNPDQC24 octobre 2023 à 15 h 20 (HAE)23 novembre 2023 à 15 h 20 (HAE)1 décembre 202329 janvier 202424 novembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">premier ministre</Addressee>Attendu que :Le Canada exige un cessez-le-feu immédiat dans le conflit israélo-palestinien;Le Canada demande à Israël de lever le blocus de la bande Gaza et d'autoriser la mise en place d'un couloir humanitaire et d'une intervention humanitaire d'urgence;Le Canada demande à Israël de respecter ses engagements en vertu des Conventions de Genève et du droit international humanitaire;Le Canada respecte son engagement international quant à la promotion et à la défense des droits de la personne;Le Canada prenne toute autre mesure nécessaire afin de protéger les civils tant du côté d’Israël que de la Palestine, et contribuer à la création d’un climat propice à l’instauration d'une paix durable.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d'exiger du premier ministre qu'il prenne les mesures nécessaires face au conflit israélo-palestinien.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.Canada remains deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.Canada supported the previous pause in hostilities that allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. Canada wants to see this pause resumed and supports urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining its support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada supports Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. Canada emphasizes that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism.The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $60 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Canada remains committed to working with allies and partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.
Conflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01965441-01965 (Fiscalité)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC28 novembre 202329 janvier 202422 novembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les pompiers volontaires représentent 71 % de l’ensemble des premiers répondants essentiels de lutte contre les incendies du Canada;
  • De plus, environ 8 000 volontaires essentiels en recherche et sauvetage répondent à des milliers d’incidents par année;
  • Le régime fiscal du Canada autorise actuellement les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage à se prévaloir d’un crédit d’impôt de 3 000 $ s’ils font 200 heures de services volontaires dans une année civile;
  • Cela revient à seulement 450 $ par année, somme que nous autorisons ces volontaires essentiels à garder sur leur propre revenu provenant de leur emploi régulier, 2,25 $ l’heure;
  • S’ils font plus de 200 heures de service volontaire, ce que beaucoup d’entre eux font, ce crédit d’impôt diminue encore plus;
  • Ces volontaires essentiels, en plus de mettre leur vie en danger, de consacrer temps et efforts et de suivre des formations pour le bien des Canadiens, permettent aussi aux villes et aux municipalités d’exiger des impôts fonciers moindres que ce qu’il en coûterait si elles devaient payer ces services;
  • Augmenter ce crédit d’impôt permettrait à ces volontaires essentiels de garder une plus grosse portion de leur argent durement gagné, qu’ils dépenseraient vraisemblablement dans les collectivités où ils vivent;
  • Cela contribuerait aussi à retenir ces volontaires alors même que le volontariat est à la baisse.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-310 et de modifier les paragraphes 118.06(2) et 118.07(2) de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de faire passer le montant des crédits d’impôt pour les services de pompier volontaire et de volontaire en recherche et sauvetage de 3 000 $ à 10 000 $.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the contributions of all volunteers and the important roles they play in their communities.Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by volunteers in the course of their duties may generally be reimbursed on a non-taxable basis. Additionally, emergency services volunteers are eligible for an income exemption of up to $1,000 if they received an honorarium from a government, municipality, or other public authority. The Volunteer Firefighter Tax Credit and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Tax Credit provide tax recognition for eligible volunteers who do not receive an honorarium or who do not claim the income exemption. The Government of Canada is committed to improving the resources available to emergency service volunteers. For this reason, Budget 2022 provided additional funding for firefighters and for wildfire detection and mitigation, including:
  • $269 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Natural Resources Canada as exceptional, time-limited support to help provinces and territories procure firefighting equipment such as vehicles and aircrafts;
  • $39.2 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Indigenous Services Canada to support the purchase of firefighting equipment by First Nations communities;
  • $37.9 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, with $0.6 million ongoing, to Natural Resources Canada to train 1,000 additional firefighters and incorporate Indigenous traditional knowledge in fire management; and
  • $169.9 million over 11 years, starting in 2022-23, with $6.9 million in remaining amortization, to the Canadian Space Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver and operate a new wildfire monitoring satellite system.
These actions will help ensure greater volunteer safety in the line of duty and will help ensure a higher degree of emergency preparedness in their communities.In addition to the above, the Government of Canada has provided more than $166.9 million to the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance, The Salvation Army, and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada through the Humanitarian Workforce program. This funding has allowed these organizations to develop capacity to mobilize more quickly in response to emergency events and contributes to enhancing disaster response capacity and coordination.
C-310, Loi modifiant la Loi de l'impôt sur le revenu (crédit d'impôt pour les pompiers volontaires et les volontaires en recherche et sauvetage)Crédits d'impôtServices d'urgence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01964441-01964 (Environnement)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC28 novembre 202329 janvier 202420 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • L’écume produite par les infrastructures maritimes constitue une source croissante de pollution sur les plages du Canada;
  • Dans les milieux marins, la mousse de polystyrène, plus connue sous le nom de « styromousseTM », peut causer d’immenses dommages à la vie marine, aux fruits de mer et aux écosystèmes;
  • Une fois qu’elle s’étiole, la mousse de polystyrène est très difficile, voire impossible à retirer des rivages et elle risque fort de contaminer les milieux environnant les infrastructures maritimes endommagées, qu’elles soient enclavées ou pas;
  • Le district régional de Qathet et l’association des localités côtières et insulaires de Vancouver ont adopté à l’unanimité une motion demandant l’interdiction de la mousse de polystyrène dans les milieux marins.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’interdire l’utilisation de la mousse de polystyrène dans les milieux marins.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada recognizes that plastic pollution affects wildlife and habitats, burdens economies, threatens livelihoods, and impacts the spaces Canadians cherish. This is a critical global challenge that requires prompt action. As such, the Government of Canada is committed to working with all levels of government, industry, civil society, and others to reduce plastic pollution from land and aquatic sources and transition to circular and sustainable systems where plastics stay in the economy and out of the environment.The Government is implementing its comprehensive plan https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste/canada-action.html#toc1 through a range of complementary actions spanning the plastics lifecycle to reduce plastic waste, enable a circular plastics economy and protect the environment from plastic pollution. This includes:
  • strengthening plastics economy and pollution science and investing in innovations;
  • banning certain categories of single-use plastics, including expanded and extruded polystyrene foam foodservice ware;
  • developing minimum recycled content requirements for plastic items;
  • introducing rules to enhance the labelling of recyclable and compostable plastics and better inform consumers;
  • establishing a recycling target for plastic beverage containers;
  • designing a federal plastics registry that will require producers to report on plastics they place on the Canadian economy to support provincial and territorial extended producer responsibility efforts; and
  • working with countries and other stakeholders to develop a new legally binding global instrument on plastic pollution.
The Government is also working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to implement the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Wasteand its associated Action Plan https://ccme.ca/en/current-activities/waste. This includes the recent publication of a roadmap to manage single-use and disposable plastics as well as guidance to facilitate consistent extended producer responsibility programs for plastics. Additional work is underway to create guidance to inform consumer behaviours and target plastic pollution sources.Expanded polystyrene (EPS), due to its buoyancy, functionality and cost, is often used in the marine environment for floating structures (e.g. docks and buoys), boat stands, storage, seafood packaging, or in recreational items such as surfboards. EPS is also used in consumer goods and packaging such as food containers, cups, and lids, and in other sectors (e.g. construction). The Government recognizes that the mismanagement of these materials can result in their breakdown and release into the environment as a form of plastic pollution.Some efforts are currently in place to target the use of EPS in marine infrastructure. In 2021, the Province of Ontario adopted legislation to prohibit unencapsulated expanded or extruded polystyrene in floating docks, floating platforms and buoys. In addition, some dock manufacturers no longer offer unencapsulated foam.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) Small Craft Harbours program is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Canada’s network of fishing harbours, which are used by commercial fish and seafood harvesters. Over the past 20 years, the program has been moving away from using uncoated polystyrene and adopting other, more environmentally friendly floating mechanisms in the construction of its floating docks. All polystyrene currently installed at these harbours is coated with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a water-resistant material that reduces product breakdown and is more durable in the marine environment.Another source of EPS pollution in the marine environment is from abandoned, lost, or discarded shellfish aquaculture gear in the form of floats and buoys, or as large pieces of floatation for raft structures. While aquaculture is a shared jurisdiction in Canada, the Government of Canada issues aquaculture licences under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations in British Columbia. In 2021, DFO introduced new shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence, which directly address the issue of marine plastic litter and ghost gear in British Columbia’s coastal waters. The new licence conditions support lost gear identification https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/41014388.pdf, foam floatation pollution reduction https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/41014376.pdf , and regular clean-ups of licensedfacilities https://waves-vagues.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/library-bibliotheque/41016865.pdf. DFO also secured $1.3 million in funding for the removal of 13,000 cubic metres of degraded polystyrene floatation from British Columbia’s waters, replacing it with highly durable, air-filled, foam-free floatation. This is the equivalent of 52 billion foam microbeads being removed from the ocean. These efforts contribute to the Government of Canada’s commitments under the Ocean Plastics Charter: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/international-commitments/ocean-plastics-charter.html and the implementation of its comprehensive plan to reduce plastic pollution, including leading several large-scale clean-ups of abandoned and degrading shellfish farm facilities on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and in the Pendrell Sound Rockfish Conservation Area.The Government of Canada does not intend to prohibit the use of EPS in the marine environment at this time. The Government will continue to review the performance of existing management measures and will work with partners and stakeholders to identify areas where further action is needed.   
InterdictionPollutionPolystyrène expanséZones littorales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01963441-01963 (Pêches)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC28 novembre 202329 janvier 202430 octobre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienneAttendu que :
  • Les stocks de saumons sauvages juvéniles en migration sont menacés par des agents pathogènes, des polluants et des poux de mer provenant des piscicultures à cages en filet en eau libre;
  • Le saumon sauvage soutient les traditions culturelles des Premières Nations et des écosystèmes complexes, notamment en contribuant aux forêts côtières, qui produisent l’énergie que nous respirons;
  • La montaison du saumon du Pacifique sur la côte de la Colombie Britannique est dans un état critique.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienne de :
  • reconnaître qu’il y a un appui à la fermeture des piscicultures dans les îles Discovery et de continuer à sauver le saumon sauvage du Pacifique en ne délivrant pas d’autres licences aux piscicultures en parcs en filet.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Diane LebouthillierThe Government of Canada is committed to working closely with First Nations, industry, and other partners to protect and restore oceans and waterways, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of wild Pacific salmon for their significance to the environment, economy, and culture of Indigenous communities and British Columbians. The Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI), launched in 2021, is the Government’s long-term strategy to stem serious declines in Pacific salmon populations through a series of science-based approaches and represents a historic $686M investment over five years into Pacific salmon programming and activities. The PSSI is now in full implementation, and there are several significant projects underway. These include: international high seas science and monitoring to better understand the ocean phase of the salmon life cycle; deployment of Canada’s first high seas fisheries enforcement mission to protect against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; enhanced salmon ecosystem monitoring and targeted harvest enforcement efforts; and initiation of new collaborative integrated planning and salmon rebuilding processes for salmon in both British Columbia and the Yukon.Our Government is committed to work with the Province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities on a responsible plan to transition from open-net pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters. The transition plan will rely on input received from First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders, and British Columbians. As such, the consultation period has been extended to allow sufficient time for all interested parties to be meaningfully engaged. Fisheries and Oceans Canada is the regulatory lead in British Columbia and remains committed to ensuring that aquaculture is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner, with the highest standards of environmental protection and animal health. A rigorous regulatory framework is in place that requires fish farmers to comply with strict rules and conditions, such as monitoring and reporting of fish health, sea lice levels, and environmental impacts.The proposed vision of the open-net pen transition plan is to advance innovation and growth of sustainable aquaculture in British Columbia while also taking into account social, cultural and economic objectives. Once a transition plan is finalized, we will further engage with First Nations and stakeholders on the next phases of plan implementation. Together, we can work towards a shared vision of a sustainable and prosperous future for the wild Pacific salmon and the aquaculture sector in British Columbia.
AquacultureColombie-BritanniquePermis de pêcheSaumon sauvage
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01962441-01962 (Justice)BobZimmerPrince George—Peace River—Northern RockiesConservateurBC27 novembre 202329 janvier 202421 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Le gouvernement Trudeau cherche à interdire et à saisir les fusils de chasse de millions de Canadiens;
  • Le fait de viser les fermiers et les chasseurs ne permet pas de combattre le crime;
  • Le gouvernement Trudeau a laissé tomber ceux qui participent à la tradition canadienne de tir sportif.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin à toutes les interdictions actuelles et futures des armes de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighborhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners.A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21, which received Royal Assent on December 15, 2023 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control. The new law includes a new forward-looking technical definition of a prohibited firearm that contains the characteristics of an assault-style firearm.Firearms that match the characteristics and requirements of this new technical definition will be prohibited. That is, a firearm that is not a handgun and that fires centre-fire ammunition in a semi-automatic manner, was originally designed with a detachable magazine with a capacity of six cartridges or more, and that is designed and manufactured on or after the day the definition comes into force. As thisnew definition is forward looking, it applies to firearms that are designed and manufactured on or after December 15, 2023. This ensures that new firearms that exceed safe civilian use are not introduced into our communities. .This definition does not apply to firearms that were on the market prior the passage of C-21. No firearms legally owned by Canadians today will be affected.To stop the growth of handgun ownership, which grew from 500,000 in 2010 to more than 1 million in 2020, Bill C-21 codified the handgun freeze in statute. While current handgun owners can continue to use their handguns, Bill C-21 prevents most individuals from transferring or acquiring new handguns, with narrow exemptions, including for sport shooting. Individuals who are training, competing or coaching in a handgun discipline on the programme of the Olympic or Paralympic Committees and who are recognized as such by the national or provincial-territorial sport shooting governing body can continue to acquire or import handguns. Public Safety Canada will conduct consultations regarding the process for these athletes to acquire handguns for their sport and to support the development of regulations related to this exemption.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.The Government has also invested over $1.3B since 2016 to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase firearms tracing capacity and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuChasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01960441-01960 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK27 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023 and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Codeto ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI.  Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4652e-4652 (Affaires étrangères)NirHagigiSalmaZahidScarborough-CentreLibéralON25 octobre 2023 à 11 h 59 (HAE)24 novembre 2023 à 11 h 59 (HAE)27 novembre 202329 janvier 202424 novembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :L’escalade en cours entre Israël et la Palestine a causé d’importantes pertes de vies, dont des morts tragiques d’enfants et des souffrances généralisées chez les civils;En date du 23 octobre, le conflit en cours avait entraîné un nombre stupéfiant de pertes de vie, avec plus de 5 000 Palestiniens (dont 62 % étaient des femmes et des enfants) et 1 400 Israéliens ayant perdu la vie de manière tragique. En outre, plus d’un million de civils ont été déplacés et le nombre de blessés a atteint un chiffre dévastateur, avec plus de 12 500 Palestiniens et 3 400 Israéliens gravement blessés;L’article 3 de la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies, ratifiée par le Canada et Israël, affirme sans équivoque que tout individu possède des droits inhérents à la vie, à la liberté et à la sûreté de sa personne;Le Canada a une fière tradition de défense des droits de la personne et de la diplomatie sur la scène mondiale, et nous croyons que la participation active du gouvernement canadien peut jouer un rôle central en faveur d’un cessez-le-feu et d’efforts diplomatiques pour arriver à une résolution pacifique de ce conflit persistant;Avec ce conflit, nous assistons malheureusement à une hausse alarmante d’antisémitisme et d’islamophobie accompagnés de flambées de violence.Nous soussignés, étudiants d’universités, d’organismes et de milieux différents, prions le gouvernement du Canada de1. Jouer un rôle de premier plan dans la promotion d’un cessez-le-feu immédiat dans le conflit israélo-palestinien.2. Soutenir les efforts diplomatiques, et y participer activement, visant à obtenir une résolution pacifique et juste de ce conflit persistant.3. Demander la fin immédiate du siège de la bande de Gaza par Israël.4. Encourager l’entrée de l’aide humanitaire dans la bande de Gaza par le poste-frontière de Rafah.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.Canada remains deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.Canada supported the previous pause in hostilities that allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. Canada wants to see this pause resumed and supports urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining its support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada supports Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. Canada emphasizes that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism.The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $60 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Canada remains committed to working with allies and partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesConflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxGazaIsraëlPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01957441-01957 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON24 novembre 202329 janvier 20249 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social, et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’AgroalimentaireATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes de repas à l’école sont reconnus partout dans le monde comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves, qui sont plus de 388 millions dans au moins 161 pays à recevoir des repas à l’école gratuits ou subventionnés;
  • De nouvelles données de Statistique Canada (2022) indiquent qu’un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit de l’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national de repas à l’école;
  • Le budget de 2022 a confirmé les engagements précisés dans les lettres de mandat de décembre 2021 de la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social ainsi que du ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire leur demandant de travailler avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les intervenants en vue d’élaborer une politique nationale en matière d’alimentation dans les écoles et d’examiner les moyens pour que plus d’enfants canadiens reçoivent des repas nutritifs à l’école, et que des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et décembre 2022.
Nous, les soussignés, membres de la communauté du Loyola Community Learning Centre- Open Book Campus et résidents de la région de Kingston, Frontenac-Lennox et Addington, prions la ministre des Finances, la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social ainsi que le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire de prioriser le financement d’un programme national de repas scolaires dans le budget de 2024 pour une mise en œuvre dans les écoles d’ici l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4603e-4603 (Affaires étrangères)EfremBerheAnitaVandenbeldOttawa-Ouest—NepeanLibéralON28 septembre 2023 à 9 h 53 (HAE)28 octobre 2023 à 9 h 53 (HAE)24 novembre 202329 janvier 202430 octobre 2023Pétition adressée au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Le gouvernement de l’Érythrée, dirigé par Isaias Afewerki, perpétue un régime autoritaire depuis plus de 30 ans, négligeant les droits des Érythréens et gouvernant sans aucune élection ou règle de droit, ce qui entraîne l’exode des Érythréens; En 2016, le rapporteur spécial des Nations Unies a indiqué que les violations des droits de la personne commises en Érythrée par le régime pourraient être assimilées à des crimes contre l’humanité, et la situation n’a fait que s’aggraver; De nombreux organismes de défense des droits de la personne documentent de graves violations dans le pays, y compris la torture, l’enlèvement et l’arrestation massive de dissidents; Le gouvernement du Canada a dû expulser en 2013 le chef du consulat d’Érythrée, établi à Toronto, pour avoir contraint des Canadiens érythréens à payer une taxe d’extorsion; Le régime érythréen a été accusé de profiter de festivals, souvent par l’intermédiaire de ses organismes autonomes établis dans la diaspora, pour répandre sa propagande et recueillir des fonds afin de financer ses conflits; Profondément préoccupés par les récentes violences commises lors d’activités qu’auraient organisées des groupes affiliés au régime, notamment à Toronto, à Edmonton, à Tel-Aviv, à Seattle, à Giessen et à Stockholm, entre plusieurs autres. Nous soussignés, les citoyens et les résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :1. Enquêter sur l’utilisation par le régime érythréen d’organisations et d’Églises établies au Canada qui extorquent les fonds de Canadiens érythréens; 2. Refuser des visas d’entrée aux artistes et aux propagandistes érythréens qui fomentent la haine contre les Érythréens favorables à la démocratie et qui font la promotion des violences menées par le régime; 3. Demander à IRCC, aux organismes d’aide à l’établissement et aux organismes du gouvernement de protéger les nouveaux arrivants et les demandeurs d’asile érythréens contre les éventuels interprètes-espions du régime; 4. Demander aux organismes d’aide à l’établissement d’offrir des services adaptés à leur culture aux nouveaux arrivants érythréens, y compris d’embaucher des gens neutres qui parlent une langue érythréenne; 5. Enclencher immédiatement l’imposition de sanctions Magnitski aux responsables du régime érythréen.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.Insofar as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is concerned:2)The Government of Canada currently has the tools to refuse visas under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) in order to protect the safety of Canadians and uphold the integrity of Canada’s immigration program.Under Canada’s immigration law, an individual may be inadmissible to Canada for a number of reasons, including on grounds of human or international rights violations, security, and criminality. All individuals who have committed or been complicit in the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide, or who are the subject of a sanction imposed by Canada or an international organization of which Canada is a member, are inadmissible to Canada and may be refused a visa.All visa-required foreign nationals (including visitors, workers, students), immigrants and refugees are carefully assessed to ensure that they are eligible and admissible to come to Canada.IRCC works closely with Public Safety partners (Canada Border Services Agency, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian Security Intelligence Service) to screen applicants in order to determine whether they are admissible to enter or remain in Canada. This screening ensures that these persons do not pose a threat to the health, safety or security of Canadians.All inadmissibility assessments require a case-by-case analysis based on the facts of the case and the evidence before the decision maker. Foreign nationals who are temporary residents living in Canada and permanent residents found to be inadmissible can lose their status and be removed from Canada.3)IRCC’s Settlement Program provides funding for the delivery of settlement services in English and French by more than 550 third-party service provider organizations across Canada (excluding Quebec, where services are funded separately). These services include employment-related services, information and orientation services, French- or English-language training, as well as additional support services (including translation and interpretation) that are intended to remove barriers for newcomers in accessing settlement services.As a condition of receiving federal funding, service provider organizations are required to take measures to protect the personal information of their clients against unauthorized use or disclosure. Privacy and security requirements are established by IRCC and outlined in guidelines for service provider organizations as well as in the contribution agreement that establishes the funding conditions for each organization.For example, all staff of service provider organizations who have access to clients’ personal information must undergo a reliability assessment by the organization. The reliability assessment involves the verification of staff information to determine whether the person is reliable for the purpose of accessing personal client information. The reliability assessment also includes a criminal record check (or equivalent documentation). These requirements also apply to volunteers at service provider organizations who are given access to clients’ personal information, as well as to persons who are sub-contracted by the service provider organization. Interpreters who work for service provider organizations, including staff members, volunteers, or sub-contractors, would also be subject to these requirements.4)Specific measures are built into IRCC’s Settlement Program to promote the delivery of culturally-appropriate services for newcomers by over 550 third-party service provider organizations. For example, IRCC launched the Racialized Newcomer Women Pilot in 2018 to support targeted employment services for racialized newcomer women. Ten of the pilot projects were extended until 2025, with an investment of $5.9M, to ensure that support continues to be available where it is needed.Measures for promoting culturally-appropriate services for newcomers will be extended and enhanced through the Settlement Program’s current 2024 Call for Proposals, which will establish funding agreements for service provider organizations for the period between 2025 and 2030. The 2024 Call for Proposals has integrated a Gender-based Analysis Plus (GBA Plus) approach to the selection and funding of services. GBA Plus is the Government of Canada’s approach to developing responsive and inclusive policies, programs, and other initiatives by taking into account gender, sex, age, disability, education, ethnicity, economic status, geography, language, race, religion, and sexual orientation. Specifically:
  • Organizations that are applying for funding are encouraged to apply GBA Plus analysis to the design, activities, and anticipated outcomes of their projects.
  • IRCC will continue to provide funding for targeted programming to address gaps in programming for populations that experience inequities and greater barriers to services, for example, women, youth, 2SLGBTQI+ populations, racialized newcomers, seniors, or people with disabilities, as well as funding for programming to address specific issues such as sexual and gender-based violence and mental health needs.
  • Settlement sector organizations may also apply for funding for indirect service delivery, to develop their own organizational capacity to address inequities for diverse populations, including by building capacity in anti-racism, service to people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ newcomers, etc.
  • In addition, the 2024 Call for Proposals includes a new Equity Stream, which will provide dedicated funding to organizations who can support the organizational capacity-building of grassroots organizations that serve and are led by equity-deserving populations.
Insofar as the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is concerned:3)The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB, or the Board) is responsible for making well-reasoned decisions on immigration and refugee matters, efficiently, fairly and in accordance with the law.As set out in Section 14 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, every person who appears before the IRB has the right to the assistance of an interpreter if they do not understand English or French. Therefore, the IRB provides interpretation for any party who does not understand any of the two official languages used in IRB proceedings. The role of an interpreter at the IRB is to interpret the hearing.The IRB has safeguards in place to help ensure their interpreters do not pose a risk. All IRB accredited interpreters must be permanent residents or citizens of Canada. Before working as an interpreter at the IRB, a candidate must pass a security screening done by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and shall, at all times when performing their duties, hold a valid security status. Interpreters must sign a contract that requires them to comply with rules in the IRB Code of Conduct for Interpreters regarding impartiality, confidentiality, and conflict of interest. Any real or potential conflict of interest must be disclosed. Interpreters cannot, within or outside the IRB, discuss any matter for which they provide services to the IRB. Furthermore, the IRB has a mechanism in place via its public facing website entitled Identification of Potential Security Risk in IRB Proceedings. This allows individuals (i.e., stakeholders, members of the public, etc.) to report a potential security risk related to IRB proceedings, including risks related to interpreters. Additionally, anyone can file a complaint to the IRB about the conduct and services of an interpreter. Finally, at the start of every hearing, the IRB validates the interpreter’s identity before proceeding. 
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) encourages anyone experiencing or witnessing extortion to report it to their local police of jurisdiction.Complaints are received and assessed by the police of jurisdiction, and may be subject to further investigation. Applicable actions under Canadian legislation are taken as deemed appropriate.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Eritrea and raises this concern directly with Eritrean officials and in multilateral forums, including the United Nations Human Rights Council. At the Human Rights Council, Canada regularly calls upon Eritrea to improve the human rights situation in the country. At the Council’s 47th session in 2021, Canada actively negotiated the text and co-sponsored the Resolution entitled "Situation of human rights in Eritrea", which established the mandate of a UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea. Canada consistently co-sponsors this Resolution, most recently in 2023, and the extension of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur.In March 2023 during the Council’s General Debate, Canada raised the issue of restrictions on freedoms, arbitrary detention, and indefinite conscription in Eritrea. Canadian officials met with the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea during his October 2023 visit to Canada to discuss the dire human rights situation and his mandate.Canada has also repeatedly and publicly called for the swift withdrawal of Eritrean forces from northern Ethiopia, including through public joint statements with likeminded countries, as done on November 2, 2023, in the Joint Statement on the One Year Anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. On September 22, 2022, officials of the Government of Canada spoke at the Human Rights Council and urged all parties to cease violence immediately, respect human rights and implement accountability measures, and called for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean Defence Forces.Canada’s former Ambassador to Sudan, who represented Canada to Eritrea, engaged with Eritrean officials in 2021, calling on them to withdraw Eritrean Defense Forces from northern Ethiopia. On September 20, 2022, a tweet issued from the Global Affairs Canada corporate account deplored the movement of Eritrean Defence Forces in northern Ethiopia and condemned the escalation of hostilities. Standing up for human rights around the world is a core parts of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada’s robust sanctions regime serves as a key tool to respond to violations of internationally recognized human rights. In addition to imposing all sanctions adopted by the United Nations Security Council, Canada, often in concert with allies and likeminded partners, also acts autonomously, imposing sanctions under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act (JVCFOA), otherwise known as the Sergei Magnitsky Law, and the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA).Canada has established a rigorous process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption, or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions, while also considering the broader political and international contexts when determining whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox constitute the most effective and appropriate response.The Government of Canada will continue to engage on the human rights situation in Eritrea. Promoting and protecting democracy, human rights, and fundamental freedoms is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada is committed to standing up for human rights and striving for a world where the rights and freedoms of all people are respected.
Activités influencées par l'étrangerÉrythréeMigration et migrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01954441-01954 (Sécurité publique)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB22 novembre 202329 janvier 202412 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01953441-01953 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB22 novembre 202329 janvier 202426 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • Aucune loi n’oblige les producteurs, les distributeurs et les annonceurs de matériel pornographique commercial à vérifier l’âge et le consentement des personnes représentées dans le matériel et à consigner ces données;
  • La recommandation no 2 du rapport sur MindGeek que le Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique a publié en 2021 dit ceci : « Que le gouvernement du Canada oblige les plateformes offrant des services d’hébergement de contenu au Canada à exiger de toutes les personnes figurant dans du contenu pornographique la confirmation qu’elles sont majeures et qu’elles consentent à la diffusion du contenu, avant que celui-ci soit téléversé sur un site »;
  • Le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet, crée deux nouvelles infractions dans le Code criminel : le fait de produire du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée, et le fait de distribuer du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée ou lorsque le consentement a été refusé par écrit;
  • Plusieurs organismes, dont Defend Dignity, le Conseil national des femmes du Canada, le London Abused Women’s Centre, le Conseil des femmes de Montréal, Parents Aware et le National Centre on Child Exploitation, se sont exprimés en faveur du projet de loi C 270;
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions donc la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThere is no room in Canada for sexual exploitation. Our Government is committed to ensuring that all individuals are safe from sexual exploitation, including online. It is for this exact reason that the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s December 2021 mandate letter commits to introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content, taking into consideration the feedback received from the Canadian public in 2021.In 2022, we took it a step further, which included an expert advisory group, a Citizens’ Assembly, Indigenous engagement, which involved a sharing circle and one-on-one interviews, and 20 Ministerial roundtables across Canada. Our Government is committed to putting in place a regulatory framework to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content online. Online services have a role to play to make the Internet a safer place for all users in Canada.Furthermore, the Criminal Code includes a strong and comprehensive approach that protects against sexual exploitation, including offences that prohibit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (section 162.1), as well as child-specific sexual offences, including child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1). Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, which means that prosecutions can happen in Canada for crimes allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report to police when they have reasonable grounds to believe that their Internet service is being or has been used to commit a child pornography offence, such as making child pornography available, or distributing child pornography. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) is responsible under the Act for another measure to protect the Canadian public. It receives, and processes, reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet from Canadian providers of Internet services. C3P is a registered charitable organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which receives and processes tips from the public about potentially illegal material online related to child sexual exploitation and then refers any potentially actionable reports to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services for those who need it. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler, which scans the internet and automatically detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally. When service providers, subject to the Act, are advised of a location on the Internet where child pornography may be made available to the public, the providers are required under this Act to report to C3P. All of these efforts together make C3P an effective organization that provides tools to protect children and combat child sexual exploitation.
Âge légalC-270, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (matériel pornographique)ConsentementPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01951441-01951 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB22 novembre 202329 janvier 202412 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01950441-01950 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB22 novembre 202329 janvier 202416 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Près de 100 000 avortements sont réalisés chaque année au Canada;
  • L’arrêt Morgentaler abolissant la législation sur l’avortement contrevient directement à la Charte puisqu’elle ne protège pas la vie.
  • Le Canada et la Corée du Nord sont les deux seuls pays au monde qui n’ont pas de loi sur l’avortement;
  • Plus de 98 % des avortements sont réalisés pour des raisons de commodité sociale ou personnelle;
  • Le rythme cardiaque apparaît lorsque le bébé est âgé de 5 semaines.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des lois sur l’avortement partout au pays ou de les renforcer.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government has always and will always support a woman’s right to choose. Everyone has the right to make decisions about their health and body. The Supreme Court of Canada in 1988 struck down Canada’s criminal law against abortion, and the Government took the necessary steps to complete the repeal of those provisions by introducing amendments to take them off the books, which were enacted in 2019. Our Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7, which provides that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. Section 7 includes some protection against government interference with an individual’s access to abortion care. Section 7 also generally protects an individual’s right to control their bodily integrity, and a sphere of personal autonomy involving inherently private choices that go to the core of what it means to enjoy individual dignity and independence. Our government will always protect and promote women’s rights in Canada and around the world.
Avortement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01949441-01949 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB22 novembre 202329 janvier 20247 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01948441-01948 (Processus démocratique)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON22 novembre 202329 janvier 202415 septembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Attendu que : 1. Le taux de participation électorale de 43 % à la dernière élection ontarienne est le plus faible jamais enregistré et révèle une tendance croissante à la désaffection des électeurs; 2. Les résultats faussés de la plus récente élection fédérale illustrent nettement la nécessité d’une réforme électorale; 3. Les sondages montrent systématiquement que la majorité des électeurs dans toutes les provinces, tous les groupes d’âge et tous les principaux partis politiques est favorable au principe de la représentation proportionnelle; 4. Les assemblées citoyennes jouissent d’une légitimité considérable et d’une grande confiance de la part du public parce qu’elles sont des groupes représentatifs de citoyens non partisans, véritablement sélectionnés au hasard, qui n’ont pas d’intérêt direct dans le résultat; 5. Les assemblées citoyennes permettent des délibérations publiques plus nuancées que des référendums où la réponse est oui ou non, et elles ne peuvent pas être manipulées par des campagnes de désinformation; 6. Des assemblées citoyennes ont été organisées avec succès au Canada, en Australie, en Belgique, en France, en Irlande, en Écosse et au Royaume-Uni pour régler des questions épineuses; 7. Une assemblée citoyenne sur la réforme électorale conférerait un rôle de leadership aux citoyens en vue de dégager un consensus sur un modèle particulier de réforme électorale pour le Canada, et il faudrait la mettre sur pied dès que possible afin que ses recommandations puissent être adoptées avant la prochaine élection fédérale. Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • Établir une assemblée citoyenne sur la réforme électorale constituée de citoyens sélectionnés au hasard et représentant la diversité de la société canadienne;
  • Confier à l’assemblée citoyenne le mandat de concevoir un système électoral détaillé qui soit adapté aux besoins du Canada, et où chaque vote compte, qui terminera son travail dans un délai de 12 mois;
  • Collaborer sans partisanerie en vue de déposer et d’adopter un projet de loi qui édicterait les changements recommandés par l’assemblée, bien avant la prochaine élection fédérale.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system. The Government will continue to look for opportunities to consider improvements to Canada’s electoral system as it has always done, ensuring continuous improvement within an already robust system. In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01947441-01947 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON22 novembre 202329 janvier 202416 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et au ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’AgroalimentaireATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes d’alimentation scolaire sont reconnus dans le mode entier comme étant essentiels à la santé, au mieux-être et à l’éducation des écoliers, plus de 388 millions d’enfants d’au moins 161 pays ayant reçu des repas gratuits ou subventionnés à l’école;
  • Selon de nouvelles données de Statistiques Canada (2022), 1 enfant canadien sur 4 vit dans un ménage souffrant d’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation scolaire;
  • Dans son budget de 2022, le gouvernement a réaffirmé les engagements inscrits dans les lettres de mandat de décembre 2021 de la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et de la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire, soit la collaboration avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, des partenaires autochtones et des intervenants afin d’élaborer une politique nationale en matière d’alimentation dans les écoles et d’examiner comment un plus grand nombre d’enfants canadiens pourraient recevoir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, à la suite de quoi des consultations publiques ont eu lieu en novembre et décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école publique Collins Bay et résidants de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox et Addington, prions la ministre des Finances, la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et le ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire de donner priorité au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation scolaire dans le budget de 2024, pour que ce programme puisse être mis en œuvre dans les écoles à l’automne de 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01944441-01944 (Affaires étrangères)GeorgeChahalCalgary SkyviewLibéralAB22 novembre 202329 janvier 202420 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Le peuple pakistanais et les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise sont de plus en plus préoccupés par les rapports sur les troubles politiques et l’incertitude dans ce pays à la suite de la destitution injuste d’un gouvernement démocratiquement élu et de l’arrestation subséquente d’Imran Khan;Il y a eu des arrestations ciblées de membres du plus grand parti d’opposition : PTI;Des rapports font état d’enlèvements, de disparitions forcées et de tortures visant des militants politiques, leurs familles et d’autres membres de l’opposition de l’État.Par conséquent : nous, citoyens canadiens soussignés :Demandons au Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international de la Chambre des communes et au Sous-comité des droits internationaux de la personne d’entreprendre immédiatement une étude sur les violations des droits de la personne, en particulier à l’égard des minorités et des groupes de défense des droits de la personne au Pakistan;Demandons au gouvernement du Canada de mettre en œuvre les sanctions Magnitsky à l’égard des responsables militaires pakistanais corrompus, et d’interdire aux responsables militaires pakistanais qui ont été impliqués dans des violations des droits de l’homme de voyager ou de vivre au Canada;Demandons au gouvernement du Canada à tirer parti de son influence au sein du FMI pour lier les prêts nouveaux et existants au Pakistan à la condition que des élections libres et équitables soient organisées;Demandons au gouvernement du Canada de mettre en place un registre des agents étrangers pour protéger les Canadiens de l’ingérence étrangère pakistanaise;Que toutes ces mesures soient maintenues jusqu’à ce que le respect des institutions démocratiques et des droits de la personne soit rétabli.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada and Pakistan have a multifaceted bilateral relationship, which dates back to 1947, and is underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation, including in the lead up to general elections announced for February 8, 2023. Canada supports free, fair, and inclusive electoral process and condemns any use of violence for political goals.The promotion and protection of human rights, democratic values, media freedom, and respect for the rule of law are integral elements of Canada’s foreign policy and are key priorities for Canada’s engagement in Pakistan. Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting these priorities in Pakistan. Global Affairs Canada officials regularly raise these topics with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Global Affairs Canada is also funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan with an investment of $21 million over five years, which supports women’s political participation and leadership, works to improve the accountability of democratic processes, and to increase the capacity of government institutions. Canada also supports civil society in Pakistan through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to fund locally implemented projects focused on advancing inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.Regarding Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Government of Canada is actively following the IMF’s ongoing dialogue with the Government of Pakistan, including on fiscal reform to strengthen economic stability. Canada is a member of the IMF and shares the IMF’s priorities of inclusive growth, gender equality, strong governance and public institutions, maintaining openness, and using multilateralism to address global challenges for the benefit of all.On the issue of sanctions, Canada has established a rigorous process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption, or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions, while also considering the broader political and international contexts when determining whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox constitute the most effective and appropriate response.The Government of Canada is also aware of public interest related to a foreign agent registry and continues to look for innovative ways to enhance the measures Canada has in place to counter foreign interference.Canada will continue to be a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values and principles.
DémocratieDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreSanctions économiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4534e-4534 (Sécurité publique)WinnieNgJennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC16 août 2023 à 15 h 47 (HAE)15 octobre 2023 à 15 h 47 (HAE)21 novembre 202329 janvier 202416 octobre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>À la lumière des dernières révélations du SCRS concernant l’ingérence et l’influence de la Chine au Canada, nous sommes très inquiets du fait que certaines personnes se servent du centenaire de la promulgation de la Loi de l’immigration chinoise de 1923, aussi appelée « loi d’exclusion des Chinois », pour miner l’engagement qu’a pris le gouvernement de créer un registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère;Il faut absolument éviter de faire un amalgame entre cette loi raciste, qui était discriminatoire à l’égard de tous les Chinois, et le registre, qui s’appliquerait exclusivement aux personnes, qu’elles soient canadiennes ou non, qui exercent des pressions pour le compte d’un gouvernement étranger;Le racisme envers les Chinois ne doit jamais servir d’excuse pour faire perdre de vue ou minimiser la nécessité d’agir de toute urgence pour préserver la démocratie canadienne;La création d’un registre complet visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère est l’un des moyens les plus efficaces de protéger le régime démocratique du Canada et de défendre les valeurs fondamentales universelles que sont la liberté, la démocratie et la justice;Le Canada doit être au diapason de ses alliés, notamment l’Australie, les États-Unis et le Royaume-Uni, qui ont tous créé leur propre registre;Le Canada ne peut tout simplement pas jouer avec sa sécurité nationale et son régime démocratique. Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement 1) d’adopter dès l’automne prochain un projet de loi instaurant un registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère; 2) de mettre sur pied une stratégie globale d’éradication proactive du racisme systémique sous toutes ses formes au Canada; 3) d’élaborer une stratégie d’éducation proactive de la population sur l’engagement civique et la participation à la démocratie.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of individuals and communities in Canada, as well as our democratic institutions and processes. Developing legislation to establish a Foreign Influence and Transparency Registry remains an integral part of the strategy to uphold this commitment. A Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would not tackle all forms of foreign interference, such as transnational repression. However, by creating a registration obligation and making its information public, a registry would generate transparency, deter malign and covert influence activity, and foster societal resilience by encouraging individuals to undertake due diligence when entering into a relationship with, or conducting activities on behalf of, foreign organizations. So far, the feedback that Public Safety Canada received from Canadians and a diverse range of stakeholders, including racialized communities, during public consultations has indicated that there is broad support for a registry. Since the close of online consultations, Public Safety Canada has continued engaging with stakeholders to make sure that the various perspectives are meaningfully considered in the design of a proposal. A registry would not singularly address the complex issue of foreign interference. Rather, it would serve as an important tool to enhance Canada’s counter-foreign interference toolkit.In addition to a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, the government is actively considering further legislative tools and approaches to address other aspects of foreign interference. On November 24, 2023, Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice Canada launched public consultations on potential legislative amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Criminal Code, the Security of Information Act, and the Canada Evidence Act. Our aim is to develop a modern and robust legal framework to counter foreign interference, which balances national security considerations with privacy and other Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protections.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiIn 2019, Canada’s first Anti-Racism Strategy was launched. Budget 2022 committed $85 million over four years to support the work underway to launch a new Anti-Racism Strategy and an Action Plan on Combatting Hate.Budget 2023 provided an additional $25.4 million over five years, and $0.6 million ongoing, to continue to support the Strategy and address all forms of racism, including but not limited to anti-Asian racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada further announced its plans to introduce a new Action Plan to Combat Hate. This Action Plan will include measures to address hateful rhetoric and acts, building on measures in Budget 2023 to build safer, more inclusive communities.To enhance efforts to address antisemitism and Islamophobia in the country, the Government appointed a Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism and a Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia to serve as advisors, to work with civil society and other stakeholders, and to enhance broader government anti-racism work. Furthermore, the Government supported Motion M-63, which called upon the Government to condemn Anti-Asian hate and all forms of racism and racial discrimination.The above-mentioned commitments are all aimed at preventing, addressing and ultimately condemning racism and discrimination, including against individuals and communities of Asian descent.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe response from the Privy Council Office (to part 3) is as follows:Democracies are built on public participation. That is why the Government of Canada has put in place a number of measures that aim to promote both civil engagement and democratic participation. With the December 2018 passing of the Elections Modernization Act, Elections Canada was provided with a mandate to conduct public information campaigns on voter registration, voting, and running as a candidate, including through efforts tailored to those persons and groups most likely to experience difficulties in exercising their democratic rights. The Elections Modernization Act also called for the creation of a National Registry of Future Electors (NRFE), which Elections Canada launched on April 1, 2019, to facilitate youth participation in Canada’s elections. Future electors who are between 14 and 17 can consent to be included in the NRFE which enables Elections Canada to add them to the National Register of Electors when they turn 18. As result, Elections Canada can mail them a voter information card once a federal election is called, which ensures they have the information they need to vote. Additionally, between the 43rd and 44th general elections, Elections Canada mailed out more than 270,000 letters to potential new electors between 18 and 19 years old. This mailout resulted in over 39,000 new electors being added to the National Register of Electors.To give students the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and practice being an active participant in our democracy, Elections Canada has also partnered with CIVIX to administer the Student Vote – a mock election conducted in parallel with general elections. In 2021, more than 800,000 elementary and high school students across Canada participated by casting a mock ballot, while in 2019 more than 1.1 million elementary and high school students took part.The Government of Canada welcomes efforts such as these by Elections Canada’s to promote civil engagement and democratic participation. Investments have also been made to ensure Canadians have the resources needed to be active participants in our democracy, including through youth-specific programs that encourage civic participation. The Youth Take Charge program, administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, aims to strengthen youth attachment to Canada by providing funding for a diverse range of youth-led projects in the realms of arts and culture; civic engagement and youth service; economic activities; and history and heritage. Canadian registered not-for-profit organizations, Canadian registered charitable groups, and Indigenous representative organizations that are experienced in serving youth on a national, provincial, or territorial scale are eligible to apply for funding through the program.Additionally, in October 2023, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals under the Canada Service Corps program, through which successful organizations can receive funding to create, promote, and facilitate volunteering opportunities for youth aged 12 to 30 years old. Successful projects can use the funding to create flexible or full-time volunteering placements and micro-grants to allow youth to design, develop, and lead their own service projects. In line with the Government of Canada’s focus on reaching youth from diverse backgrounds, projects funded through the Canada Service Corps program will target a minimum of 50% of participants who identify as either Indigenous youth or under-served youth, or both.Youth involvement in various aspects of Canadian society, from casting a mock-ballot or exchanging views online to volunteering in an organization or advising senior government officials, lay the foundation for a lifetime of active civil engagement and democratic participation. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring youth in Canada can access youth-specific resources and activities that encourage public participation – investing in opportunities and experiences for our youth is an investment into our future. Lastly, the Government of Canada recognizes that democracy is facing unprecedented challenges around the world. That is why, in 2023 the Government announced over $50 million for initiatives that promote and protect democracy at home and abroad.  Canada also currently serves as president of the Community of Democracies and is an active member of multi-stakeholder organizations, such as the Open Government Partnership, the Media Freedom Coalition, the Freedom Online Coalition and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance—all of which are working to promote and protect democracy, reinforce trust and confidence in democratic institutions and governments, and ensure that people have the opportunity to engage with their governments without fear.
Registre visant la transparence en matière d'influence étrangèreValeurs sociales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01940441-01940 (Sécurité publique)JennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC21 novembre 202329 janvier 202413 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :À la lumière des révélations récentes du Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité concernant l’ingérence et l’influence de la Chine dans les affaires canadiennes, nous sommes extrêmement préoccupés par le fait que certains membres de la communauté se servent du centième anniversaire de la Loi concernant l’immigration chinoise de 1923, aussi appelée la « Loi d’exclusion des Chinois », afin de nuire à la volonté du gouvernement de mettre à exécution le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère;Il est primordial de ne pas confondre une loi raciste, discriminatoire envers tous les Chinois, avec le registre, qui ne s’applique qu’aux personnes, d’origine canadienne ou non, qui se livrent à du lobbying au nom de gouvernements étrangers;Le racisme anti chinois ne peut servir de prétexte afin de détourner l’attention et de minimiser les mesures qui s’imposent de toute urgence pour préserver la démocratie au Canada;L’établissement de notre propre système complet, le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère, est l’un des moyens les plus efficaces qui soient pour préserver le régime démocratique canadien et défendre les valeurs fondamentales universelles que sont la liberté, la démocratie et la justice;Le Canada doit emboîter le pas à ses alliés, notamment l’Australie, le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis, qui ont tous instauré leur propre registre;Le Canada ne peut tout simplement pas se permettre de jouer à des jeux politiques avec la sécurité nationale et le processus démocratique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens ou résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes en réunie en Parlement de :1) adopter rapidement la loi sur le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère à la prochaine session d’automne de la Chambre;2) élaborer une stratégie proactive et globale pour enrayer le racisme systémique sous toutes ses formes au Canada; 3) élaborer une stratégie proactive de sensibilisation du public visant à promouvoir l’engagement des citoyens et leur participation à la démocratie.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): SAMEER ZUBERIIn 2019, Canada’s first Anti-Racism Strategy was launched. Budget 2022 committed $85 million over four years to support the work underway to launch a new Anti-Racism Strategy and an Action Plan on Combatting Hate.Budget 2023 provided an additional $25.4 million over five years, and $0.6 million ongoing, to continue to support the Strategy and address all forms of racism, including but not limited to anti-Asian racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada further announced its plans to introduce a new Action Plan to Combat Hate. This Action Plan will include measures to address hateful rhetoric and acts, building on measures in Budget 2023 to build safer, more inclusive communities.To enhance efforts to address antisemitism and Islamophobia in the country, the Government appointed a Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism and a Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia to serve as advisors, to work with civil society and other stakeholders, and to enhance broader government anti-racism work. Furthermore, the Government supported Motion M-63, which called upon the Government to condemn Anti-Asian hate and all forms of racism and racial discrimination.The above-mentioned commitments are all aimed at preventing, addressing and ultimately condemning racism and discrimination, including against individuals and communities of Asian descent.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of individuals and communities in Canada, as well as our democratic institutions and processes. Developing legislation to establish a Foreign Influence and Transparency Registry remains an integral part of the strategy to uphold this commitment. A Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would not tackle all forms of foreign interference, such as transnational repression. However, by creating a registration obligation and making its information public, a registry would generate transparency, deter malign and covert influence activity, and foster societal resilience by encouraging individuals to undertake due diligence when entering into a relationship with, or conducting activities on behalf of, foreign organizations. So far, the feedback Public Safety Canada received from Canadians and a diverse range of stakeholders, including racialized communities, during public consultations has indicated that there is broad support for a registry. Since the close of online consultations, Public Safety Canada has continued engaging with stakeholders to make sure the various perspectives are meaningfully considered in the design of a proposal. A registry would not singularly address the complex issue of foreign interference. Rather, it would serve as an important tool to enhance Canada’s counter-foreign interference toolkit.In addition to a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, the government is actively considering further legislative tools and approaches to address other aspects of foreign interference. On November 24, 2023, Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice Canada launched public consultations on potential legislative amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Criminal Code, the Security of Information Act, and the Canada Evidence Act. Our aim is to develop a modern and robust legal framework to counter foreign interference, which balances national security considerations with privacy and other Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protections.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe response from the Privy Council Office (to part 3) is as follows:Democracies are built on public participation. That is why the Government of Canada has put in place a number of measures that aim to promote both civil engagement and democratic participation. With the December 2018 passing of the Elections Modernization Act, Elections Canada was provided with a mandate to conduct public information campaigns on voter registration, voting, and running as a candidate, including through efforts tailored to those persons and groups most likely to experience difficulties in exercising their democratic rights. The Elections Modernization Act also called for the creation of a National Registry of Future Electors (NRFE), which Elections Canada launched on April 1, 2019, to facilitate youth participation in Canada’s elections. Future electors who are between 14 and 17 can consent to be included in the NRFE which enables Elections Canada to add them to the National Register of Electors when they turn 18. As result, Elections Canada can mail them a voter information card once a federal election is called, which ensures they have the information they need to vote. Additionally, between the 43rd and 44th general elections, Elections Canada mailed out more than 270,000 letters to potential new electors between 18 and 19 years old. This mailout resulted in over 39,000 new electors being added to the National Register of Electors.To give students the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and practice being an active participant in our democracy, Elections Canada has also partnered with CIVIX to administer the Student Vote – a mock election conducted in parallel with general elections. In 2021, more than 800,000 elementary and high school students across Canada participated by casting a mock ballot, while in 2019 more than 1.1 million elementary and high school students took part.The Government of Canada welcomes efforts such as these by Elections Canada’s to promote civil engagement and democratic participation. Investments have also been made to ensure Canadians have the resources needed to be active participants in our democracy, including through youth-specific programs that encourage civic participation. The Youth Take Charge program, administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, aims to strengthen youth attachment to Canada by providing funding for a diverse range of youth-led projects in the realms of arts and culture; civic engagement and youth service; economic activities; and history and heritage. Canadian registered not-for-profit organizations, Canadian registered charitable groups, and Indigenous representative organizations that are experienced in serving youth on a national, provincial, or territorial scale are eligible to apply for funding through the program.Additionally, in October 2023, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals under the Canada Service Corps program, through which successful organizations can receive funding to create, promote, and facilitate volunteering opportunities for youth aged 12 to 30 years old. Successful projects can use the funding to create flexible or full-time volunteering placements and micro-grants to allow youth to design, develop, and lead their own service projects. In line with the Government of Canada’s focus on reaching youth from diverse backgrounds, projects funded through the Canada Service Corps program will target a minimum of 50% of participants who identify as either Indigenous youth or under-served youth, or both.Youth involvement in various aspects of Canadian society, from casting a mock-ballot or exchanging views online to volunteering in an organization or advising senior government officials, lay the foundation for a lifetime of active civil engagement and democratic participation. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring youth in Canada can access youth-specific resources and activities that encourage public participation – investing in opportunities and experiences for our youth is an investment into our future. Lastly, the Government of Canada recognizes that democracy is facing unprecedented challenges around the world. That is why, in 2023 the Government announced over $50 million for initiatives that promote and protect democracy at home and abroad. Canada also currently serves as president of the Community of Democracies and is an active member of multi-stakeholder organizations, such as the Open Government Partnership, the Media Freedom Coalition, the Freedom Online Coalition and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance—all of which are working to promote and protect democracy, reinforce trust and confidence in democratic institutions and governments, and ensure that people have the opportunity to engage with their governments without fear.
Registre visant la transparence en matière d'influence étrangèreValeurs sociales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01939441-01939 (Sécurité publique)JennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC21 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :À la lumière des révélations récentes du Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité concernant l’ingérence et l’influence de la Chine dans les affaires canadiennes, nous sommes extrêmement préoccupés par le fait que certains membres de la communauté se servent du centième anniversaire de la Loi concernant l’immigration chinoise de 1923, aussi appelée la « Loi d’exclusion des Chinois », afin de nuire à la volonté du gouvernement de mettre à exécution le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère;Il est primordial de ne pas confondre une loi raciste, discriminatoire envers tous les Chinois, avec le registre, qui ne s’applique qu’aux personnes, d’origine canadienne ou non, qui se livrent à du lobbying au nom de gouvernements étrangers;Le racisme anti chinois ne peut servir de prétexte afin de détourner l’attention et de minimiser les mesures qui s’imposent de toute urgence pour préserver la démocratie au Canada;L’établissement de notre propre système complet, le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère, est l’un des moyens les plus efficaces qui soient pour préserver le régime démocratique canadien et défendre les valeurs fondamentales universelles que sont la liberté, la démocratie et la justice;Le Canada doit emboîter le pas à ses alliés, notamment l’Australie, le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis, qui ont tous instauré leur propre registre;Le Canada ne peut tout simplement pas se permettre de jouer à des jeux politiques avec la sécurité nationale et le processus démocratique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens ou résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes en réunie en Parlement de :1) adopter rapidement la loi sur le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère à la prochaine session d’automne de la Chambre;2) élaborer une stratégie proactive et globale pour enrayer le racisme systémique sous toutes ses formes au Canada; 3) élaborer une stratégie proactive de sensibilisation du public visant à promouvoir l’engagement des citoyens et leur participation à la démocratie.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): SAMEER ZUBERIIn 2019, Canada’s first Anti-Racism Strategy was launched. Budget 2022 committed $85 million over four years to support the work underway to launch a new Anti-Racism Strategy and an Action Plan on Combatting Hate.Budget 2023 provided an additional $25.4 million over five years, and $0.6 million ongoing, to continue to support the Strategy and address all forms of racism, including but not limited to anti-Asian racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada further announced its plans to introduce a new Action Plan to Combat Hate. This Action Plan will include measures to address hateful rhetoric and acts, building on measures in Budget 2023 to build safer, more inclusive communities.To enhance efforts to address antisemitism and Islamophobia in the country, the Government appointed a Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism and a Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia to serve as advisors, to work with civil society and other stakeholders, and to enhance broader government anti-racism work. Furthermore, the Government supported Motion M-63, which called upon the Government to condemn Anti-Asian hate and all forms of racism and racial discrimination.The above-mentioned commitments are all aimed at preventing, addressing and ultimately condemning racism and discrimination, including against individuals and communities of Asian descent.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of individuals and communities in Canada, as well as our democratic institutions and processes. Developing legislation to establish a Foreign Influence and Transparency Registry remains an integral part of the strategy to uphold this commitment. A Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would not tackle all forms of foreign interference, such as transnational repression. However, by creating a registration obligation and making its information public, a registry would generate transparency, deter malign and covert influence activity, and foster societal resilience by encouraging individuals to undertake due diligence when entering into a relationship with, or conducting activities on behalf of, foreign organizations. So far, the feedback Public Safety Canada received from Canadians and a diverse range of stakeholders, including racialized communities, during public consultations has indicated that there is broad support for a registry. Since the close of online consultations, Public Safety Canada has continued engaging with stakeholders to make sure the various perspectives are meaningfully considered in the design of a proposal. A registry would not singularly address the complex issue of foreign interference. Rather, it would serve as an important tool to enhance Canada’s counter-foreign interference toolkit.In addition to a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, the government is actively considering further legislative tools and approaches to address other aspects of foreign interference. On November 24, 2023, Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice Canada launched public consultations on potential legislative amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Criminal Code, the Security of Information Act, and the Canada Evidence Act. Our aim is to develop a modern and robust legal framework to counter foreign interference, which balances national security considerations with privacy and other Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protections.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe response from the Privy Council Office (to part 3) is as follows:Democracies are built on public participation. That is why the Government of Canada has put in place a number of measures that aim to promote both civil engagement and democratic participation. With the December 2018 passing of the Elections Modernization Act, Elections Canada was provided with a mandate to conduct public information campaigns on voter registration, voting, and running as a candidate, including through efforts tailored to those persons and groups most likely to experience difficulties in exercising their democratic rights. The Elections Modernization Act also called for the creation of a National Registry of Future Electors (NRFE), which Elections Canada launched on April 1, 2019, to facilitate youth participation in Canada’s elections. Future electors who are between 14 and 17 can consent to be included in the NRFE which enables Elections Canada to add them to the National Register of Electors when they turn 18. As result, Elections Canada can mail them a voter information card once a federal election is called, which ensures they have the information they need to vote. Additionally, between the 43rd and 44th general elections, Elections Canada mailed out more than 270,000 letters to potential new electors between 18 and 19 years old. This mailout resulted in over 39,000 new electors being added to the National Register of Electors.To give students the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and practice being an active participant in our democracy, Elections Canada has also partnered with CIVIX to administer the Student Vote – a mock election conducted in parallel with general elections. In 2021, more than 800,000 elementary and high school students across Canada participated by casting a mock ballot, while in 2019 more than 1.1 million elementary and high school students took part.The Government of Canada welcomes efforts such as these by Elections Canada’s to promote civil engagement and democratic participation. Investments have also been made to ensure Canadians have the resources needed to be active participants in our democracy, including through youth-specific programs that encourage civic participation. The Youth Take Charge program, administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, aims to strengthen youth attachment to Canada by providing funding for a diverse range of youth-led projects in the realms of arts and culture; civic engagement and youth service; economic activities; and history and heritage. Canadian registered not-for-profit organizations, Canadian registered charitable groups, and Indigenous representative organizations that are experienced in serving youth on a national, provincial, or territorial scale are eligible to apply for funding through the program.Additionally, in October 2023, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals under the Canada Service Corps program, through which successful organizations can receive funding to create, promote, and facilitate volunteering opportunities for youth aged 12 to 30 years old. Successful projects can use the funding to create flexible or full-time volunteering placements and micro-grants to allow youth to design, develop, and lead their own service projects. In line with the Government of Canada’s focus on reaching youth from diverse backgrounds, projects funded through the Canada Service Corps program will target a minimum of 50% of participants who identify as either Indigenous youth or under-served youth, or both.Youth involvement in various aspects of Canadian society, from casting a mock-ballot or exchanging views online to volunteering in an organization or advising senior government officials, lay the foundation for a lifetime of active civil engagement and democratic participation. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring youth in Canada can access youth-specific resources and activities that encourage public participation – investing in opportunities and experiences for our youth is an investment into our future. Lastly, the Government of Canada recognizes that democracy is facing unprecedented challenges around the world. That is why, in 2023 the Government announced over $50 million for initiatives that promote and protect democracy at home and abroad. Canada also currently serves as president of the Community of Democracies and is an active member of multi-stakeholder organizations, such as the Open Government Partnership, the Media Freedom Coalition, the Freedom Online Coalition and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance—all of which are working to promote and protect democracy, reinforce trust and confidence in democratic institutions and governments, and ensure that people have the opportunity to engage with their governments without fear.
Registre visant la transparence en matière d'influence étrangèreValeurs sociales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01938441-01938 (Sécurité publique)JennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC21 novembre 202329 janvier 202430 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :À la lumière des révélations récentes du Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité concernant l’ingérence et l’influence de la Chine dans les affaires canadiennes, nous sommes extrêmement préoccupés par le fait que certains membres de la communauté se servent du centième anniversaire de la Loi concernant l’immigration chinoise de 1923, aussi appelée la « Loi d’exclusion des Chinois », afin de nuire à la volonté du gouvernement de mettre à exécution le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère;Il est primordial de ne pas confondre une loi raciste, discriminatoire envers tous les Chinois, avec le registre, qui ne s’applique qu’aux personnes, d’origine canadienne ou non, qui se livrent à du lobbying au nom de gouvernements étrangers;Le racisme anti chinois ne peut servir de prétexte afin de détourner l’attention et de minimiser les mesures qui s’imposent de toute urgence pour préserver la démocratie au Canada;L’établissement de notre propre système complet, le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère, est l’un des moyens les plus efficaces qui soient pour préserver le régime démocratique canadien et défendre les valeurs fondamentales universelles que sont la liberté, la démocratie et la justice;Le Canada doit emboîter le pas à ses alliés, notamment l’Australie, le Royaume-Uni et les États-Unis, qui ont tous instauré leur propre registre;Le Canada ne peut tout simplement pas se permettre de jouer à des jeux politiques avec la sécurité nationale et le processus démocratique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens ou résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes en réunie en Parlement de :1) adopter rapidement la loi sur le Registre visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère à la prochaine session d’automne de la Chambre;2) élaborer une stratégie proactive et globale pour enrayer le racisme systémique sous toutes ses formes au Canada; 3) élaborer une stratégie proactive de sensibilisation du public visant à promouvoir l’engagement des citoyens et leur participation à la démocratie.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): SAMEER ZUBERIIn 2019, Canada’s first Anti-Racism Strategy was launched. Budget 2022 committed $85 million over four years to support the work underway to launch a new Anti-Racism Strategy and an Action Plan on Combatting Hate.Budget 2023 provided an additional $25.4 million over five years, and $0.6 million ongoing, to continue to support the Strategy and address all forms of racism, including but not limited to anti-Asian racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada further announced its plans to introduce a new Action Plan to Combat Hate. This Action Plan will include measures to address hateful rhetoric and acts, building on measures in Budget 2023 to build safer, more inclusive communities.To enhance efforts to address antisemitism and Islamophobia in the country, the Government appointed a Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism and a Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia to serve as advisors, to work with civil society and other stakeholders, and to enhance broader government anti-racism work. Furthermore, the Government supported Motion M-63, which called upon the Government to condemn Anti-Asian hate and all forms of racism and racial discrimination.The above-mentioned commitments are all aimed at preventing, addressing and ultimately condemning racism and discrimination, including against individuals and communities of Asian descent.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of individuals and communities in Canada, as well as our democratic institutions and processes. Developing legislation to establish a Foreign Influence and Transparency Registry remains an integral part of the strategy to uphold this commitment. A Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would not tackle all forms of foreign interference, such as transnational repression. However, by creating a registration obligation and making its information public, a registry would generate transparency, deter malign and covert influence activity, and foster societal resilience by encouraging individuals to undertake due diligence when entering into a relationship with, or conducting activities on behalf of, foreign organizations. So far, the feedback Public Safety Canada received from Canadians and a diverse range of stakeholders, including racialized communities, during public consultations has indicated that there is broad support for a registry. Since the close of online consultations, Public Safety Canada has continued engaging with stakeholders to make sure the various perspectives are meaningfully considered in the design of a proposal. A registry would not singularly address the complex issue of foreign interference. Rather, it would serve as an important tool to enhance Canada’s counter-foreign interference toolkit.In addition to a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, the government is actively considering further legislative tools and approaches to address other aspects of foreign interference. On November 24, 2023, Public Safety Canada and the Department of Justice Canada launched public consultations on potential legislative amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Criminal Code, the Security of Information Act, and the Canada Evidence Act. Our aim is to develop a modern and robust legal framework to counter foreign interference, which balances national security considerations with privacy and other Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protections.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELLThe response from the Privy Council Office (to part 3) is as follows:Democracies are built on public participation. That is why the Government of Canada has put in place a number of measures that aim to promote both civil engagement and democratic participation. With the December 2018 passing of the Elections Modernization Act, Elections Canada was provided with a mandate to conduct public information campaigns on voter registration, voting, and running as a candidate, including through efforts tailored to those persons and groups most likely to experience difficulties in exercising their democratic rights. The Elections Modernization Act also called for the creation of a National Registry of Future Electors (NRFE), which Elections Canada launched on April 1, 2019, to facilitate youth participation in Canada’s elections. Future electors who are between 14 and 17 can consent to be included in the NRFE which enables Elections Canada to add them to the National Register of Electors when they turn 18. As result, Elections Canada can mail them a voter information card once a federal election is called, which ensures they have the information they need to vote. Additionally, between the 43rd and 44th general elections, Elections Canada mailed out more than 270,000 letters to potential new electors between 18 and 19 years old. This mailout resulted in over 39,000 new electors being added to the National Register of Electors.To give students the opportunity to experience the voting process firsthand and practice being an active participant in our democracy, Elections Canada has also partnered with CIVIX to administer the Student Vote – a mock election conducted in parallel with general elections. In 2021, more than 800,000 elementary and high school students across Canada participated by casting a mock ballot, while in 2019 more than 1.1 million elementary and high school students took part.The Government of Canada welcomes efforts such as these by Elections Canada’s to promote civil engagement and democratic participation. Investments have also been made to ensure Canadians have the resources needed to be active participants in our democracy, including through youth-specific programs that encourage civic participation. The Youth Take Charge program, administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage, aims to strengthen youth attachment to Canada by providing funding for a diverse range of youth-led projects in the realms of arts and culture; civic engagement and youth service; economic activities; and history and heritage. Canadian registered not-for-profit organizations, Canadian registered charitable groups, and Indigenous representative organizations that are experienced in serving youth on a national, provincial, or territorial scale are eligible to apply for funding through the program.Additionally, in October 2023, the Government of Canada launched a call for proposals under the Canada Service Corps program, through which successful organizations can receive funding to create, promote, and facilitate volunteering opportunities for youth aged 12 to 30 years old. Successful projects can use the funding to create flexible or full-time volunteering placements and micro-grants to allow youth to design, develop, and lead their own service projects. In line with the Government of Canada’s focus on reaching youth from diverse backgrounds, projects funded through the Canada Service Corps program will target a minimum of 50% of participants who identify as either Indigenous youth or under-served youth, or both.Youth involvement in various aspects of Canadian society, from casting a mock-ballot or exchanging views online to volunteering in an organization or advising senior government officials, lay the foundation for a lifetime of active civil engagement and democratic participation. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring youth in Canada can access youth-specific resources and activities that encourage public participation – investing in opportunities and experiences for our youth is an investment into our future. Lastly, the Government of Canada recognizes that democracy is facing unprecedented challenges around the world. That is why, in 2023 the Government announced over $50 million for initiatives that promote and protect democracy at home and abroad. Canada also currently serves as president of the Community of Democracies and is an active member of multi-stakeholder organizations, such as the Open Government Partnership, the Media Freedom Coalition, the Freedom Online Coalition and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance—all of which are working to promote and protect democracy, reinforce trust and confidence in democratic institutions and governments, and ensure that people have the opportunity to engage with their governments without fear.
Registre visant la transparence en matière d'influence étrangèreValeurs sociales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01937441-01937 (Affaires sociales et égalité)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC21 novembre 202329 janvier 202430 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • En juillet 2022, les prestations de sécurité de la vieillesse ont été bonifiées de 10 % pour les personnes de 75 ans ou plus, mais pas pour les personnes de 65 à 74 ans;
  • Plus de deux millions de personnes ont été laissées en plan à cause de la décision du gouvernement libéral de créer ce système à deux niveaux;
  • La hausse du coût de la vie a des conséquences sur tous les aînés sans exception, et bien trop d’aînés doivent vivre dans la pauvreté et se passer de choses de première nécessité comme de la nourriture, des médicaments ou un logement;
  • Les aînés sont les personnes qui ont bâti notre pays; ils méritent d’être traités avec respect et de vivre leur retraite en toute dignité.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appliquer la hausse des prestations de sécurité de la vieillesse à tous les aînés, y compris à ceux âgés de 65 à 74 ans.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Old Age Security (OAS) program plays a significant role in providing income security to Canadians in their senior years. OAS benefits are intended to provide partial income security for seniors in recognition of the contributions that they have made to Canadian society and the economy.Benefits that recipients receive under the OAS program include: 1) the OAS pension, which is paid to all persons aged 65 or over who meet the residence requirements, 2) the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, and 3) the Allowances for low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.To ensure OAS benefits retain their value over time and to protect the purchasing power of seniors, OAS benefits are adjusted four times per year (in January, April, July and October) to reflect inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the price of a collection of foundational goods and services, such as food, shelter, gas and clothing, commonly purchased by Canadian households.This quarterly indexation provides increases to all benefits under the OAS program, including the OAS pension, the GIS, and the Allowances, when prices go up. In October 2023, OAS benefits increased by 1.3%, following increases of 1.1% in July 2023, and 0.5% in April 2023. As of October 2023, OAS benefits had increased by 3.2% over the past year, from October 2022 to October 2023.In addition, the Old Age Security Act contains a guarantee ensuring that benefits can never decrease, even in the event of a decline in the CPI. Should the average cost of living decrease, OAS benefit amounts will stay at the same level as during the previous three-month period.In July 2022, the Government permanently increased the OAS pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over. This increase was designed to address the increased vulnerability that seniors face as they age.As seniors get older, they tend to have lower income, and often face higher health-related expenses because of the onset of illness or disability. This is especially true for those 75 and older.This vulnerability is further compounded by a reduced ability to supplement their income with paid work, the risk of outliving personal savings, and the risk of widowhood.That is why the Government took action to help make life more affordable for Canadians as they age.The Government of Canada remains committed to improving the income security of all seniors and continues to seek ways to strengthen the OAS program, as demonstrated by a broad range of measures taken since 2016:•           Budget 2016 restored the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS to 65, putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of future Canadian seniors.•           In July 2016, the GIS was increased by up to $947 per year for the lowest-income single seniors, benefiting close to 900,000 vulnerable seniors across Canada.•           In December 2017, the Government launched automatic enrolment to the GIS. Seniors who are automatically enrolled for the OAS pension are now automatically enrolled for the GIS without ever having to complete an application.•           In Budget 2019, the Government enhanced the GIS Earnings Exemption so that low-income seniors who work are able to keep more of what they earn. As of July 2020, the enhanced exemption applies to both employment and self-employment income, and provides a full exemption on up to $5,000 of annual earnings, as well as a 50% exemption on the next $10,000 of earnings. This means that low-income seniors who work can keep more of their benefits.•           In July 2020, the Minister of Seniors announced a one-time payment to seniors, $300 for seniors eligible for the OAS and an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the GIS.•           In 2022, the Government of Canada took concrete action to help low-income renters who need it most, including seniors, and introduced a one-time $500 top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit.•           In Budget 2023, the Government introduced the one-time Grocery Rebate, which would deliver targeted inflation relief for 11 million individuals and families who already receive the Goods and Services Tax Credit, including more than half of Canadian seniors. This measure would provide an extra $225 for seniors, on average. This is in addition to the extra Goods and Services Tax Credit amounts that started being paid on November 4, 2022, with most payments having been made before the end of 2022.
Personnes âgéesSécurité de la vieillesse
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01936441-01936 (Affaires étrangères)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB21 novembre 202329 janvier 202416 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que: La population du Pakistan et les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise sont de plus en plus préoccupés par les informations concernant les bouleversements politiques et l’incertitude qui règnent dans ce pays;Les rapports sur la violence et les menaces utilisées pour réprimer les partis d’opposition au Pakistan à l’approche des élections générales qui se tiendront plus tard dans l’année suscitent de vives inquiétudes.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de condamner le plus vigoureusement possible l’utilisation de la violence à des fins politiques au Pakistan et partout dans le monde.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada and Pakistan have a multifaceted bilateral relationship, which dates back to 1947, and is underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation, including in the lead up to general elections announced for February 8, 2023. Canada supports free, fair, and inclusive electoral process and condemns any use of violence for political goals. As part of Canada’s regular interactions with government officials and opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Canadian officials request that all legal and democratic principles be upheld in a fair manner.Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy, and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law in Pakistan. In fact, the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for Canada’s engagement in Pakistan. Canada continues to advance an inclusive approach to democracy, one that allows people to participate in decision-making processes and institutions that impact all areas of their lives.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts to advance these foreign policy priorities. For example, Canadian officials, in Ottawa and at Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these topics with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials engage in a variety of fora with the aim of supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles. Canada also supports civil society in Pakistan through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally implemented projects. Among the core themes of CFLI projects in Pakistan for 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law. Global Affairs Canada is also funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes, and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. The two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality and promoting regional security and stability. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic principles. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights and free and fair elections, on an ongoing basis.The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
Droits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01935441-01935 (Affaires étrangères)GeorgeChahalCalgary SkyviewLibéralAB21 novembre 202329 janvier 202420 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que : Les Palestiniens de Cisjordanie, de Gaza et de Jérusalem-Est subissent l’occupation israélienne et l’expansion des colonies israéliennes dans les territoires occupés;Depuis 17 ans, la bande de Gaza est soumise à un blocus qui restreint les déplacements, les services de base et les droits de la personne. Près de 50 % des 2,5 millions d’habitants de Gaza sont des enfants;Le 27 octobre 2023, l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies a adopté une résolution dans laquelle elle demande une « trêve humanitaire immédiate, durable et soutenue » entre les forces israéliennes et le Hamas à Gaza, alors que le nombre de civils tués à Gaza continue d’augmenter à un rythme effarant sous les bombardements israéliens déclenchés à la suite de la perpétration d’horribles attentats et de la prise d’otages de citoyens israéliens; Il y a 67 ans, le Canada a été l’un des premiers pays à réclamer la prise de mesures « non seulement afin de mettre fin à la guerre, mais aussi pour rétablir la paix »;Le Canada a versé 50 millions de dollars en aide humanitaire.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada:Prions le gouvernement du Canada de collaborer avec la communauté internationale en vue d’un cessez le feu et d’une véritable voie vers la création de deux États;Prions le gouvernement Canada de diriger des opérations de maintien de la paix et de favoriser la gouvernance des régions touchées avec les Nations Unies, les pays arabes et les Palestiniens, dans le but d’établir des institutions gouvernementales, de construire des infrastructures et de parvenir à une solution permanente fondée sur la création de deux États;Prions le gouvernement Canada de condamner les violations du droit international et d’exhorter le gouvernement d’Israël à respecter ses engagements au titre des Conventions de Genève et du droit humanitaire international;Prions le Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international et le Sous-comité des droits internationaux de la personne de la Chambre des communes d’entreprendre immédiatement une étude sur les violations du droit international et des droits de la personne dans les territoires israéliens et palestiniens;Prions le gouvernement Canada de continuer de condamner l’antisémitisme, l’islamophobie et toutes les formes de sectarisme.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiThe Government of Canada has and will continue to condemn racism and discrimination in all its forms.The Government is deeply troubled by the rise of hatred and discrimination directed at Jewish and Muslim communities, and those perceived to belong to these communities.We are taking meaningful steps to build a more inclusive society by renewing and strengthening Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy, developing Canada’s Action Plan on Combating Hate, as well as increasing funding for multicultural community programs across the country.Since 2019, the Government has committed over $200 million through Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy to combat systemic racism and discrimination in Canada.This includes $85 million, provided through Budget 2022, to support Indigenous Peoples, as well as Black, racialized, and religious minority communities while also raising awareness of issues related to racism and hate in Canada.It also includes $25.4 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $0.6 million ongoing, provided through Budget 2023, to support Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy and address all forms of racism, including but not limited to anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Black racism, anti-Asian racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia.The federal government also plans to introduce a new Action Plan to Combat Hate. This new Action Plan will include measures to combat hateful rhetoric and acts, building on measures announced in Budget 2023 to build safer, more inclusive communities.In addition, the federal Government has appointed a Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism, and a Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia.The Special Envoy, Deborah Lyons, supports efforts to combat antisemitism and hatred domestically, interacting with Canadian institutions and stakeholders to promote Holocaust education, remembrance and research. The Special Representative, Amira Elghawaby, serves as a champion, advisor, expert and representative to the Canadian government, for the purpose of enhancing efforts to combat Islamophobia and promote awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada stands firmly with the Israeli and Palestinian peoples in their right to live in peace, security, with dignity and without fear. Canada mourns every Israeli and Palestinian innocent life which has been lost in this conflict and expresses condolences to all families and communities affected by the violence.Canada unequivocally condemns Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel, the appalling loss of life, and the heinous acts of violence perpetrated in those attacks, including sexual violence. Canada condemns Hamas’ unacceptable treatment of hostages and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all remaining hostages. Canada recognizes Israel’s right to exist and right to defend itself. In defending itself, Israel must respect international humanitarian law. Civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected.Canada remains deeply concerned by the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the diminishing safe space for civilians, and the ongoing risks to all Palestinian civilians. The price of defeating Hamas cannot be the continuous suffering of all Palestinian civilians.Canada supported the previous pause in hostilities that allowed for the release of more than 100 hostages and supported an increase in humanitarian access to affected civilians. Canada wants to see this pause resumed and supports urgent international efforts towards a sustainable ceasefire.Canada voted in favour of a resolution adopted on December 12, 2023, by the United Nations General Assembly calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Canada supported the ceasefire referred to in this resolution as a necessary step to protect civilians, to allow for the entry of important humanitarian relief into Gaza, and to allow foreign nationals, including Canadians, to leave Gaza. In explaining its support for the resolution, Canada reiterated that this ceasefire cannot be one-sided. Hamas must release all hostages, stop using civilians as human shields, and it must lay down its weapons. There is no role for Hamas in the future governance of Gaza.Canada supports Palestinians’ right to self-determination. Canada opposes the forcible displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, the re-occupation of Gaza, any reduction in territory, and any use of siege or blockade. Canada emphasizes that Gaza must no longer be used as a platform for terrorism.The rapid and unimpeded access of humanitarian relief for civilians is essential. Canada will continue to work with partners towards ensuring the sustained access of humanitarian assistance for civilians, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter, and access for humanitarian workers. To date, Canada has announced $60 million in humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of vulnerable civilians in this crisis, including a matching fund of $13.7 million that leveraged the generosity of individual Canadians. This funding will help provide food, water, emergency medical assistance, protection services and other life-saving assistance. Canada will continue to support civilians with life-saving humanitarian aid, while ensuring that no money gets into the hands of Hamas.Canada remains committed to working with allies and partners toward a just and enduring peace in the form of a two-state solution, where Israelis and Palestinians can live securely within internationally recognized borders.With respect to the calls for the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (FAAE), as well as the Sub-Committee on International Human Rights (SDIR), to initiate studies on the topics suggested, the Government of Canada fully respects the independence of the House of Commons and its committees to make decisions with respect to their own agendas. As such, these requests are best brought to the attention of the Honourable Member for Willowdale and the Honourable Member for Laval—Les Îles as Chairs of FAAE and SDIR, respectively. The relevant contact information and a listing of ongoing and upcoming studies can be found on the respective pages for each committee on the House of Commons website.
Conflits internationaux et résolution des conflits internationauxIsraëlPalestinePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01933441-01933 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 novembre 202329 janvier 202430 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit.Attendu que :
  • La soi-disant « politique d’aide internationale féministe » du gouvernement libéral traite avec mépris les valeurs culturelles et l’autonomie des femmes dans les pays en développement, en soutenant des organisations qui violent les lois locales sur l’avortement et qui favorisent l’avortement au détriment de priorités en matière de développement international comme l’accès à de l’eau potable, l’accès à des aliments de base et le développement économique;
  • L’approche libérale en matière de développement international ciblant les femmes et les filles a récemment été critiquée par la vérificatrice générale parce qu’elle n’est assortie d’aucune mesure des résultats;
  • Dans le cadre de l’Initiative de Muskoka (lancée par le précédent gouvernement conservateur), des investissements historiques ont été faits pour favoriser le bien-être des femmes et des filles dans le monde entier. Cette initiative mettait l’accent sur l’optimisation des ressources et garantissait que les investissements soient consacrés aux priorités définies par les femmes localement.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’aligner les dépenses en matière de développement international sur l’approche adoptée dans le cadre de l’initiative de Muskoka, en consacrant les fonds de développement international à la satisfaction des besoins fondamentaux des femmes vulnérables dans le monde, plutôt qu’à la promotion de programmes idéologiques susceptibles d’être contraires aux valeurs locales des pays en développement, et en mesurant les résultats obtenus.
Response by the Minister of International Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anita VandenbeldCanada is a global leader in protecting and advancing the health, rights and well-being of the poorest and most vulnerable, with the empowerment of women and girls at the core of Canada’s international assistance policies and programmes. Canada spearheaded the Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn, and Child health (MNCH) during its G8 presidency in 2010, and committed $2.85 billion between 2010 and 2015. In 2015, Canada renewed its support for MNCH by committing an additional $3.5 billion over the 2016 to 2020 period. In 2016-2017, Under the Her Voice Her Choice initiative, Canada committed a further $650 million for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programming between 2017 and 2020. The added focus on SRHR was informed by consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders, the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), and research evidence published in the 2018 Guttmacher-Lancet Commission on SRHR. Canada’s current commitment, the 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights (10YC), builds on decades of Canadian leadership in global health. Through this commitment, Canada will reach an average of $1.4 billion annually by 2023 to support women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health around the world, of which $700 million is allocated to SRHR. This is Canada’s longest, largest, and most comprehensive global health commitment to date and is a key vehicle for implementing Canada’s FIAP, strengthening health systems post COVID-19, and supporting the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.Through the 10YC, Canada continues to advance these priorities, while also promoting a complementary emphasis on comprehensive SRHR that supports country-led efforts to advance the health and rights of women and girls and address the socio-economic and cultural barriers that limit their attainment of gender equality. Through the 10YC, Canada is supporting interventions such as school meals programs, water and sanitation programming, micronutrient supplementation, community-based nutrition programs, midwifery training, and enhanced neo-natal care. Canada also continues to support large-scale investments to combat infectious diseases and strengthen health systems with key global health players, including the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria ($5.3 billion, 2002-2025) Gavi Vaccine Alliance ($2.3 billion, 2000-2025), and the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents ($630 million, 2015-2025).Canada is committed to ensuring its interventions in developing countries are locally-led. Canada’s work is built on the value it places on local partnerships, and partners are carefully selected to ensure that government, local organizations and women and youth themselves, are central in the design and delivery of international assistance programming. This approach is consistent with the principles outlined in Canada’s Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (ODAAA), which requires that Canada’s aid responds to local perspectives and priorities. Aligned with the FIAP and ODAAA principles, Canada supports local ownership and works to ensure that all initiatives are grounded in local needs, priorities and contexts, which are the basis for deep and relevant engagement with local communities, including being designed and implemented with and by local partners and aligned with national legislation and country priorities. Within Canada’s global health investments, all efforts are made to ensure that, where feasible and appropriate, government, local organizations and beneficiaries, including youth and women’s-rights organizations, are involved throughout the project cycle, from design to evaluation. This ensures that programming remains responsive to local needs, values and priorities.Under the 10YC Accountability Framework, Canada has committed to publishing annual reports on the 10YC implementation progress, including tracking of funding and results achieved. The inaugural 2020-21 Report on the 10-Year Commitment is an example of Canada’s commitment to transparency, dialogue and partnership, moving beyond discussions about money committed and spent to a different conversation about using evidence and experience to improve and drive results and impact for communities around the world. The 2021-2022 Report on the 10-Year Commitment was published in December 2023.
Aide au développement internationalFemmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01932441-01932 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 novembre 202329 janvier 202418 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted of that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, the applicant may be eligible for relief, on a case-by-case basis, using mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob Oliphant(1) Canada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive economic, institutional and people-to-people ties. Canada strongly believes that a stable and prosperous Hong Kong depends on respect for human rights. Canada has consistently underscored this essential fact, both in Canada’s public pronouncements and communication with the People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong authorities. Canada has consistently expressed its deep concern that the National Security Law is eroding respect for human rights. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers expressed concerns in April 2023 about the National Security Law’s impact on the Hong Kong judicial system. In that report, the Special Rapporteur explained that the National Security Law can interfere with the independence of the judiciary, the ability of lawyers to exercise their profession independently, and the due process that guarantees the right to a fair trial in Hong Kong. Canada will continue to monitor all trials related to charges under the National Security Law and anti-sedition law, closely monitor developments in Hong Kong’s judiciary system, and will undertake appropriate action in response to emerging developments.(4) While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility. For Canada, foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. With regards to human rights, Canada has repeatedly expressed its concern over the continued erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and rights through joint statements with the G7 and the Media Freedom Coalition. Since 2019, these statements have specified shared concerns on the imposition of the National Security Law, the selection process of the Chief Executive in Hong Kong, changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system which barred opposition candidates from participation, and the deteriorating media environment in the region. Furthermore, Canada and like-minded countries each publicly expressed concerns about the Hong Kong authorities’ issuance of international bounties for pro-democracy advocates living overseas and reiterated opposition to the extraterritorial application of the National Security Law.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01931441-01931 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 novembre 202329 janvier 20249 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the United States, UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01930441-01930 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 novembre 202329 janvier 20241 novembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01928441-01928 (Culture et patrimoine)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC20 novembre 202329 janvier 202417 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE
  • En avril 2022, le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé qu’il verserait 454 112 $ et que la province de la Colombie-Britannique verserait 9 545 888 $ pour la construction d’un nouveau centre aquatique régional dans le district de Kent;
  • Dans les mois suivant l’annonce, l’inflation et les perturbations de la chaîne d’approvisionnement ont fait grimper le coût de la construction d’environ 30 % et que le district a besoin de plus de fonds;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada s’est montré prêt à faire preuve de souplesse pour le financement de projets dans les communautés rurales et soutenant la réconciliation;
  • Les familles autochtones vivant dans des réserves dans les régions voisines du district de Kent utilisent de nombreux services dans la communauté et tireraient avantage de ce centre aquatique;
  • Le district de Kent a reçu un soutien écrit envers le projet de la part des communautés voisines, dont les Premières Nations de Seabird Island, Cheam, Stó:lo, Sts'ailes, Sq'éwlets, Skawahlook, Popkum et Peters, le village de Harrison Hot Springs et les régions C et D du district régional électoral de Fraser Valley
PAR CONSÉQUENTNous, soussignés, résidents du district de Kent, de Harrison Hot Springs, des Premières Nations de Seabird Island, Cheam, Stó:lo, Sts'ailes, Sq'éwlets, Skawahlook, Popkum et Peters ainsi que des régions C et D du district régional électoral de Fraser Valley, prions le ministre de l’Infrastructure et des Collectivités de fournir des fonds supplémentaires pour soutenir la construction du centre aquatique régional Lets'emot.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, as well as implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This includes making significant infrastructure investments in Indigenous communities that improve socio economic conditions and community well-being.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has made significant infrastructure investments in British Columbia, with more than $7.2 billion in federal funding provided for projects, which includes just over $3.72 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Over $240 million has been allocated to community, culture, sport and recreation projects through Infrastructure Canada’s various programs.On March 2, 2022, Infrastructure Canada approved $454,112 in funding for the District of Kent Aquatic Centre. The project was prioritized through the final provincial intake under the Community, Culture, and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which is managed by British Columbia’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs. This final intake allocated all remaining funding under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream in British Columbia. The combined federal and provincial funding totals $10 million, representing a 73% cost share on the District of Kent Aquatic Centre project.With respect to infrastructure projects experiencing cost overruns, it is important to note that Infrastructure Canada provides a contribution toward the total estimated eligible cost of a project, and that contribution is capped at a maximum amount at the time of approval. Infrastructure Canada is not in a position to increase federal funding to cover cost overruns. As of March 31, 2023, no further projects can be submitted by British Columbia under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and the program allocation available for projects in the province has been fully committed.Following the March 31st , project submission deadline for provinces, new time-limited authorities may be available to redistribute funding that remains unused in projects as a result of cancellations, cost savings or descoping. For example, provinces may request the decommitment of unused funding for its reallocation to other projects to accommodate scope increases and, in exceptional cases, revised cost estimates. These authorities are time-limited and acknowledge the ongoing volatility in the construction sector and are intended to maximize use of federal funding. All requests for decommitments and reallocations should be submitted by the Province of British Columbia through established program communication channels. Any such requests would be reviewed by Infrastructure Canada and approved at Canada’s discretion.As some of Infrastructure Canada’s largest infrastructure funding programs have reached full allocation, the department is taking stock of existing programs and gaining an understanding of needs, which will help to inform the development of the next suite of federally-led infrastructure programming. Infrastructure Canada recognizes that infrastructure programs will need to be efficient and flexible, and attuned to regional and local priorities, while delivering the economic, social, and environmental outcomes that Canadians expect.
AgassizInstallations sportives et récréatives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01927441-01927 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC20 novembre 202329 janvier 202427 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • L’article 43 du Code criminel du Canada exonère tout « instituteur, père ou mère, ou toute personne qui remplace le père ou la mère » de responsabilité criminelle s’il emploie « la force pour corriger un élève ou un enfant » confié à ses soins;
  • Cette disposition désuète ne concorde pas avec les normes de conduite modernes des enseignants et empêche les parents de demander justice lorsqu’un enseignant maltraite leur enfant;
  • Les parents ne devraient pas avoir à craindre que leurs enfants soient maltraités par des enseignants, dont la mission est de les éduquer et d’en avoir soin.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de supprimer l’exonération de responsabilité criminelle accordée aux instituteurs qui emploient la force pour corriger un enfant confié à leurs soins aux termes de l’article 43 du Code criminel du Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government is committed to protecting children from all forms of violence. The Criminal Code contains general criminal offences to protect all persons from violence, including children. It is a crime to assault or threaten to assault someone, no matter their age. Assault is broadly defined in Canadian criminal law to include any intentional use of force against another person without their consent. This includes any non-consensual touching, directly or indirectly, of a person regardless of the amount of force used. Slapping, shaking, punching, pinching, kicking, or any other form of unwanted touching are all examples of actions that constitute an assault. It is also a crime to unlawfully confine a person against their will, for example by restraining them or restricting their movement, either physically or by controlling conduct, such as through fear, intimidation or other similar psychological means.Further, the abuse of a child in the commission of an offence is an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes. This means that the crime is treated more seriously and can result in a longer sentence.Section 43 of the Criminal Code provides a defense to teachers, parents and caregivers against criminal charges for certain conduct but is not intended to protect against abusive and harmful conduct.The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC), in its 2004 decision Canadian Foundation for Children, Youth and the Law v. Canada (Attorney General), found that section 43 is consistent with the Charter and provided guidelines that limit the scope of the defence. Specifically, the SCC clarified that teachers cannot use corporal punishment under any circumstances (i.e., physical force to discipline student behaviour). Teachers may only apply reasonable force to maintain order or enforce school rules (e.g., removing a child from a classroom).Our Government will continue to monitor Bill S-251, An Act to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action number 6), and Bill C-273, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Corinne’s Quest and the protection of children), which propose to repeal section 43 of the Criminal Code, as they make their way through the legislative process.
Abus à l'égard d'un enfantChâtiment corporelCode criminel
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01926441-01926 (Transport)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC20 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Dans le passé, les Britanno-Colombiens avaient accès à des services ferroviaires de passagers dans une grande partie de la province, y compris des lignes allant de North Vancouver à Prince George et de Victoria à Parksville;
  • La ligne West Coast Express existante entre Mission et Vancouver ne fonctionne qu’aux heures de pointe en semaine;
  • Les services ferroviaires de passagers contribuent à relier les communautés entre elles, constituant une véritable planche de salut pour de nombreuses communautés rurales et isolées.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le ministre des Transports de travailler avec son homologue de la Colombie-Britannique pour rétablir et étendre les services ferroviaires de passagers aux communautés de l’ensemble de la province.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezTransportation affects the daily lives of Canadians, and the Government is committed to providing travellers with a national transportation system that is safe, reliable, and continues to serve the transportation needs of all Canadians, including British Columbians.Regarding intercity passenger rail services, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance that these services play in supporting the quality of life of Canadians, including seniors and students as well as rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. The Government will continue to support and transform these services to promote a cleaner transportation system.That is why, the Government invested $210 million starting in 2023-24 to support maintenance on VIA Rail’s fleet used for long-distance and regional services. This includes VIA Rail’s services in British Columbia such as the Skeena service between Prince Rupert to Jasper and the Canadian running from Toronto to Vancouver. The Government has also invested more than $13 million in VIA Rail stations in British Columbia since 2018.As noted, local public transit services also play an important part in connecting Canadians. This includes the West Coast Express, which provides Translink operated commuter rail service that connects Downtown Vancouver to Mission City, and points in between.The Government of Canada works with partners, including the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure as well as Translink, to support public transit and active transportation networks. This support creates jobs and makes communities cleaner, more accessible, more sustainable, and livable for everyone. Since 2015, the Government has announced more than $30 billion for more than 1,400 public transit projects across the country. Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), the Government of Canada has allocated $33 billion to support infrastructure investments in Canada. Through ICIP, the Government is investing over $3.9 billion in British Columbia including support for the Millennium Line Broadway Extension project, the Expo and Millennium Upgrade Program project, and the Surrey Langley Skytrain project. As announced by the Prime Minister in 2021, the Government of Canada will invest billions of dollars to provide predictable federal public transit funding which will be available to support reliable, fast, affordable, and clean public transit solutions beginning in 2026-27 through the new permanent public transit funding.The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring the national transportation system meets the mobility needs of Canadians and will continue to support and engage with provinces and territories in addressing these needs.
Colombie-BritanniqueServices ferroviaires voyageurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01925441-01925 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON20 novembre 202329 janvier 20248 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre des Familles, des Enfants et du Développement social, et à la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’AgroalimentaireATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes alimentaires scolaires sont reconnus dans le monde entier comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves, avec plus de 388 millions d’enfants dans au moins 161 pays recevant des repas scolaires gratuits ou subventionnés à l’école;
  • De nouvelles données de Statistique Canada (2022) indiquent qu’un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit dans un ménage en situation d’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation scolaire;
  • Le budget 2022 a réaffirmé les engagements de la lettre de mandat de décembre 2021 pour la ministre des Familles, des Enfants et du Développement social et la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire en les chargeant de travailler avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les intervenants pour élaborer une politique nationale sur l’alimentation scolaire et pour explorer comment un plus grand nombre d’enfants canadiens peuvent recevoir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, et des consultations publiques ont eu lieu de novembre à décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école publique centrale de Clarendon et résidents de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox et Addington, demandons à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et à la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire d’accorder la priorité au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation scolaire dans le cadre du budget 2024 pour une mise en œuvre dans les écoles d’ici l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01923441-01923 (Droits de la personne)WarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservateurSK9 novembre 202329 janvier 202411 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l'attention de la Chambre des communes : ATTENDU QUE :La liberté de choix en matière de soins de santé devient de plus en plus restreinte et menacée par la législation et les dispositions légales du gouvernement du Canada; C’est un droit fondamental des individus de pouvoir choisir le moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens veulent être libres de décider du moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens sont aptes à prendre leurs propres décisions en matière de santé sans l’ingérence de l’État.Par conséquent : les signataires de la pétition demandent au Parlement de garantir à chaque Canadien le droit à la liberté de choix en santé en édictant la Charte de la liberté de choix en santé rédigée pour l’Association de protection des produits de santé naturels le 4 septembre 2008.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Droits de la personneSanté
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01920441-01920 (Santé)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB9 novembre 202329 janvier 202430 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Les libéraux menacent l’accès aux produits de santé naturels par de nouvelles règles qui se traduiront par des coûts plus élevés et moins de produits disponibles sur les tablettes des magasins;
  • Les nouvelles dispositions dites de « recouvrement des coûts » imposeraient des coûts massifs à tous les consommateurs de produits de santé naturels et mineraient l’accès des Canadiens qui dépendent de ces produits;
  • Les dispositions du dernier budget omnibus libéral ont donné au gouvernement de nouveaux pouvoirs arbitraires importants en matière de réglementation des produits de santé naturels.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’annuler les changements apportés dans le dernier budget libéral en ce qui concerne les produits de santé naturels.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4456e-4456 (Affaires et commerce)ShantaSundarasonPaulChiangMarkham—UnionvilleLibéralON1 juin 2023 à 9 h 55 (HAE)1 juillet 2023 à 9 h 55 (HAE)9 novembre 202329 janvier 20245 juillet 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :L’entreprise de vêtements Shein a récemment ouvert un entrepôt et un bureau à Markham, en Ontario, Canada, et qu’elle est reconnue internationalement comme une entreprise qui contribue aux violations des droits de la personne, au travail forcé et aux dommages environnementaux partout dans le monde; On craint que les produits chimiques utilisés par Shein soient nocifs pour les acheteurs et contribuent à la pollution de notre environnement. Cela a été documenté par Santé Canada.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de : 1. Exiger plus de transparence de la part des entreprises de vêtements et de détail quant à la chaîne d’approvisionnement, en particulier en ce qui concerne la récolte, l’approvisionnement et la production de coton;2. Exiger plus de transparence de la part des entreprises de vêtements et de détail quant au salaire des employés et aux conditions de travail;3. Exiger des entreprises de détail qu’elles réduisent au minimum les déchets en divulguant le nombre de retours qu’elles reçoivent et la manière dont ils sont traités;4. Exiger que les entreprises de vêtements et de détail fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, notamment en réalisant une évaluation minutieuse de la manière dont elles pourraient contribuer aux violations des droits de la personne ou aux dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et en prévoyant des voies de recours lorsque des préjudices se produisent;5. Prévoir des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard; 6. Renvoyer un contrevenant de la ville de Markham (Shein) dans un délai de 30 jours s’il ne se conforme pas.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights, as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour and Seniors, with the support of the Ministers of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, Public Services and Procurement, and Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains.On May 3, 2023, the House of Commons passed Senate Public Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. Public Safety Canada is responsible for the implementation of this Act. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The government recognizes that while the Act may serve as an important first step, more is needed. This is reflected in Budget 2023, where the government announced its intention to introduce a Bill in 2024 to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains. The Bill will include due diligence measures and be strong, effective, and enforceable.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The government also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada has adhered to a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable provisions to address forced labour. Trade measures or financial penalties can be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the government introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin. In the 2023 federal budget, the government also indicated that it would take measures to strengthen the import prohibition.The government has also taken multiple measures across federal departments to address concerns about human rights violations in the People’s Republic of China involving members of  the Uyghur ethnic minority and other minorities within the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang).These include a business advisory to caution Canadian businesses of the risks of supply chain exposure to entities engaging in human rights abuses and a Xinjiang integrity declaration for Trade Commissioner Service clients on doing business with Xinjiang entities.The government will continue to work closely with stakeholders and international partners to improve the overall approach to tackling forced labour in Canadian supply chains.On the question of the petitioners’ request to close a business in operation in the City of Markham, the matter may best be addressed by a different level of government as this is outside the purview of the Minister of Labour and Seniors and the Labour Program.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTBased on Statistics Canada’s Pilot physical flow account for plastic material, it is estimated that nearly 350,000 tons of synthetic textile products (e.g., polyester, nylon, PVC, acrylic) were produced for Canadian consumption in 2019, many of them imported into Canada. Textiles and apparel make up the fourth-largest category of plastic waste sent to landfills in Canada: 329,000 tons in 2019. Coordinated action is required so that textile and apparel items remain in the economy and out of the environment.System changes are happening across the country, and industry is moving forward voluntarily to increase circularity in the sector. For example, the Canadian Circular Textiles Consortium led by Fashion Takes Action, and partially funded by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), has been established to connect stakeholders on circular textile-related projects.On December 29, 2023, the Government of Canada published a Notice of intent to issue a section 46 notice for the Federal Plastics Registry to create an inventory of data on the Canadian Environmental Protection Act 1999 (CEPA) registry for a 45-day public comment period. The Registry would require annual reports from several sectors on plastic placed on the Canadian market and how it is managed at end-of-life, using a consistent and transparent process. Plastic fibres in the textile sector, such as nylon and polyester, would be part of this obligatory reporting. It would include information on plastics after diversion including such activities as recycling and final disposal in landfill. Data is crucial as the basis for risk management. The Registry would help in monitoring plastic in the economy over time allowing the Government of Canada to measure progress and identify gaps in the plastic value chain where further action could accelerate the transition to a circular economy.The Government of Canada’s goal is to support a circular economy, which aims to extract as much value as possible from resources by repairing, reusing, repurposing, refurbishing, or recycling products and materials. Although ECCC does not have the direct authority to force companies to divert waste, the department is working with stakeholders on initiatives to support a circular economy. For more information on the circular economy please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/conservation/sustainability/circular-economy.html
Conditions et horaires de travailDroit commercialIndustrie du vêtement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4375e-4375 (Santé)Mary AnnSjogrenBranchElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC3 avril 2023 à 14 h 58 (HAE)2 juin 2023 à 14 h 58 (HAE)9 novembre 202329 janvier 20242 juin 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Il est bien connu que l’amiante est un cancérogène hautement toxique;Les preuves scientifiques montrent que l’amiante est nocif lorsqu’il est ingéré ou inhalé;Le Canada ne réglemente pas l’amiante dans l’eau potable;Les canalisations en amiante ciment de réseaux d'aqueduc municipaux canadiens acheminent de l’eau à des millions de personnes;De vieilles canalisations d’eau en amiante ciment sont utilisées dans différentes villes canadiennes, notamment dans les plus vieux quartiers où vivent parfois des populations plus vulnérables à faible revenu;Les canalisations d’eau en amiante ciment ont été exemptées de l’interdiction de l’amiante au Canada;Le gouvernement fédéral procède actuellement à la première Évaluation nationale des infrastructures du Canada.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada 1. d’agir de toute urgence afin d’évaluer les risques pour la santé de l’amiante dans l’eau potable, de façon à ce que le Comité fédéral-provincial-territorial puisse établir des directives sur la qualité de l’eau potable;2. de prévoir un inventaire des canalisations d’eau en amiante ciment et un examen de leur état dans le cadre de l’évaluation des infrastructures actuelle;3. de publier les résultats de cet exercice dans des formats accessibles;4. d’élaborer un plan pour remplacer et éliminer les canalisations d’eau en amiante ciment en toute sécurité, notamment en ce qui concerne la protection des travailleurs;5. d’appuyer le consentement préalable donné en connaissance de cause relativement au transport transfrontalier de résidus contenant de l’amiante;6. d’établir une agence d’éradication de l’amiante responsable d’évaluer la présence d’amiante dans l’environnement naturel et bâti, y compris les milieux de travail, et de prendre les mesures jugées nécessaires.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe federal government remains committed to launching Canada’s first ever National Infrastructure Assessment: "Building the Canada We Want in 2050". It sets out the purpose and benefits of undertaking a National Infrastructure Assessment and seeks input from the public, Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, municipalities, and stakeholders on three main priorities of the assessment: Assessing Canada's infrastructure needs and establishing a long-term vision; improving coordination among infrastructure owners and funders; and determining the best ways to fund and finance infrastructure.On July 29, 2021, the Government of Canada released Building Pathways to 2050: Moving Forward on the National Infrastructure Assessment, following public engagement with over 300 organizations and individuals. This Report highlights key recommendations that will help guide the design of the National Infrastructure Assessment. It will be a foundational tool for infrastructure decision-makers across Canada to support the identification of needs and priorities in the built environment towards a net-zero emissions future.Since 2016, Infrastructure Canada has been proactive in gathering data on Canada's core public infrastructure assets. Data collection on the amount and location of asbestos cement pipes in Canada is currently being addressed through Canada’s Core Public Infrastructure (CCPI) survey. The CCPI survey is conducted by Statistics Canada, on behalf of Infrastructure Canada, on a bi-annual basis. The questionnaire is sent to governments of all levels (municipalities, provinces and territories, and federal) that own or lease public infrastructure, to collect data on the stock, condition, and performance of Canada’s core public infrastructure assets.Throughout 2021 and 2022, Infrastructure Canada undertook an extensive outreach process to improve the survey. As a result of the outreach process, the 2022 survey includes a question on asbestos in water:“What was the total length in kilometres of asbestos cement water pipes as of December 31, 2022?”Data from CCPI 2022 will be released in late 2024, subject to an evaluation of its fitness for use. More information about the survey can be found at Canada's Core Public Infrastructure Survey. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandIn Canada, the responsibility for drinking water quality is shared between the provincial, territorial, federal and municipal governments. The Federal Government, through Health Canada, develops the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality in collaboration with the provinces and territories, which then use the guidelines to set regulations and standards based on their needs and context. Provinces and territories generally have the responsibility for ensuring the safety of drinking water, including setting regulatory, monitoring and testing requirements. Municipalities tend to oversee the day-to-day operations of treatment facilities and distribution systems. Infrastructure owners, including municipalities, are responsible for assessing the condition of pipes and conducting any maintenance and remediation, as necessary.Health Canada continuously monitors research on asbestos in drinking water. In 2023, as part of its work on regularly assessing drinking water guidelines, Health Canada, in collaboration with provinces and territories, began a reassessment of the asbestos drinking water guideline to consider any new scientific evidence on the impacts of ingested asbestos on human health. Health Canada’s drinking water guideline for asbestos was established in 1989 and, at this time, there is no consistent scientific evidence that asbestos ingested through drinking water was harmful. As a result, no maximum acceptable concentration for asbestos in drinking water has been set. Health Canada undertook further assessments of new scientific data on asbestos in 2013 and 2018, and again concluded that there was no consistent scientific evidence that asbestos ingested through drinking water is harmful, including if pipe failure, construction or repair were to increase levels of asbestos in drinking water. Other international organizations, including the World Health Organisation, European Commission and the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council, have reached the same conclusions as Health Canada.The current reassessment of asbestos in drinking water will include a careful review of data on exposure to asbestos through drinking water, including monitoring results of asbestos in drinking water from Canadian cities. It will also include any available studies on the impacts of ingested asbestos on human health, including cumulative effects of exposure through drinking water. Health Canada considers all available science when it develops guidelines, including information for groups such as infants, children, people of reproductive age and populations who may be disproportionately impacted. Should the reassessment indicate that asbestos in drinking water is harmful to human health, Health Canada will update the drinking water guidelines and develop a maximum acceptable concentration for asbestos in drinking water.As set out in sections 14.1 (1) and (2) of the Hazardous Products Act, hazardous products that contain asbestos are prohibited from being sold or imported in Canada. This prohibition is part of the government-wide strategy on asbestos, which eliminates the need to establish an Asbestos Eradication Agency.
AmianteConduites d'eau maîtressesQualité de l'eau
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01913441-01913 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON9 novembre 202329 janvier 20248 novembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre des Familles, des Enfants et du Développement social, et à la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’AgroalimentaireATTENDU QUE :
  • Les programmes alimentaires scolaires sont reconnus dans le monde entier comme étant essentiels à la santé, au bien-être et à l’éducation des élèves, avec plus de 388 millions d’enfants dans au moins 161 pays recevant des repas scolaires gratuits ou subventionnés à l’école;
  • De nouvelles données de Statistique Canada (2022) indiquent qu’un enfant sur quatre au Canada vit dans un ménage en situation d’insécurité alimentaire;
  • Le Canada est le seul pays du G7 à ne pas avoir de programme national d’alimentation scolaire;
  • Le budget 2022 a réaffirmé les engagements de la lettre de mandat de décembre 2021 pour la ministre des Familles, des Enfants et du Développement social et la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire en les chargeant de travailler avec les provinces, les territoires, les municipalités, les partenaires autochtones et les intervenants pour élaborer une politique nationale sur l’alimentation scolaire et pour explorer comment un plus grand nombre d’enfants canadiens peuvent recevoir des aliments nutritifs à l’école, et des consultations publiques ont eu lieu de novembre à décembre 2022.
Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté de l’école secondaire Holy Cross et résidents de la région de Kingston, Frontenac et Lennox et Addington, demandons à la ministre des Finances, à la ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social et à la ministre de l’Agriculture et de l’Agroalimentaire d’accorder la priorité au financement d’un programme national d’alimentation scolaire dans le cadre du budget 2024 pour une mise en œuvre dans les écoles d’ici l’automne 2024.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.The Government of Canada recognizes that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector, which would help drive down costs of food.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:•         the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;•         New Canadian Dental Care Plan;•         the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;•         the Employment Insurance program; and•         the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01911441-01911 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)FrankCaputoKamloops—Thompson—CaribooConservateurBC9 novembre 202329 janvier 20246 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Le gouvernement libéral a demandé au ministère de la Défense nationale d’interdire aux aumôniers de réciter des prières publiques lors de cérémonies officielles, comme celles du jour du Souvenir.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo, prions le ministre de la Défense nationale de :
  • Abandonner ses politiques discriminatoires sur le plan religieux;
  • Autoriser les aumôniers à prier pour nos soldats tombés au combat lors du jour du Souvenir et lors d’autres cérémonies.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeThe Defence Team deeply values the work of military chaplains to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, and we will continue to build a diverse, inclusive military that attracts and retains talented people, as well as a chaplaincy that reflects the diversity of spiritual and faith beliefs of Canada and supports both the free expression of religious belief and the right of military members not to express a religious belief.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service holds deep respect for the diverse religious and spiritual belief systems and practices of serving and retired CAF members, their families and Canadians. As such, CAF chaplains prioritize cultivating inclusive environments where all can feel welcome at ceremonies and events in which chaplains participate or offer leadership. This is why prayer and other faith-specific language that may be offered by CAF chaplains is very much subject to the context, participants and intended nature of the gathering or ceremony in which they are participating, including whether the ceremony or event is secular or non-secular in nature, open to the public at large, or private.With respect to Remembrance Day, specifically, most important to the Chaplain General is maintaining the focus on honouring the sacrifice of all who have gone before us in service to Canada, and to offer thanksgiving for their service and sacrifice. It is paramount that chaplains continue to offer words of remembrance, encouragement, and hope to CAF members and their families.
ÉvènementsForces canadiennesLiberté de conscience et de religionServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4328e-4328 (Citoyenneté et immigration)MelekKaniyoluAnitaVandenbeldOttawa-Ouest—NepeanLibéralON2 mars 2023 à 10 h 31 (HAE)1 avril 2023 à 10 h 31 (HAE)8 novembre 202329 janvier 20243 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278 908" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté </Addressee>Attendu que : Les séismes de magnitude 7,7 et 7,6 qui ont secoué la Turquie le 6 février 2023 ont laissé dans leur sillage plus de 30 000 bâtiments résidentiels inutilisables, plus de 45 000 décès et plus de 150 000 blessés; La région frappée couvre une superficie équivalant à celle qui s’étend de Windsor à Ottawa, avec une population touchée de près de 15 millions de personnes; Les quelque 150 000 membres de la diaspora turque ont des proches qui sont blessés, qui ont perdu leur maison et qui n’ont nulle part où aller. Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, collègues et amis du peuple turc, demandons au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de :1. Prendre des mesures urgentes par voie d’instructions ministérielles pour assouplir les exigences relatives aux demandes de visa de résident temporaire pour les membres de la famille de Canadiens, de résidents permanents et d’autres personnes résidant au Canada en vertu de divers statuts temporaires, qui ont été touchés par les séismes dévastateurs en Turquie; 2. Suspendre temporairement les conditions énoncées au paragraphe 11(2) de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (LIPR) pour les victimes des séismes qui ont des membres de leur famille au Canada, afin de faciliter leur entrée au Canada et de réunir leurs proches pendant cette période difficile; 3. Renoncer temporairement aux frais de demande de visa, aux exigences de collecte des données biométriques et aux frais connexes pour les victimes des séismes, afin de s’assurer que ces dernières ne soient pas accablées par des coûts et des retards supplémentaires au cours du processus de demande; 4. Élargir temporairement la définition de « membres de la famille immédiate » pour inclure les frères et sœurs des résidents du Canada, afin de mieux promouvoir la réunification des familles par une mesure humanitaire temporaire.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.The Government of Canada remains committed to helping those suffering in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. We announced a total of $50M in support of the humanitarian response, including two commitments to match funds donated by Canadians. In addition, through the Canadian Red Cross, Canada deployed 22,000 relief supplies including blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, kitchen sets and jerry cans from its humanitarian stockpiles for use in Türkiye.In addition to its regular immigration pathways, special measures have been introduced to facilitate Turkish and Syrian nationals affected by this tragedy. On September 28, 2023, the Government extended these special measures put in place last spring through to January 3, 2024, to continue to support Turkish and Syrian nationals, as well as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. These include:
  • Free extensions of temporary residence status for Turkish and Syrian nationals studying, working, or visiting family in Canada;
  • Access to open work permits for Turkish and Syrian nationals already in Canada;
  • Priority processing of temporary residence, permanent residence, and refugee resettlement applications from persons in the affected regions, including for family members;
  • Waiving travel document requirements for permanent resident visas, as some permanent residence applicants may have lost their passports as a result of the earthquakes; and,
  • Waiving fees for temporary passports, limited-validity passports, emergency travel documents, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents, to assist Canadian citizens and permanent residents in their return to Canada from the affected area.
Under Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations provision 1(3), family members include a spouse or common-law partner, a dependent child, or a dependent child of a dependent child. This definition is generally used in the context where an applicant is seeking to bring dependents under a temporary or permanent resident program.In addition, the Government of Canada has a generous family reunification program. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor, as permanent residents, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children (including adopted children), and other relatives in specific circumstances (for example, orphaned relatives under the age of 18 or a relative of any relation to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident provided the sponsor has no relatives who can be sponsored). As such, a sibling can come to Canada as an accompanying dependent child when sponsoring a parent, or under the “other relative” category. Alternatively, applications for permanent residence can also be made under humanitarian and compassionate considerations, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Passeports et visasRéunification des famillesSéismesTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01904441-01904 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC7 novembre 202329 janvier 202426 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01903441-01903 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC7 novembre 202329 janvier 202426 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01902441-01902 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC7 novembre 202329 janvier 202426 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4138e-4138 (Citoyenneté et immigration)HannahDeeganJennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC29 septembre 2022 à 14 h 41 (HAE)28 décembre 2022 à 14 h 41 (HAE)7 novembre 202329 janvier 20245 janvier 2023Pétition au<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Dans son rapport de 2009 sur les travailleurs étrangers temporaires et les travailleurs sans statut légal, le comité permanent CIMM a recommandé au gouvernement de faire en sorte que les permis de travail ne désignent plus un employeur bien précis;Dans son rapport de 2016, le comité permanent HUMA a reconnu que les permis de travail liés à un employeur donné peuvent « placer les travailleurs migrants en position de vulnérabilité et nuire à leur bien-être physique et mental », et il a recommandé une intervention immédiate pour mettre fin à l’obligation d’obtenir un permis de travail associé à un employeur donné;En 2019, le Canada a reconnu que les permis de travail associés à un employeur donné créent un déséquilibre de pouvoir qui « favorise l’employeur et peut amener un travailleur migrant à endurer des situations d’inconduite, d’abus ou d’autres formes de représailles de l’employeur » lorsqu’il a mis en œuvre la politique du permis de travail ouvert pour les travailleurs vulnérables (PTO V);De nombreuses réformes réglementaires visant à améliorer la protection des travailleurs étrangers temporaires, y compris la PTO V, n’ont pas réussi à réduire de manière significative le risque élevé d’abus auquel sont exposés les travailleurs en raison des permis de travail associé à un employeur donné;Un système d’immigration véritablement juste et équitable offre un statut complet et permanent à tous les travailleurs qui viennent au Canada et prévoit des programmes de régularisation pour ceux qui sont actuellement sans statut légal. À titre de mesure provisoire, les travailleurs migrants ne devraient pas être liés à un employeur ou à un secteur précis.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’éliminer, sans délai, le permis de travail associé à un employeur donné et d’adopter un régime d’autorisation de travail qui permette aux travailleurs étrangers temporaires de changer librement d’employeur pendant leur séjour au pays, quelle que soit leur profession ou leur origine nationale.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marc MillerAny instances of harassment, abuse, or exploitation of temporary foreign workers are unacceptable and are not tolerated in Canada. The Government of Canada (GoC) acknowledges that there may be inherent power imbalances between some employers and temporary foreign workers, and has implemented a number of measures to help ensure worker protection.The GoC aims to balance the need to support employers in addressing labour shortages in Canada’s competitive economy, while seeking to protect temporary foreign workers during their stay in Canada. Employer-specific work permits remain an important feature of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program and Canada’s immigration system.Eliminating employer-specific work permits would represent a fundamental shift that could negatively impact the current labour migration system and would not necessarily reduce abuse and exploitation in the TFW Program. Even with Open Work Permits, those who are vulnerable could face challenges in leaving their employer, including limited skills and financial options, low official language abilities, and challenges finding affordable housing, among others. Removing the employer-specific work permit also risks making it more difficult to retain workers in certain occupations and industries, exacerbating labour shortages in many regions, including those that are more rural or remote in nature.   Program IntegrityEmployers under the TFW Program commit to?several key worker protection?measures (particularly for low wage workers), such as paid return airfare and a commitment to help with affordable housing. The Program also ensures that the wages of temporary foreign workers are aligned with those of Canadians doing the same job, which,?in-turn, protects the Canadian economy from downward pressure on wages and benefits all workers; temporary foreign workers as well as Canadians and permanent residents.??Employer-specific work permits can offer measures of protection for foreign nationals, as employers of employer-specific work permit holders are immediately subject to a compliance regime which seeks to ensure employers are meeting Program requirements and regulatory obligations. This enables the GoC to conduct inspections to help ensure employers comply with regulatory conditions and employment standards legislation—for example, providing a workplace free of abuse, respecting a worker’s job description, and not engaging in reprisals against workers who raise concerns.During an inspection (which can be conducted with or without notice), employers must demonstrate that they are meeting the terms and conditions of the TFW Program listed in the Labour Market Impact Assessment. If an employer is found to have committed a violation of program conditions and is deemed non-compliant, they can face consequences, including administrative monetary penalties of up to $1M and a temporary or permanent ban from the Program. Employer-specific work permits make it possible for the Government to know, for program integrity and worker protection purposes, which employers are employing foreign workers at any given time and at what locations they are working.In 2022-2023, the Department completed over 2,100 inspections. Through these inspections, 1,014 employers were found compliant, 1,015 were found compliant with justification, and 116 were found non-compliant.Over the course of an inspection, when IRCC finds that the employer had been non-compliant with the Regulations, the employer is given the opportunity to justify their non-compliance (as a procedural fairness step). An employer may be found compliant with justification if they are able to demonstrate that the reason for their non-compliance can be justified using the justifications included in the Regulations (for example, an error made in good faith by the employer, a change in federal or provincial law, or a change to the provisions of a collective agreement), and if they remedy the effects of the violation (for example, compensating the foreign worker for unpaid wages). Worker Protection MeasuresAs part of the GoC’s broader commitment to worker protections, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced, in June 2019, measures to make it easier for workers to leave abusive situations with the introduction of the Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers (OWP-V). This permit provides workers on valid employer-specific work permits experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, abuse in their job, access to an open work permit. With an open work permit, workers are able to exit abusive situations quickly and work for almost any employer in Canada.The OWP-V has a lower burden of proof compared to most immigration programs, recognizing that abuse is often difficult to substantiate. While we recognize the criticisms of the OWP-V with regards to higher than expected processing times, IRCC is continuously working to reduce the barriers that workers might face in exiting situations of abuse. Issuance of an OWP-V triggers a referral to either the IMP or TFWP employer compliance regimes dependent on which program the foreign worker was hired under, and results in an inspection under the related (IMP of TFWP) program.Moreover, in Fall 2021, the Department began the roll-out of trauma-informed training for officers who process OWP-V applications. This training includes a decision-making framework and procedures for following up with clients to address systemic barriers that prevent vulnerable TFWs from applying and being successful in obtaining an OWP-V. This training continues to be delivered to officers evaluating OWP-V applications.The TFW Program also has existing measures under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) Stream, where workers have the ability to work for another SAWP employer without having to apply for a new work permit, subject to agreements between the source country, employer and employee.  In Canada, temporary foreign workers have the same rights to workplace protections under applicable federal, provincial and territorial employment standards as Canadians and permanent residents. The Government understands that migrant workers in Canada might face challenges with regards to knowing and accessing their rights in Canada. As such, in September 2022, regulatory amendments were made to compel employers to provide migrant workers with information on their rights, including access to healthcare while in Canada.Furthermore, the GoC introduced the Changing Employers Public Policy in May 2020. The public policy allows temporary foreign workers already in Canada who are changing jobs or employers, and who have secured a job offer under the terms of either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or International Mobility Program, to quickly begin work with a new employer or in a new occupation in advance of a final decision on their work permit application. Eligible workers can obtain authorization to work for a new employers within 10-15 days.IRCC will continue to work with Employment and Social Development Canada to explore the Government’s commitment to implement sector-based work permits. While we cannot speculate on any future policy decisions, IRCC is currently looking at possible reforms to the employer-specific work permit. Any new developments will be communicated publicly.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykIn Canada, temporary foreign workers have the same rights to workplace protections as Canadians and permanent residents under applicable federal, provincial, and territorial employment standards. The mistreatment of any temporary foreign worker – or any worker – is never acceptable.While the large majority of employers who participate in the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program meet their obligations and treat their employees with respect, in those cases where there is mistreatment the consequences can be severe.To address concerns around worker treatment, and to assist migrant workers in knowing and accessing their rights in Canada, in September 2022, regulatory amendments were made to compel employers to provide migrant workers with information on their rights, including access to healthcare while in Canada.In addition, a Migrant Worker Support Program was launched in 2022 (totalling $49.5M) to better support temporary foreign workers in Canada to learn about and exercise their rights. To date, funding is supporting 10 organizations, and over 100 sub-agreement holders across Canada, to deliver services including on-arrival orientation at major international airports and community-based and emergency support services.To assist with enforcement, the TFW Program also operates a confidential tip line and Concierge Service to assist workers who report allegations of abuse and mistreatment. Through the tip line, workers are offered personalized service, based on their needs, to report allegations of abuse or mistreatment, as they arise. Agents answer the phone five days per week (with weekend voicemail service) with the support of interpretation services in over 200 languages. All leads, tips and allegations received by the Department, whether through the tip line or the Concierge Service, are reviewed and flagged within 24 hours based on their level of risk. Leads that are considered high-risk are assessed as a priority; ensuring appropriate action can be taken as quickly as possible (inspections are launched on these high-risk employers within 24-48 hours to ensure worker safety). The numbers of tips and allegations received continues to increase, for example, this year, the Department has already seen a 53% increase in volume, compared to the same period last year.During an inspection (which can be conducted with or without notice), employers must demonstrate that they are meeting TFW Program requirements listed in the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). If an employer is found to have committed a violation of program conditions and is deemed non-compliant, they can face consequences, including administrative monetary penalties of up to a maximum of $1 million and a temporary or permanent ban from the Program. Without employer-specific work permits, it would be challenging for the Government to know, for Program integrity and worker protection purposes, which employers are employing foreign workers at any given time and at what locations they are working.In 2022-23, the Department completed over 2,100 inspections. Through these inspections, 1,014 employers were found compliant, 1,015 were found compliant with justification, and 116 were found non-compliant.In situations where the Department is made aware of serious risk to the health and safety of foreign workers, the TFW Program works closely with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), other federal stakeholders, and provinces and territories (PTs) to help resolve these situations.The TFW Program is a complex and multi-jurisdictional program where provinces and territories (PTs) are largely responsible for the administration and enforcement of legislation applicable to temporary foreign worker employment standards, occupational health and safety, and recruitment and housing standards; except under sectors covered by the federal Labour Code. The federal government is working closely with PTs and stakeholders to facilitate collaboration across jurisdictions and obtain greater assurance that PT standards are met, while implementing federal policies aimed at protecting temporary foreign workers.The goal of the TFW Program is to support employers in addressing labour shortages in Canada’s competitive economy, while seeking to protect temporary foreign workers during their stay in Canada. Employer-specific work permits remain an important feature of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program and Canada’s immigration system.Eliminating employer-specific work permits would represent a fundamental shift in the operation of the program, and the government is taking a cautious approach to what a sector specific work permit system might look like. For example, the TFW Program has existing measures under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) Stream, where workers can work for another SAWP employer without having to apply for a new work permit, subject to agreements between the source country, employer, and employee.The Government of Canada will continue to review and develop policies and regulations that promote and safeguard the health and safety of temporary foreign workers when they come to Canada. As part of this effort, and to foster continuous improvement, the TFW Program relies on recommendations and feedback from various sources. In this spirit, the program looks forward to receiving recommendations from the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration (CIMM).
Permis de travail émis pour emploi ou employeur précisTravailleurs étrangers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01899441-01899 (Affaires étrangères)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB7 novembre 202329 janvier 202416 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : La population pakistanaise et les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise sont de plus en plus inquiets au sujet des nouvelles faisant état de l’instabilité et de l’incertitude politique au Pakistan; Le rétablissement de la démocratie au Pakistan est dans l’intérêt du Canada, du Pakistan et de la communauté internationale.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’utiliser toutes les avenues diplomatiques raisonnables afin de convaincre le gouvernement du Pakistan de respecter les principes fondamentaux de la démocratie, y compris la tenue d’élections libres et équitables, la liberté de la presse et l’indépendance judiciaire.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada and Pakistan have a multifaceted bilateral relationship, which dates back to 1947, and is underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation, including in the lead up to general elections announced for February 8, 2024. Canada supports free, fair, and inclusive electoral process and condemns any use of violence for political goals.Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy, and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law in Pakistan. In fact, the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for Canada’s engagement in Pakistan. Canada continues to advance an inclusive approach to democracy, one that allows people to participate in decision-making processes and institutions that impact all areas of their lives.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts to advance these foreign policy priorities. For example, Canadian officials, in Ottawa and at Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these topics with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials engage in a variety of fora with the aim of supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles. Canada also supports civil society in Pakistan through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally implemented projects. Among the core themes of CFLI projects in Pakistan for 2024 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law. Global Affairs Canada is also funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes, and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. The two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality and promoting regional security and stability. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic principles. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights and free and fair elections, on an ongoing basis.The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
DémocratiePakistanPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4414e-4414 (Santé)KarenTompkinsChrisLewisEssexConservateurON3 mai 2023 à 9 h 51 (HAE)31 août 2023 à 9 h 51 (HAE)7 novembre 202329 janvier 20245 septembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :1 Canadien sur 10 souffre d’une maladie rare et éprouve beaucoup de difficultés à obtenir des soins appropriés lui permettant de survivre et d’aller mieux;1 bébé sur 15 au Canada naît en étant atteint d’une maladie rare, et près d’un tiers d’entre eux mourra avant leur cinquième anniversaire;Le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé un investissement pouvant aller jusqu’à 1,5 milliard de dollars sur trois ans dans le cadre de la Stratégie nationale visant les médicaments pour le traitement des maladies rares afin de faciliter l’accès aux médicaments nouveaux et existants, ainsi que le diagnostic précoce et le dépistage des maladies rares;Les pays du monde entier, notamment la France, l’Allemagne, le Royaume-Uni et l’Australie, disposent de telles stratégies, desquelles nous pouvons apprendre; La Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) a travaillé et continuera à travailler avec les gouvernements de tout le Canada pour concevoir une vaste stratégie sur les maladies rares, qui aidera les patients, notamment grâce à des centres d’expertise, à l’accès aux médicaments et à l’investissement dans la recherche.Nous, soussignés,Canadiens souffrant d’une maladie rare, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Mettre en œuvre la Stratégie nationale visant les médicaments pour le traitement des maladies rares afin d’aider les patients à avoir accès aux traitements dont ils ont besoin;2. Travailler avec les provinces en vue de garantir l’accès immédiat aux médicaments qui permettent de traiter les maladies rares et qui sont actuellement offerts au Canada; 3. Prolonger indéfiniment le financement des médicaments permettant de traiter les maladies rares, dans le cadre de la Stratégie; 4. Veiller à ce que la CORD et le Regroupement québécois des maladies orphelines (RQMO) soient des partenaires clés dans les discussions sur la mise en œuvre de la Stratégie; 5. Faire en sorte que la Stratégie inclue des centres d’expertise afin que les nouveaux fonds alloués aux médicaments contribuent à améliorer les soins offerts à l’ensemble des Canadiens atteints de maladies rares.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of improving access to affordable and effective drugs for rare diseases (DRD). This is why the National Strategy for Drugs for Rare Diseases (the Strategy) was announced by the previous Minister of Health on March 22 2023, and has since been pushed toward implementation. The announcement outlined measures in support of the Strategy with an investment of up to $1.5 billion over three years.The Government of Canada recognizes that access to DRD is essential to ensuring better health outcomes for Canadians affected by rare diseases. The largest portion of this overall investment – up to $1.4 billion – is earmarked for provinces and territories to support 3-year bilateral agreements that will improve access to new and emerging drugs, as well as support enhanced access to existing drugs, early diagnosis, and screening for rare diseases. We have been working with willing provinces and territories since March of 2023 to establish a small set of new and emerging DRD that would be cost-shared and covered in a consistent way across the country, as a critical next step to advance the development of these bilateral agreements.The rest of the Strategy funding is designed to both reinforce and magnify the impact of the provincial and territorial bilateral agreements and deliver improvements that will benefit all rare disease patients over the medium to long term. That is why the Government of Canada has provided $20M over three years to the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) and the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) to support the collection and use of real-world evidence to support decision-making, as well as patient registries. CADTH and CIHI are making progress on key activities to support decision-making across the pharmaceutical lifecycle.As well, the Strategy provides $32 million over five years to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to advance a rare disease research agenda, developing better diagnostic tools and establishing a robust Canadian rare disease clinical trials network. Four funding opportunities were launched between June and August 2023, and funding is expected to start flowing for the largest project in January 2024, with remaining three projects beginning funding in April 2024. We know that this work will help more Canadians have access to the information they need regarding rare diseases as well as effective treatment for these illnesses.The input and participation of patient groups such as the Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders (CORD) and the Regroupement québécois des maladies orphelines (RQMO) was invaluable throughout the engagement process during the development phase of the Strategy. To continue this important dialogue with rare disease patients, those delivering care, and those seeking to improve care, an Implementation Advisory Group (IAG) was launched on October 26, 2023. One of the IAG co-Chairs this year is the former (founding) President of the RRQMO, and CORD is also a member. The IAG will provide patient-centered advice to Health Canada and other health system partners on the implementation of the Strategy and be a forum to exchange information and best practices on DRD. Provincial and territorial representatives and other organizations are also present as observers during meetings of the IAG, giving them an opportunity to hear directly from the rare disease community. Canadians can access information regarding the IAG on Health Canada’s website.Making significant changes in the complex pharmaceuticals management system takes time. We are currently in the first stage of implementation. Over the longer term, lessons learned from this initial phase will inform future phases of the Strategy that will deliver the ongoing funding identified in Budget 2019 to help Canadians with rare diseases access the drugs they need.The Government of Canada will continue to work with provinces, territories, and key partners to deliver on these improvements so those living with rare diseases can have better health outcomes and access to cutting-edge treatment options.
Maladies rares et orphelinesRégime d'assurance-médicamentsStratégie nationale visant les médicaments pour le traitement des maladies rares
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01897441-01897 (Droits de la personne)WarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservateurSK7 novembre 202329 janvier 202411 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l'attention de la Chambre des communes : ATTENDU QUE :La liberté de choix en matière de soins de santé devient de plus en plus restreinte et menacée par la législation et les dispositions légales du gouvernement du Canada; C’est un droit fondamental des individus de pouvoir choisir le moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens veulent être libres de décider du moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens sont aptes à prendre leurs propres décisions en matière de santé sans l’ingérence de l’État.Par conséquent : les signataires de la pétition demandent au Parlement de garantir à chaque Canadien le droit à la liberté de choix en santé en édictant la Charte de la liberté de choix en santé rédigée pour l’Association de protection des produits de santé naturels le 4 septembre 2008.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Droits de la personneSanté
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01890441-01890 (Droits de la personne)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB6 novembre 202329 janvier 20241 novembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :
  • Le Canada a traditionnellement respecté, honoré et affirmé le rôle des traditions de foi dans les Forces armées canadiennes;
  • L’aumônerie des Forces armées canadiennes contribue à la santé, au moral et au bien-être spirituel des hommes et des femmes des forces armées de toutes confessions ou n’ayant aucun lien avec une religion;
  • Le gouvernement libéral mine les droits et libertés des hommes et des femmes des forces armées en interdisant l’expression de diverses religions.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :
  • d’affirmer que les Forces armées canadiennes doivent être libres d’appuyer les hommes et les femmes des forces armées au moyen de la prière en public, conformément aux traditions honorables et durement acquises des Forces armées canadiennes, plus particulièrement le jour du Souvenir.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeThe Defence Team deeply values the work of military chaplains to support Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, and we will continue to build a diverse, inclusive military that attracts and retains talented people, as well as a chaplaincy that reflects the diversity of spiritual and faith beliefs of Canada and supports both the free expression of religious belief and the right of military members not to express a religious belief.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service holds deep respect for the diverse religious and spiritual belief systems and practices of serving and retired CAF members, their families and Canadians. As such, CAF chaplains prioritize cultivating inclusive environments where all can feel welcome at ceremonies and events in which chaplains participate or offer leadership. This is why prayer and other faith-specific language that may be offered by CAF chaplains is very much subject to the context, participants and intended nature of the gathering or ceremony in which they are participating, including whether the ceremony or event is secular or non-secular in nature, open to the public at large, or private.With respect to Remembrance Day, specifically, most important to the Chaplain General is maintaining the focus on honouring the sacrifice of all who have gone before us in service to Canada, and to offer thanksgiving for their service and sacrifice. It is paramount that chaplains continue to offer words of remembrance, encouragement, and hope to CAF members and their families.
Forces armées canadiennesLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024e-4497e-4497 (Travail et emploi)LucaSalvadorL’hon.TimUppalEdmonton Mill WoodsConservateurAB23 juin 2023 à 17 h 52 (HAE)23 juillet 2023 à 17 h 52 (HAE)6 novembre 202329 janvier 202425 juillet 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Il y a une pénurie de dentistes au Canada, mais il y a suffisamment de dentistes formés à l’étranger (DFE) résidant actuellement au Canada pour combler cette pénurie;L’autorisation d’exercer la profession de dentiste relève de la compétence des provinces, qui délèguent cette responsabilité à un organisme national, le Bureau national d’examen dentaire (BNED);Bien que la procédure d’examen et de délivrance des permis d’exercice soit simple, les DFE doivent suivre une procédure d’équivalence avant de pouvoir se présenter à l’examen de délivrance des permis;À la différence des autres professions de la santé, le processus d’équivalence constitue le principal obstacle à l’exercice de la profession pour les DFE au Canada, car il dure en moyenne de trois à cinq ans et peut coûter jusqu’à 50 000 $.Nous soussignés, membres de l’Internationally Trained Dentists Association of Canada, citoyens et résidants du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de :1) Reconnaître que le processus d’équivalence du Bureau national d’examen dentaire (BNED) est excessivement exigeant et contraignant en termes de temps et de coûts;2) Reconnaître que l’apathie et des décisions inefficaces du BNED ont eu des répercussions directes sur plus de 2000 DFE, laissant ceux ci incapables d’exercer leur profession et lourdement endettés; 3) Collaborer avec les provinces et territoires et demander, par l’intermédiaire de ceux-ci, que le BNED révise ses examens et normes de service liés au processus d’équivalence, la communication des résultats, les méthodes d’évaluation et les normes globales de réussite connexes, ainsi que les vérifications de la documentation procédurale et financière faites dans le cadre de ce processus.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandDental care is an integral part of overall health. Unfortunately, far too many Canadians have little access to dental care for a number of reasons, including costs of accessing care and healthcare personnel shortages.The Government of Canada is committed to improving access by decreasing dental care costs. On December 1, 2022, we launched the Canada Dental Benefit, which provides direct payments to eligible applicants of up to $650 per child under 12 years of age and up to $1,300 over two years. To date, close to 395,000 Canadian children have benefited from the Canada Dental Benefit.Efforts are also underway to expand dental care to other population groups through the long-term Canadian Dental Care Plan and its complementary Oral Health Access Fund. Budget 2023 announced $13.1 billion over five years, and $4.4 billion ongoing for the Plan, enabling all eligible Canadians with family incomes under $90,000 to access dental care, with no co-pays for those earning under $70,000. The Oral Health Access Fund will provide targeted investments to address oral health gaps among vulnerable populations and reduce barriers to accessing care, including in rural and remote communities. All of these measures are crucial steps to increasing access to dental care and improving the oral health of all Canadians.With regards to improving access through addressing healthcare personnel shortages in the dental care sector, the Federal Government has a more limited role due to jurisdictional issues. Section 4(1) of the Department of Health Act sets out the powers and authorities of the Minister of Health, which do not extend to matters assigned by law to other departments, boards or agencies of the Government of Canada. The National Dental Examining Board of Canada is a federally incorporated board enacted through the Parliament of Canada that does not report to any federal entity, given that its jurisdiction over licensing and the practice of medical professionals is under provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As such, we are not in a position to direct the National Dental Examination Board of Canada, and would encourage the petition writers to write directly to the National Dental Examination Board of Canada with their concerns. They can be reached by email at info@ndeb-bned.ca or by phone at 613-236-5912.
Dentisterie et dentistesImmigration et immigrantsTitres de compétences
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01878441-01878 (Santé)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de huit millions de personnes souffrent de maladies oculaires et que 1,2 million d'entre eux vivent avec une perte de vision ou la cécité;
  • 75 % des cas de perte de vision peuvent être prévenus s'ils sont décelés et traités rapidement;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n'a jamais mis en place de cadre exhaustif en matière de soins publics de santé des yeux et que la structure actuelle a engendré d'énormes écarts en matière d'accès aux soins;
  • Qu'une attention systématique à ce problème permettra d'améliorer la vie de millions de Canadiens;
  • Qu'il faut établir un cadre de coordination approprié entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, augmenter les moyens, investir suffisamment dans les soins oculaires, rendre la santé oculaire plus abordable et inclusive, et accroître la sensibilisation à l'importance de la santé oculaire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d'adopter sans délai le projet de loi C-284, Loi prevoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandVision care is beneficial through all stages of life. Healthy vision is important for young children’s development, and helps to make many careers and activities of daily life easier. As people age, maintaining good eye health can reduce the odds of facing blindness and vision loss, as well as improve outcomes associated with eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.Vision loss in Canada can be caused by several common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a report from Deloitte and the Canadian Council of the Blind, more than eight million Canadians had a common eye disease in 2019 and were at serious risk of losing their vision. More than 1 in 10 older adults had some degree of vision loss.Regular eye exams can identify early issues with eye health and also screen for a range of health conditions including high blood pressures, diabetes, macular degeneration, and various blood diseases.While provinces and territories have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services, the federal health portfolio is leading and supporting a range of activities related to eye disease prevention and treatment.The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our health care system and supporting provinces and territories in delivering better health care for Canadians. The 2023 Federal Budget committed close to $200 billion over ten years in health funding to provinces and territories. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding, $25 billion of which has been designated to address four shared health priorities:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
This funding builds on the 2017 investment of $11 billion over ten years to help provinces and territories improve home and community care, and mental health, and $3 billion to strengthen long-term care from Budget 2021. Addressing health workforce shortages and surgical backlogs, including for vision-related surgeries, is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for the health care system. Budget 2023 included a $2 billion one-time top-up to provinces and territories to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals.Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also provides vision care to eligible First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries where not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program’s vision care coverage includes eye exams, corrective eyewear, and eyeglass repairs.The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting research is key to a fulsome understanding of eye health, including how to prevent vision loss. Since 2018, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have invested approximately $61 million in vision-related research. This research spans the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various vision-related conditions.Health Canada also regulates drugs and medical devices, including those intended to be used for eye diseases and conditions. Where warranted, Health Canada has existing expedited review pathways that can be used to facilitate quicker access to health products that treat, prevent, or diagnose serious or life-threatening disease and conditions. Health Canada is also working closely with key stakeholders to identify and mitigate critical shortages of ophthalmic products when they occur.Finally, the Government of Canada is committed to the prevention and treatment of eye disease, and fully supports Canada’s public health system, which provides coverage for any vision care service that must be performed in a hospital.Private Member’s Bill C-284 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-284, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculairesSanté visuelleStratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01877441-01877 (Santé)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de huit millions de personnes souffrent de maladies oculaires et que 1,2 million d'entre eux vivent avec une perte de vision ou la cécité;
  • 75 % des cas de perte de vision peuvent être prévenus s'ils sont décelés et traités rapidement;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n'a jamais mis en place de cadre exhaustif en matière de soins publics de santé des yeux et que la structure actuelle a engendré d'énormes écarts en matière d'accès aux soins;
  • Qu'une attention systématique à ce problème permettra d'améliorer la vie de millions de Canadiens;
  • Qu'il faut établir un cadre de coordination approprié entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, augmenter les moyens, investir suffisamment dans les soins oculaires, rendre la santé oculaire plus abordable et inclusive, et accroître la sensibilisation à l'importance de la santé oculaire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d'adopter sans délai le projet de loi C-284, Loi prevoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandVision care is beneficial through all stages of life. Healthy vision is important for young children’s development, and helps to make many careers and activities of daily life easier. As people age, maintaining good eye health can reduce the odds of facing blindness and vision loss, as well as improve outcomes associated with eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.Vision loss in Canada can be caused by several common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a report from Deloitte and the Canadian Council of the Blind, more than eight million Canadians had a common eye disease in 2019 and were at serious risk of losing their vision. More than 1 in 10 older adults had some degree of vision loss.Regular eye exams can identify early issues with eye health and also screen for a range of health conditions including high blood pressures, diabetes, macular degeneration, and various blood diseases.While provinces and territories have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services, the federal health portfolio is leading and supporting a range of activities related to eye disease prevention and treatment.The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our health care system and supporting provinces and territories in delivering better health care for Canadians. The 2023 Federal Budget committed close to $200 billion over ten years in health funding to provinces and territories. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding, $25 billion of which has been designated to address four shared health priorities:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
This funding builds on the 2017 investment of $11 billion over ten years to help provinces and territories improve home and community care, and mental health, and $3 billion to strengthen long-term care from Budget 2021. Addressing health workforce shortages and surgical backlogs, including for vision-related surgeries, is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for the health care system. Budget 2023 included a $2 billion one-time top-up to provinces and territories to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals.Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also provides vision care to eligible First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries where not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program’s vision care coverage includes eye exams, corrective eyewear, and eyeglass repairs.The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting research is key to a fulsome understanding of eye health, including how to prevent vision loss. Since 2018, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have invested approximately $61 million in vision-related research. This research spans the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various vision-related conditions.Health Canada also regulates drugs and medical devices, including those intended to be used for eye diseases and conditions. Where warranted, Health Canada has existing expedited review pathways that can be used to facilitate quicker access to health products that treat, prevent, or diagnose serious or life-threatening disease and conditions. Health Canada is also working closely with key stakeholders to identify and mitigate critical shortages of ophthalmic products when they occur.Finally, the Government of Canada is committed to the prevention and treatment of eye disease, and fully supports Canada’s public health system, which provides coverage for any vision care service that must be performed in a hospital.Private Member’s Bill C-284 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-284, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculairesSanté visuelleStratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01876441-01876 (Santé)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de huit millions de personnes souffrent de maladies oculaires et que 1,2 million d'entre eux vivent avec une perte de vision ou la cécité;
  • 75 % des cas de perte de vision peuvent être prévenus s'ils sont décelés et traités rapidement;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n'a jamais mis en place de cadre exhaustif en matière de soins publics de santé des yeux et que la structure actuelle a engendré d'énormes écarts en matière d'accès aux soins;
  • Qu'une attention systématique à ce problème permettra d'améliorer la vie de millions de Canadiens;
  • Qu'il faut établir un cadre de coordination approprié entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, augmenter les moyens, investir suffisamment dans les soins oculaires, rendre la santé oculaire plus abordable et inclusive, et accroître la sensibilisation à l'importance de la santé oculaire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d'adopter sans délai le projet de loi C-284, Loi prevoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandVision care is beneficial through all stages of life. Healthy vision is important for young children’s development, and helps to make many careers and activities of daily life easier. As people age, maintaining good eye health can reduce the odds of facing blindness and vision loss, as well as improve outcomes associated with eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.Vision loss in Canada can be caused by several common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a report from Deloitte and the Canadian Council of the Blind, more than eight million Canadians had a common eye disease in 2019 and were at serious risk of losing their vision. More than 1 in 10 older adults had some degree of vision loss.Regular eye exams can identify early issues with eye health and also screen for a range of health conditions including high blood pressures, diabetes, macular degeneration, and various blood diseases.While provinces and territories have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services, the federal health portfolio is leading and supporting a range of activities related to eye disease prevention and treatment.The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our health care system and supporting provinces and territories in delivering better health care for Canadians. The 2023 Federal Budget committed close to $200 billion over ten years in health funding to provinces and territories. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding, $25 billion of which has been designated to address four shared health priorities:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
This funding builds on the 2017 investment of $11 billion over ten years to help provinces and territories improve home and community care, and mental health, and $3 billion to strengthen long-term care from Budget 2021. Addressing health workforce shortages and surgical backlogs, including for vision-related surgeries, is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for the health care system. Budget 2023 included a $2 billion one-time top-up to provinces and territories to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals.Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also provides vision care to eligible First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries where not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program’s vision care coverage includes eye exams, corrective eyewear, and eyeglass repairs.The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting research is key to a fulsome understanding of eye health, including how to prevent vision loss. Since 2018, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have invested approximately $61 million in vision-related research. This research spans the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various vision-related conditions.Health Canada also regulates drugs and medical devices, including those intended to be used for eye diseases and conditions. Where warranted, Health Canada has existing expedited review pathways that can be used to facilitate quicker access to health products that treat, prevent, or diagnose serious or life-threatening disease and conditions. Health Canada is also working closely with key stakeholders to identify and mitigate critical shortages of ophthalmic products when they occur.Finally, the Government of Canada is committed to the prevention and treatment of eye disease, and fully supports Canada’s public health system, which provides coverage for any vision care service that must be performed in a hospital.Private Member’s Bill C-284 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-284, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculairesSanté visuelleStratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01875441-01875 (Santé)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de huit millions de personnes souffrent de maladies oculaires et que 1,2 million d'entre eux vivent avec une perte de vision ou la cécité;
  • 75 % des cas de perte de vision peuvent être prévenus s'ils sont décelés et traités rapidement;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n'a jamais mis en place de cadre exhaustif en matière de soins publics de santé des yeux et que la structure actuelle a engendré d'énormes écarts en matière d'accès aux soins;
  • Qu'une attention systématique à ce problème permettra d'améliorer la vie de millions de Canadiens;
  • Qu'il faut établir un cadre de coordination approprié entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, augmenter les moyens, investir suffisamment dans les soins oculaires, rendre la santé oculaire plus abordable et inclusive, et accroître la sensibilisation à l'importance de la santé oculaire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d'adopter sans délai le projet de loi C-284, Loi prevoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandVision care is beneficial through all stages of life. Healthy vision is important for young children’s development, and helps to make many careers and activities of daily life easier. As people age, maintaining good eye health can reduce the odds of facing blindness and vision loss, as well as improve outcomes associated with eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.Vision loss in Canada can be caused by several common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a report from Deloitte and the Canadian Council of the Blind, more than eight million Canadians had a common eye disease in 2019 and were at serious risk of losing their vision. More than 1 in 10 older adults had some degree of vision loss.Regular eye exams can identify early issues with eye health and also screen for a range of health conditions including high blood pressures, diabetes, macular degeneration, and various blood diseases.While provinces and territories have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services, the federal health portfolio is leading and supporting a range of activities related to eye disease prevention and treatment.The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our health care system and supporting provinces and territories in delivering better health care for Canadians. The 2023 Federal Budget committed close to $200 billion over ten years in health funding to provinces and territories. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding, $25 billion of which has been designated to address four shared health priorities:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
This funding builds on the 2017 investment of $11 billion over ten years to help provinces and territories improve home and community care, and mental health, and $3 billion to strengthen long-term care from Budget 2021. Addressing health workforce shortages and surgical backlogs, including for vision-related surgeries, is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for the health care system. Budget 2023 included a $2 billion one-time top-up to provinces and territories to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals.Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also provides vision care to eligible First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries where not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program’s vision care coverage includes eye exams, corrective eyewear, and eyeglass repairs.The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting research is key to a fulsome understanding of eye health, including how to prevent vision loss. Since 2018, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have invested approximately $61 million in vision-related research. This research spans the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various vision-related conditions.Health Canada also regulates drugs and medical devices, including those intended to be used for eye diseases and conditions. Where warranted, Health Canada has existing expedited review pathways that can be used to facilitate quicker access to health products that treat, prevent, or diagnose serious or life-threatening disease and conditions. Health Canada is also working closely with key stakeholders to identify and mitigate critical shortages of ophthalmic products when they occur.Finally, the Government of Canada is committed to the prevention and treatment of eye disease, and fully supports Canada’s public health system, which provides coverage for any vision care service that must be performed in a hospital.Private Member’s Bill C-284 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-284, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculairesSanté visuelleStratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01874441-01874 (Santé)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de huit millions de personnes souffrent de maladies oculaires et que 1,2 million d'entre eux vivent avec une perte de vision ou la cécité;
  • 75 % des cas de perte de vision peuvent être prévenus s'ils sont décelés et traités rapidement;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n'a jamais mis en place de cadre exhaustif en matière de soins publics de santé des yeux et que la structure actuelle a engendré d'énormes écarts en matière d'accès aux soins;
  • Qu'une attention systématique à ce problème permettra d'améliorer la vie de millions de Canadiens;
  • Qu'il faut établir un cadre de coordination approprié entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, augmenter les moyens, investir suffisamment dans les soins oculaires, rendre la santé oculaire plus abordable et inclusive, et accroître la sensibilisation à l'importance de la santé oculaire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d'adopter sans délai le projet de loi C-284, Loi prevoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandVision care is beneficial through all stages of life. Healthy vision is important for young children’s development, and helps to make many careers and activities of daily life easier. As people age, maintaining good eye health can reduce the odds of facing blindness and vision loss, as well as improve outcomes associated with eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.Vision loss in Canada can be caused by several common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a report from Deloitte and the Canadian Council of the Blind, more than eight million Canadians had a common eye disease in 2019 and were at serious risk of losing their vision. More than 1 in 10 older adults had some degree of vision loss.Regular eye exams can identify early issues with eye health and also screen for a range of health conditions including high blood pressures, diabetes, macular degeneration, and various blood diseases.While provinces and territories have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services, the federal health portfolio is leading and supporting a range of activities related to eye disease prevention and treatment.The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our health care system and supporting provinces and territories in delivering better health care for Canadians. The 2023 Federal Budget committed close to $200 billion over ten years in health funding to provinces and territories. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding, $25 billion of which has been designated to address four shared health priorities:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
This funding builds on the 2017 investment of $11 billion over ten years to help provinces and territories improve home and community care, and mental health, and $3 billion to strengthen long-term care from Budget 2021. Addressing health workforce shortages and surgical backlogs, including for vision-related surgeries, is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for the health care system. Budget 2023 included a $2 billion one-time top-up to provinces and territories to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals.Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also provides vision care to eligible First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries where not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program’s vision care coverage includes eye exams, corrective eyewear, and eyeglass repairs.The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting research is key to a fulsome understanding of eye health, including how to prevent vision loss. Since 2018, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have invested approximately $61 million in vision-related research. This research spans the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various vision-related conditions.Health Canada also regulates drugs and medical devices, including those intended to be used for eye diseases and conditions. Where warranted, Health Canada has existing expedited review pathways that can be used to facilitate quicker access to health products that treat, prevent, or diagnose serious or life-threatening disease and conditions. Health Canada is also working closely with key stakeholders to identify and mitigate critical shortages of ophthalmic products when they occur.Finally, the Government of Canada is committed to the prevention and treatment of eye disease, and fully supports Canada’s public health system, which provides coverage for any vision care service that must be performed in a hospital.Private Member’s Bill C-284 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-284, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculairesSanté visuelleStratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01873441-01873 (Santé)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202329 janvier 202423 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de huit millions de personnes souffrent de maladies oculaires et que 1,2 million d'entre eux vivent avec une perte de vision ou la cécité;
  • 75 % des cas de perte de vision peuvent être prévenus s'ils sont décelés et traités rapidement;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n'a jamais mis en place de cadre exhaustif en matière de soins publics de santé des yeux et que la structure actuelle a engendré d'énormes écarts en matière d'accès aux soins;
  • Qu'une attention systématique à ce problème permettra d'améliorer la vie de millions de Canadiens;
  • Qu'il faut établir un cadre de coordination approprié entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, augmenter les moyens, investir suffisamment dans les soins oculaires, rendre la santé oculaire plus abordable et inclusive, et accroître la sensibilisation à l'importance de la santé oculaire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d'adopter sans délai le projet de loi C-284, Loi prevoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandVision care is beneficial through all stages of life. Healthy vision is important for young children’s development, and helps to make many careers and activities of daily life easier. As people age, maintaining good eye health can reduce the odds of facing blindness and vision loss, as well as improve outcomes associated with eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.Vision loss in Canada can be caused by several common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a report from Deloitte and the Canadian Council of the Blind, more than eight million Canadians had a common eye disease in 2019 and were at serious risk of losing their vision. More than 1 in 10 older adults had some degree of vision loss.Regular eye exams can identify early issues with eye health and also screen for a range of health conditions including high blood pressures, diabetes, macular degeneration, and various blood diseases.While provinces and territories have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services, the federal health portfolio is leading and supporting a range of activities related to eye disease prevention and treatment.The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our health care system and supporting provinces and territories in delivering better health care for Canadians. The 2023 Federal Budget committed close to $200 billion over ten years in health funding to provinces and territories. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding, $25 billion of which has been designated to address four shared health priorities:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
This funding builds on the 2017 investment of $11 billion over ten years to help provinces and territories improve home and community care, and mental health, and $3 billion to strengthen long-term care from Budget 2021. Addressing health workforce shortages and surgical backlogs, including for vision-related surgeries, is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for the health care system. Budget 2023 included a $2 billion one-time top-up to provinces and territories to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals.Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also provides vision care to eligible First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries where not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program’s vision care coverage includes eye exams, corrective eyewear, and eyeglass repairs.The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting research is key to a fulsome understanding of eye health, including how to prevent vision loss. Since 2018, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have invested approximately $61 million in vision-related research. This research spans the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various vision-related conditions.Health Canada also regulates drugs and medical devices, including those intended to be used for eye diseases and conditions. Where warranted, Health Canada has existing expedited review pathways that can be used to facilitate quicker access to health products that treat, prevent, or diagnose serious or life-threatening disease and conditions. Health Canada is also working closely with key stakeholders to identify and mitigate critical shortages of ophthalmic products when they occur.Finally, the Government of Canada is committed to the prevention and treatment of eye disease, and fully supports Canada’s public health system, which provides coverage for any vision care service that must be performed in a hospital.Private Member’s Bill C-284 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-284, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculairesSanté visuelleStratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01872441-01872 (Santé)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202329 janvier 202425 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de huit millions de personnes souffrent de maladies oculaires et que 1,2 million d'entre eux vivent avec une perte de vision ou la cécité;
  • 75 % des cas de perte de vision peuvent être prévenus s'ils sont décelés et traités rapidement;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n'a jamais mis en place de cadre exhaustif en matière de soins publics de santé des yeux et que la structure actuelle a engendré d'énormes écarts en matière d'accès aux soins;
  • Qu'une attention systématique à ce problème permettra d'améliorer la vie de millions de Canadiens;
  • Qu'il faut établir un cadre de coordination approprié entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux, augmenter les moyens, investir suffisamment dans les soins oculaires, rendre la santé oculaire plus abordable et inclusive, et accroître la sensibilisation à l'importance de la santé oculaire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d'adopter sans délai le projet de loi C-284, Loi prevoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandVision care is beneficial through all stages of life. Healthy vision is important for young children’s development, and helps to make many careers and activities of daily life easier. As people age, maintaining good eye health can reduce the odds of facing blindness and vision loss, as well as improve outcomes associated with eye diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma.Vision loss in Canada can be caused by several common eye diseases, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. According to a report from Deloitte and the Canadian Council of the Blind, more than eight million Canadians had a common eye disease in 2019 and were at serious risk of losing their vision. More than 1 in 10 older adults had some degree of vision loss.Regular eye exams can identify early issues with eye health and also screen for a range of health conditions including high blood pressures, diabetes, macular degeneration, and various blood diseases.While provinces and territories have primary jurisdiction in the administration and delivery of health care services, the federal health portfolio is leading and supporting a range of activities related to eye disease prevention and treatment.The Government of Canada is committed to investing in our health care system and supporting provinces and territories in delivering better health care for Canadians. The 2023 Federal Budget committed close to $200 billion over ten years in health funding to provinces and territories. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding, $25 billion of which has been designated to address four shared health priorities:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing the health care system with standardized health data and digital tools.
This funding builds on the 2017 investment of $11 billion over ten years to help provinces and territories improve home and community care, and mental health, and $3 billion to strengthen long-term care from Budget 2021. Addressing health workforce shortages and surgical backlogs, including for vision-related surgeries, is a key part of the Government of Canada’s plan for the health care system. Budget 2023 included a $2 billion one-time top-up to provinces and territories to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals.Indigenous Services Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits Program also provides vision care to eligible First Nations and Inuit beneficiaries where not otherwise covered by other plans or programs. The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program’s vision care coverage includes eye exams, corrective eyewear, and eyeglass repairs.The Government of Canada recognizes that supporting research is key to a fulsome understanding of eye health, including how to prevent vision loss. Since 2018, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have invested approximately $61 million in vision-related research. This research spans the spectrum of prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various vision-related conditions.Health Canada also regulates drugs and medical devices, including those intended to be used for eye diseases and conditions. Where warranted, Health Canada has existing expedited review pathways that can be used to facilitate quicker access to health products that treat, prevent, or diagnose serious or life-threatening disease and conditions. Health Canada is also working closely with key stakeholders to identify and mitigate critical shortages of ophthalmic products when they occur.Finally, the Government of Canada is committed to the prevention and treatment of eye disease, and fully supports Canada’s public health system, which provides coverage for any vision care service that must be performed in a hospital.Private Member’s Bill C-284 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-284, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les soins oculairesSanté visuelleStratégie nationale sur les soins oculaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 janvier 2024441-01867441-01867 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC2 novembre 202329 janvier 20248 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :Le gouvernement du Canada a signé l’Accord de Paris;Les signataires de l’Accord de Paris doivent « poursuivre les efforts pour limiter l’augmentation de la température à 1,5 °C au dessus des niveaux préindustriels ».Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre des mesures audacieuses pour lutter contre les changements climatiques afin de jouer son rôle en vue d’éviter des changements climatiques précipités, et que ces mesures comprennent les suivantes :1. Établir des cibles ambitieuses en matière de réduction des émissions au Canada afin que le gouvernement contribue à l’atteinte de l’objectif international qui consiste à empêcher une augmentation de 1,5 °C de la température moyenne mondiale par rapport aux niveaux préindustriels;2. Établir une tarification nationale du carbone;3. Freiner la croissance de l’exploitation des sables bitumineux;4. Travailler avec les gouvernements des provinces en vue d’éliminer progressivement la production d’électricité alimentée au charbon et de mettre fin aux exportations de charbon thermique;5. Investir dans la transition vers une économie décarbonisée prospère.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020 to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Committing to accelerate our G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies from 2025 to 2023, and develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve at net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing of the Canadian Centre for Climate Services which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
The Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.   
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada recognizes that we cannot lose focus on the growing threat that climate change presents to the planet and to the health and livelihoods of all Canadians. In 2021, the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act enshrined in legislation the Government’s commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Act also establishes the 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target as Canada’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which is currently an emissions reduction target of 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030.As an early deliverable under this legislation, Canada released the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps to Clean Air and a Strong Economy (ERP) in March 2022. The plan is a sector-by-sector roadmap that lays out the measures Canada will take to reduce its emissions by at least 40% below 2005 levels by 2030, and puts in place the building blocks to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. It also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.The Government of Canada is helping to lead the energy transition by investing $120 billion since 2016 in climate action and clean growth. This includes substantial investments in clean energy, modern electricity grids and greater energy efficiency – all of which will drive economic prosperity and good jobs. Some of the government’s foundational investments include the $15 billion Canada Growth Fund to incentivize private sector projects and companies that will grow Canada’s clean economy; the $8 billion Net Zero Accelerator to secure large-scale investments in clean technologies; and the $4.2 billion Low Carbon Economy Fund to help provinces and territories, businesses, Indigenous communities, and other organizations install emission-reducing technologies.Budget 2023 laid out the next steps and key investments in Canada’s transition to a clean economy, securing Canada's competitive advantage. More specifically, the Budget proposed a suite of new investment tax credits for strategic industries such as clean electricity, clean technology manufacturing, and clean hydrogen, as well as enhancements to existing tax credits for areas such as clean technology and carbon capture, utilization and storage. In addition to these private sector incentives, Budget 2023 also announced that the Canada Infrastructure Bank will invest at least $20 billion to support the building of major clean electricity and clean growth infrastructure projects.To enhance long-term certainty, the Government has ensured it is no longer free to pollute anywhere in Canada by establishing a Pan-Canadian approach to pricing carbon pollution since 2019. With this approach we are fighting climate change by reducing emissions while putting more money in the pockets of Canadian families.The Government of Canada recognizes that reducing emissions from the oil and gas sector is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change. To support a sustainable transition to a net-zero economy by 2050 and contribute toward Canada’s 2030 emission reduction target, the Government committed to develop a cap on oil and gas sector emissions that is ambitious, yet achievable, and promotes investment in emissions reducing technologies while supporting the economic developments of regional economies. Canada has also committed to at least a 75% reduction in methane emissions from its oil and gas sector from 2012 levels by 2030. Many producers in Canada’s oil and gas sector, including the top oil sands producers, have also made their own net-zero commitments. Companies are actively investing in developing and deploying emissions reducing technologies, services, and products. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future and a stronger economy, poised to seize low-carbon opportunities.The Government of Canada has committed to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2035 and, on August 10, 2023, introduced draft Clean Electricity Regulations to provide a clear regulatory signal toward that end (final regulations are expected in 2024). Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation is essential to decarbonize the economy, and will enable reductions in other sectors, such as transportation and buildings. The Government of Canada is providing $4.5 billion until 2035 to the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to support smart renewable energy and electric grid modernization projects, and $250 million to support pre-development activities for clean electricity projects of national significance such as inter-provincial electricity transmission projects and small modular reactors. The Government is also investing over $500 million to support projects that reduce reliance on diesel fuel, support renewables, increase energy efficiency, and build capacity in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Canada is operating from a strong starting point, as roughly 82% of our electricity already comes from non-emitting sources such as hydroelectricity, wind, solar, and nuclear power.In December 2018, Canada implemented regulations to accelerate the phase-out of conventional unabated coal-fired electricity generation by 2030.  Canada is also demonstrating international leadership on phasing out thermal coal. To advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, Canada is co-leading the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), alongside the United Kingdom. With over 165 members, the PPCA is the world’s leading coalition of stakeholders seeking to accelerate clean growth and climate protection through the rapid phase-out of unabated coal power-generation. In addition, Canada announced at COP26 in November 2021 that it is working to end thermal coal exports from and through Canada by 2030. Canada would be the first country in the world to ban thermal coal exports on the basis of environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  After two years of public consultations with a range of stakeholders, the Government of Canada released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan for 2023-2025 in February 2023, outlining 10 key action areas where federal measures could help advance significant economic opportunities that create good jobs for Canadians across the country while driving prosperity and competitiveness on our way to net-zero emissions by 2050. In June 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which would establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. If passed, the bill would require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Amid this concerted action, the government also launched Regional Energy and Resource Tables to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, experts, labour organizations and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada to realize a comparative advantage in a net-zero economy.Canada has what it takes to thrive in a low-carbon world. While transforming Canada’s energy systems will take time, the Government remains committed to delivering bold action to decarbonize its energy and natural resources sectors and build a cleaner, more prosperous economy that works for everyone.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneThe government is committed to helping to ensure that Canada is positioned to both deliver on its ambitious emissions reductions obligations under the Paris Agreement and to seize the opportunities presented by a growing net-zero global economy. These commitments are reflected in a range of federal measures, including over $100 billion in earmarked investments since 2016, aimed at driving down emissions and supporting long-term, inclusive economic growth that benefits all Canadians.A net-zero emissions world will only be attainable if Canada is able to develop, commercialize and deploy clean technologies on a large-scale. To that end, an array of federal programs are available to support clean technologies across the innovation spectrum.To incent more business investment in research and development (R&D) that will generate new and improved, globally competitive products, processes, and services, including those needed to reach net-zero, the government has approximately 41 clean technology funding programs spread across 19 government organizations.  These programs provide integrated support, including flexible funding, to help Canadian businesses across all sectors and regions become more innovative and productive.The Government of Canada is helping innovators manage and create value from their innovations through investments like the Innovation Asset Collective, an independent, membership-based not-for-profit that assist Canadian businesses in the data driven cleantech sector with their intellectual property needs.Canada’s plan for a clean economy rests on a foundation of market-driven approaches, namely carbon pricing and Clean Fuels Regulations. The carbon pricing system provides a clear economic signal to businesses and allows them the flexibility to find the most cost-effective way to lower their emissions. The system creates large-emitter credit markets, which Budget 2023 proposed to reinforce with other tools, such as contracts for difference. An anchor regime of five investment tax credits will attract investments in electricity, hydrogen, clean technology (including to attract investments in critical minerals, nuclear energy equipment, energy storage, and zero emissions vehicles) and carbon capture and storage and is complemented by strategic financing from the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and the Canada Growth Fund and more targeted programming like the Strategic Innovation Fund and the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program.The Strategic Innovation Fund has contributed over $7.3 billion to 37 projects representing total investments of over $51 billion in the Canadian economy to support the transition to a prosperous decarbonized economy.The new $15 billion Canada Growth Fund offers a flexible suite of investment tools tailored to project- and company-specific needs and risks, with view to de-risk and attract private investment that will contribute to: (1) reducing emissions; (2) diversifying our economy and bolstering our exports through investments in the growth of low-carbon industries and technologies across both new and traditional sectors of Canada’s industrial base; and (3) supporting the restructuring of critical supply chains in areas important to Canada’s future prosperity.The Government of Canada is also fostering partnerships that will strengthen clean technology innovation and adoption. Canada’s Global Innovation Clusters is an initiative of Innovation Canada, with industry leadership and co-investment, aimed at building collaborative innovation ecosystems in key sectors. The Clusters aim to attract investment and talent to Canada, help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises scale up and integrate into global value chains, build resilient supply chains, and fight climate change. SIF also delivers funding that supports national innovation ecosystems that promote business R&D, technology demonstration, and commercialization.Collectively, federal supports for clean technology and businesses complement one another, ensuring businesses have seamless access to support and financing for innovation, commercialization, scale-up and growth.Importantly, the Government of Canada also recognizes that workers must be at the heart of the country’s efforts to transition to net zero. Building on our government’s previous investments in jobs and skills training, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement introduced $250 million over five years for new measures to help Canadian workers thrive in a changing global economy, including a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre. Natural Resources Canada also released an interim Sustainable Jobs Plan to enable the creation of good, middle class jobs across Canada.Through continued engagement, partnerships, strategic policies, and thoughtful investments in clean technology businesses, large-scale decarbonization and workers across the country, the Government of Canada will continue advance its commitments to decarbonize and grow a resilient and prosperous economy, in which no worker or region has been left behind.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01958441-01958 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB27 novembre 202315 décembre 202325 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01934441-01934 (Droits de la personne)ChandraAryaNepeanLibéralON20 novembre 202315 décembre 20231 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Si les lois actuelles ne parviennent pas à traiter les cas d’intimidation par des acteurs étrangers, le gouvernement devrait plutôt envisager de renforcer ces lois. À notre avis, toutefois, un registre de transparence sur l’influence étrangère ne parviendra pas à traiter efficacement les cas d’intimidation à l’encontre de Canadiens et d’autres types d’influence étrangère;
  • Un registre constitue une façon tendancieuse d’identifier des sources d’influence étrangère. Il est difficile de distinguer entre influence étrangère positive et malveillante, et cela va bien au-delà des agents qui agissent au nom de gouvernements étrangers. De plus, un registre d’influence étrangère pose un grave risque de harcèlement et de stigmatisation pour les communautés racialisées;
  • Une définition large d’influence étrangère pourrait porter atteinte aux droits des Canadiens garantis par la Charte tout en nuisant aux liens du monde des affaires internationales et de la société civile qui sont bénéfiques pour le Canada. Cela pourrait aussi créer un froid dans les communautés vulnérables et les amener à se retirer de la vie citoyenne et de la fonction publique, ce qui les marginaliserait encore plus;
  • Cependant, si un registre s’avère nécessaire, il devrait s’appliquer à tous les pays de façon égale et reposer sur des activités précises, comme des transferts d’argent entre particuliers ou organisations et un État étranger, plutôt que sur des activités hypothétiques ou présumées. L’inscription au registre devrait s’appliquer uniquement dans le cas du lobbying de fonctionnaires et de politiciens, et non pour les activités privées ou les communications générales. L’inscription ne devrait pas reposer sur le pays d’origine, l’ethnicité, les affiliations d’affaires et de la société civile et, surtout, sur des opinions personnelles.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconsidérer son registre de transparence sur l’influence étrangère proposé.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Foreign governments have legal, established, and legitimate channels of engagement with the Government of Canada. These include diplomatic and lobbying efforts, as well as economic engagement involving entities that are owned in whole or in part by a foreign state. However, some foreign governments cross the line from standard, legitimate diplomatic activities and lobbying into foreign interference when they seek to exert influence in non-transparent ways. This concept is known as malign foreign influence. When not addressed, these activities can have serious implications for Canadian interests, national security and democratic processes and institutions. A Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would not tackle all forms of foreign interference, such as transnational repression. However, by creating a registration obligation and making its information public, a registry would generate transparency, deter malign and covert influence activity, and foster societal resilience by encouraging individuals to undertake due diligence when entering into a relationship with, or conducting activities on behalf of, foreign organizations.A registry is not a blacklist, nor does registration mean that an individual is engaged in undesirable or unlawful activity. Through a registration requirement, a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would help identify who is undertaking influence activities in Canada on behalf of foreign states or their proxies. In doing so, a registry would reveal the interests behind activities directed at influencing the Canadian government or political processes in Canada. These interests and activities may be legitimate but, as an open democracy, it is important Canadians are aware of the underlying connection to a foreign principal. Unclear labelling of state-backed  communications can produce public or media messaging that reinforces interests of other states and circulates propaganda or disinformation that could either misdirect citizens or pollute the general media and information environment. The registry would apply to all countries equally.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of individuals and communities in Canada, as well as our democratic institutions and processes. So far, the feedback Public Safety Canada received from Canadians and a diverse range of stakeholders, including racialized communities, during public consultations has indicated that there is broad support for a registry. Since the close of online consultations, Public Safety Canada has continued engaging with stakeholders to make sure the various perspectives are meaningfully considered in the design of a proposal. A registry would not singularly address the complex issue of foreign interference. Rather, it would serve as an important tool to enhance Canada’s counter-foreign interference toolkit. In addition to a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, the government is actively considering other legislative tools and approaches to address other aspects of foreign interference.
Droits de la personneRegistre visant la transparence en matière d'influence étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01921441-01921 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB9 novembre 202315 décembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01917441-01917 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK9 novembre 202315 décembre 202324 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01916441-01916 (Sécurité publique)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK9 novembre 202315 décembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01908441-01908 (Protection des consommateurs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB7 novembre 202315 décembre 202325 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants :Attendu que :Le Centre antifraude du Canada signale une augmentation du blanchiment d’argent et de la fraude avec la mise en place de faux comptes bancaires, dans lesquels l’argent des comptes d’épargne de personnes âgées trompées est déposé, potentiellement dans le but de financer le terrorisme;Le gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique évalue que 46,7 milliards de dollars ont été blanchis dans l’économie canadienne en 2018;Le CANAFE (Centre d’analyse des opérations et déclarations financières du Canada) affirme que les exigences ne sont pas suffisantes pour empêcher les fraudeurs de transférer illégalement de l’argent, sous prétexte de légitimité, par le système de virement télégraphique au Canada;Notre population canadienne croissante de retraités est de plus en plus la cible de fraudeurs en raison de la richesse qu’ils ont accumulée au cours de toute leur vie pour les aider à financer leur retraite et en raison de leur vulnérabilité causée par un manque de mesures de contrôle et de protection quant au transfert d’argent dans le système bancaire canadien;Des aînés voient leurs économies accumulées sur plusieurs années disparaître en raison de la sophistication des fraudeurs professionnels et des subterfuges que ces derniers utilisent pour exploiter les aînés ainsi que le système bancaire canadien actuel.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’entreprendre un examen en profondeur et exhaustif du système de transfert actuel de l’argent des citoyens canadiens dans l’objectif de mettre en place des procédures, des protocoles et des garde-fous plus stricts afin de protéger les personnes âgées, en particulier, contre la perte causée par la fraude de leurs économies et de leur richesse accumulées au cours de toute leur vie.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada is committed to a strong and comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime. The government continually reviews the Regime to ensure that it is responsive to evolving risks. Since 2019, the government has made investments of over $319.9 million and a number of legislative and regulatory changes to enhance the effectiveness of the Regime.Budget 2023 made legislative amendments to strengthen the investigative, enforcement, and information sharing tools of Canada’s AML/ATF Regime. These amendments complement the government’s Budget 2022 commitment to establish a new Canada Financial Crimes Agency to become the lead enforcement agency against financial crime.On June 6, 2023, a public consultation was launched that will examine ways to improve Canada's AML/ATF Regime, as well as examine how different orders of government can collaborate more closely. This consultation will support the parliamentary review required under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Details of these consultations can be found here: Consultation on Strengthening Canada's Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime - Canada.ca.The 2023 Fall Economic Statement proposes legislative and regulatory measures to continue strengthening Canada's AML/ATF framework, including to: address sanctions evasion; support operational effectiveness; combat trade-based financial crime and environmental crime; and expand the framework to address risks related to white-label Automatic Teller Machines and in the real estate sector.  Illicit funds laundered by criminal actors are often generated illegally through fraud, including fraud that targets seniors. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadians from these types of crimes. One major way it does so is through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is the central repository for fraud information and intelligence in Canada, and is jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau of Canada. As a National Police Service function, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre gathers intelligence on fraud affecting Canadians, and assists all law enforcement agencies across Canada with fraud prevention and enforcement.The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a Senior Support Unit entirely supported by volunteers who are dedicated to reducing the impact of fraud across Canada. The Senior Support Unit is a critical component of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, providing advice, education and reassurance to vulnerable Canadians targeted by fraudsters. The Senior Support Unit receives reports referred by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s Intake Unit, after identifying that further assistance for a senior or vulnerable individual is needed.
Banques et services bancairesPersonnes âgéesSécurité électronique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01906441-01906 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB7 novembre 202315 décembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01894441-01894 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB6 novembre 202315 décembre 20239 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01892441-01892 (Sécurité publique)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB6 novembre 202315 décembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01891441-01891 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB6 novembre 202315 décembre 202316 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Près de 100 000 avortements sont réalisés chaque année au Canada;
  • L’arrêt Morgentaler abolissant la législation sur l’avortement contrevient directement à la Charte puisqu’elle ne protège pas la vie.
  • Le Canada et la Corée du Nord sont les deux seuls pays au monde qui n’ont pas de loi sur l’avortement;
  • Plus de 98 % des avortements sont réalisés pour des raisons de commodité sociale ou personnelle;
  • Le rythme cardiaque apparaît lorsque le bébé est âgé de 5 semaines.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des lois sur l’avortement partout au pays ou de les renforcer.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government has always and will always support a woman’s right to choose. Everyone has the right to make decisions about their health and body. The Supreme Court of Canada in 1988 struck down Canada’s criminal law against abortion, and the Government took the necessary steps to complete the repeal of those provisions by introducing amendments to take them off the books, which were enacted in 2019. Our Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7, which provides that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. Section 7 includes some protection against government interference with an individual’s access to abortion care. Section 7 also generally protects an individual’s right to control their bodily integrity, and a sphere of personal autonomy involving inherently private choices that go to the core of what it means to enjoy individual dignity and independence. Our government will always protect and promote women’s rights in Canada and around the world.
Avortement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 décembre 2023441-01887441-01887 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC6 novembre 202315 décembre 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :Même si cela fait des décennies que l’on milite pour l’égalité et que celle-ci est inscrite dans la Charte des droits et libertés, les Canadiennes ne jouissent toujours pas de l’égalité qu’elles méritent en matière de salaire et de traitement;Les Canadiennes touchent 21 cents de moins que les hommes sur chaque dollar gagné pour un travail sensiblement identique;Près de 60 % de toutes les femmes de plus de 15 ans font partie de la main-d’œuvre rémunérée au Canada, ce qui représente près de la moitié de tous les travailleurs;Les femmes et les enfants représentent les trois quarts de tous les Canadiens vivant dans la pauvreté; La plupart des familles monoparentales sont dirigées par une femme qui travaille, et la plupart d’entre elles vivent sous le seuil de la pauvreté.PAR CONSÉQUENT, LES PÉTITIONNAIRES prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter des lois et des politiques qui favoriseront l’égalité et l’équité salariales, et qui feront en sorte que les Canadiennes reçoivent le traitement égal qu’elles méritent.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerThe Government of Canada is committed to addressing the persistent wage gap that exists for Canadian women, a gap that is even more pronounced for underrepresented women, including Indigenous and racialized women. Many factors can impede women’s earning ability and contribute to the gender wage gap, including discrimination, working hours, and parenthood. Lack of affordable childcare, for example, can result in women taking on a greater share of caregiving responsibilities and having less time for paid work. Access to childcare also promotes greater gender equality by allowing more parents, particularly mothers, to participate in the workforce and achieve greater economic security. It also improves and grows the female-dominated early childhood educator workforce. This is why the Government of Canada invested $30 billion over five years in Budget 2021 to build a Canada-wide Early Learning and Childcare System. As of July 2023, the Childcare System has supported a record 85.7 per cent labor force participation rate for women in their prime working years. The $10 a day childcare program not only is saving families money, but it is increasing women’s participation in the workforce.And while having affordable childcare helps allows women to remain in the workforce, more women still need more opportunities to thrive in leadership positions. Which is why in September 2023, Women and Gender Equality Canada launched the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund Call for Proposals to support projects working to change systems to improve women's economic security and prosperity, as well as women’s representation in leadership.Women and Gender Equality Canada can receive project ideas on an ongoing basis when funds are available as a tool to address gaps in the economy as they arise.We know that equal and full participation of women in the workplace matters to our economy, but it is also important to ensure women have independent financial security. Yet, women still remain underrepresented in certain high paying industries and occupations, such as in the construction sector and in leadership positions. Our government recognized this gap, so in Budget 2021, the Government of Canada invested $146.9 million over four years to expand the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy by providing greater access to financing, mentorship, and training for women to support women owned businesses. In Budget 2022, $84.2 million over four years was invested in the Union Training and Innovation Program to help apprentices from underrepresented groups begin and succeed in skilled trades careers.Achieving pay equity is a key factor in addressing the gender wage gap. In 2018, Proactive Pay Equity legislation was passed, with regulations coming into force in August 2021, to ensure that women and men working in federally regulated workplaces receive equal pay for work of equal value. The work on this issue is ongoing but there is growing momentum across government departments with many employers working to advance the pay equity process. You can read more about the progress of pay equity in Canada by reading the Pay Equity Commissioner’s annual 2022 report here.Our government will continue to build reflect on our progress to advance gender equality in Canada and reaffirm our commitment to building a more equal and inclusive country where everyone can reach their full potential.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government strongly believes in the principle of equal pay for work of equal value and the fair treatment of all workers, regardless of gender.That is why we introduced An Act to Establish Proactive Pay Equity in the Federal Public and Private Sectors (the Pay Equity Act) in the House of Commons on October 29, 2018. The Pay Equity Act and associated regulations received Royal Assent on December 13, 2018, and came into force on August 31, 2021. The Pay Equity Act establishes a proactive pay equity regime to protect the right to equal pay for work of equal value in federally regulated workplaces, including the federal private and public sectors, parliamentary workplaces, and the Prime Minister's and ministers' offices.The pay equity regime requires federally regulated employers with ten or more employees to take proactive steps to correct gender wage gaps within their organizations. Among other obligations, employers are required to establish a pay equity plan within three years of becoming subject to the Pay Equity Act and ensure plans are updated at least every five years. The objective of the plan is to identify and eliminate wage gaps for jobs that are commonly held by women and receiving less pay than their male counterparts.The Pay Equity Act is administered and enforced by the Pay Equity Commissioner, who is a member of the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC). The current Commissioner was officially appointed to serve a five-year term on November 1, 2023. To support the Commissioner's ability to address non-compliance, a system for administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) has been developed and posted in the Canada Gazette, Part I for public consultation. The final regulations are expected to become operational in 2024. The objective of the regulations is to enable the Commissioner to levy penalties for prescribed violations of the Pay Equity Act and Pay Equity Regulations in a manner that is non-punitive.While this legislation is an important step towards closing the gender wage gap, proactive pay equity alone cannot close the gap. It needs to be part of a broader array of policy tools to address the gender wage gap and advance gender equality in the workplace. In addition to pay equity, the Government has taken action on a variety of legislative and non-legislative measures to address the issues facing women in the workplace, including pay transparency through pay gap reporting.In 2021 amendments were made to the Employment Equity Act and Regulations that require federally regulated employers with 100 or more employees to report on aggregated pay gaps experienced by women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. A new online tool is being developed that will provide Canadians with user-friendly, online information on these employer pay gaps. This will shed light on the wage gaps that exist for women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and persons with disabilities. In addition, it will keep employers accountable for their compensation practices while highlighting and encouraging those that are leading in equitable practices.
Équité salarialeFemmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01854441-01854 (Pêches)RyanWilliamsBaie de QuinteConservateurON31 octobre 202314 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :Environnement et Changement climatique Canada a résilié, sans avertissement, les baux dans l’aire patrimoniale du village de pêcheurs commerciaux dans la réserve nationale de faune de la Pointe-du-Prince-Édouard qui étaient en vigueur depuis 1981; La Loi sur les espèces sauvages du Canada établit un précédent en accommodant sans difficulté les titulaires de baux dans l’aire patrimoniale du village de pêcheurs commerciaux de la réserve nationale de faune de la Pointe-du-Prince-Édouard; La pêche commerciale est un volet essentiel de l’économie du comté de Prince-Edward; La pêche commerciale a cours dans la région depuis plus de 200 ans dans le respect de l’environnement et sans susciter de plaintes.Nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir les baux dans l’aire patrimoniale du village de pêcheurs commerciaux située dans la réserve nationale de faune de la Pointe-du-Prince-Édouard.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada will not be reinstating the commercial leases that terminated on August 31, 2023, in the Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area. In recognition of the historic and ongoing importance of Lake Ontario commercial fishing operations in Prince Edward County, the government will continue to ensure the dock and boat launch remain safe for ongoing use and designated parking will be available to enhance access for commercial fishers.Canadian Wildlife Service provided eight months’ notice in advance of terminating the commercial leases on August 31, 2023. Termination of the leases does not impact an individual’s ability to fish commercially in Lake Ontario. Commercial fishing is regulated by the province of Ontario and fishing equipment and practices have changed over the last four decades. The termination of the leases allows Environment and Climate Change Canada to address hazards, restore the area to its natural state, implement visitor amenities and keep all visitors and staff safe.All the buildings on the formerly leased lots have been assessed by the Federal Heritage Review Board Office and have no heritage value nor designation. There is no such official designation as “commercial fishing village heritage area”.  Given its relatively low activity, the Port Traverse Harbour has not been designated as part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbour program. The boat launch and dock are now managed as part of the National Wildlife Area for public access.  The purpose of national wildlife areas is wildlife conservation, research and interpretation. The Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area is a Connecting Canadians to Nature site where public visitation is encouraged. The Government of Canada will ensure safe and equitable public access to these public lands and amenities to the benefit of all Canadians.  
Baux du gouvernementPêcheries et pêcheursRéserve nationale de faune de la Pointe-du-Prince-Édouard
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01855441-01855 (Animaux)LindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNPDON31 octobre 202314 décembre 202315 septembre 2023 Pétition au ministre de la Défense nationale Attendu que :
  • Dans le cadre des exercices d’entraînement du ministère fédéral de la Défense, plus de mille huit cents porcelets ont été tués après avoir été poignardés, mutilés et exposés à des radiations et à des agents chimiques neurotoxiques;
  • Des porcelets sous sédation insuffisante se sont ranimés au cours des cinq heures d’entraînement, parmi eux, un « émettant de forts grognements » et un autre « tentant de sauter de la table (d’opération) »;
  • Depuis 2005, les personnes chargées de veiller à ce que ces porcelets ne souffrent pas étaient conscientes que les porcelets se ranimaient, mais ont caché cette information au gouvernement et aux Canadiens en modifiant des documents et en dissimulant ce qui se passait réellement;
  • Selon un sondage réalisé par Abacus en janvier 2023, seul un Canadien sur dix est favorable à l’utilisation de porcelets pour l’entraînement militaire en traumatologie;
  • 77 % des pays de l’OTAN n’utilisent plus d’animaux pour l’entraînement médical militaire.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Défense nationale de mettre fin à l’utilisation d’animaux aux fins de la formation médicale militaire.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeNational Defence uses advanced simulations with life-like mannequins, known as human patient simulators for the majority of its medical training. Live tissue training on an anesthetized pig is used only in circumstances where simulations alone are not feasible, as is the case of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training for medical providers. In these cases, simulators cannot replace the precision and experience gained with live tissue.During live tissue training, National Defence strictly adheres to the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) (https://ccac.ca/) which establishes the ethical use and care of animals. Further, the use of animals is governed by Defence Administrative Orders and Directive (DAOD) 8014-0 Animal Use in Research and Training and DAOD 8014-1 Management of Animal Use in Research, Teaching and Testing.  This is in line with CCAC standards as well as assessments and certifications to ensure consistent application of the standards across Canada.  National Defence actively seeks to refine, reduce and where appropriate replace the use of live animals for research by using alternative experimental techniques. For example, in 2022, National Defence invested approximately $129,000 in an advanced simulation mannequin or high-fidelity patient simulator, to evaluate its utility to augment medical training provided to CAF members.The approach of using advanced simulation for the majority of training and live tissue training sparingly offers military medical trainees with the highest calibre medical training possible with the goal of providing premium medical care to CAF members and those they protect, at home or abroad.
Exercice militairePorcinsProtection des animaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01856441-01856 (Santé)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB31 octobre 202314 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Les incitatifs pour les infirmières devraient être offerts à toutes les infirmières pour favoriser des relations saines et des milieux de travail sains;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux pour reconnaître les diplômes en soins de santé des professionnels qualifiés qui ont été formés et instruits à l’étranger;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux et mettre en œuvre de meilleures stratégies et mesures incitatives pour attirer et retenir les travailleurs de la santé au Manitoba;
  • Des infirmières, jeunes comme expérimentées, ainsi que des professionnels de la santé quittent notre province et profitent d’occasions offertes par d’autres provinces qui donnent des incitatifs et des avantages très avantageux à leurs professionnels de la santé;
  • Au Manitoba, beaucoup de personnes âgées ont un revenu fixe et ne peuvent se payer leurs médicaments de prescription;
  • Les infirmières sont surmenées en raison des charges de travail élevées.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Manitoba, prions la Chambre des communes de travailler avec les gouvernements des provinces et les autres intervenants du secteur de la santé pour :1. Prendre le recrutement et la rétention des infirmières au sérieux pour résoudre la crise dans les soins de santé;2. Garantir à toutes les personnes qui contribuent avec leurs impôts au Manitoba et à notre économie qu’elles auront accès à des soins de santé au Manitoba;3. Revoir la charge de travail des infirmières et le programme d’incitatifs pour qu’il inclut toutes les infirmières, sans égard à leur ancienneté ou à leur type de poste;4. Réévaluer une partie des changements qui ont été apportés au cours des dernières années, et transformer les installations de soins de santé en installations fonctionnelles, pour que les résidents du Manitoba, en particulier les communautés de Tyndall Park, Maples, Burrows, Kildonan et même Lakeside aient un endroit où aller.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealthcare is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. While the federal government provides financial support to the provinces and territories for healthcare services, the responsibility for matters related to management of the health care system and health workforces falls within provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As part of their responsibility to administer and deliver healthcare services, provinces and territories establish training curricula and manage licensure, and regulate healthcare professionals through arms-length regulatory bodies, such as professional colleges and associations.At the same time, the federal government acknowledges that it has a key leadership role to play in supporting solutions to the challenges facing health systems across the country, including those related to Canada’s health workforce. We remain committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments to protect and strengthen the publicly funded health care system.Budget 2023 delivered nearly $200 billion to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding also includes $25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority: family health services; health workers and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and a modernized health system. Additionally, provinces and territories are being asked to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals, and to advance labour mobility.On October 12, 2023 federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health issued a public statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting Canada’s health workforce so our health workers are able to provide high-quality, accessible and effective health services for people living in Canada. In particular, FPT governments committed to concrete actions focusing on retention, domestic education supply and demand, foreign credential recognition and ethical recruitment, labour mobility, and health workforce data and planning. These commitments included undertaking credential processes overseas in order to improve processing of licensure of international physicians and nurses within 90 days and support for a Nursing Retention Toolkit developed by the federally-appointed Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Leigh Chapman, in consultation with Canada’s nursing community. The toolkit highlights retention initiatives that employers or health authorities can implement to support their nursing workforce.The details on the Ministers commitments can be found here: Federal, provincial and territorial statement on supporting Canada’s health workforce.
ManitobaPersonnel infirmierSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023e-4404e-4404 (Citoyenneté et immigration)LesleyWestonJennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC20 avril 2023 à 14 h 03 (HAE)19 juin 2023 à 14 h 03 (HAE)31 octobre 202314 décembre 202319 juin 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : Le Canada prétend être bienveillant et responsable, ce qui est assez juste, et s’enorgueillit d’accueillir tous les réfugiés en quête de protection;L’Entente sur les tiers pays sûrs, que le Canada a conclue avec les États-Unis, rend l’entrée au Canada très dangereuse pour les réfugiés qui cherchent à fuir la persécution, la violence et la discrimination;La décision récente d’appliquer l’Entente aux 9 000 km de la frontière terrestre entre le Canada et les États-Unis force les demandeurs d’asile en quête de protection à s’engager dans des voies encore plus dangereuses pour tenter d’entrer au Canada, ce qui entraînera inévitablement des décès;Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada 1) d’annuler les nouvelles conditions d’application de l’Entente sur les tiers pays sûrs;2) de suspendre carrément cette entente pour que les réfugiés puissent entrer sans danger au Canada et y être en sécurité pendant que la Commission de l’immigration et du statut de réfugié du Canada évalue le bien-fondé de leur demande d’asile.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.Canada has a proud history of protecting and helping resettle the world’s most vulnerable groups and remains firmly committed to upholding its international obligations and maintaining a fair and compassionate refugee protection system which meets our international obligations.The Canada - U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA), in effect since 2004, is based on the principle accepted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that asylum seekers should make their claim in the first country they arrive, in which it is safe to do so. The Canada - U.S. STCA requires that foreign nationals seek protection in either the U.S. or Canada, whichever they arrive in first, unless they meet an exception to the Agreement (e.g., having family member in Canada (with some restrictions)).The Government maintains that the STCA enhances the orderly management of asylum claims at the border, strengthening the integrity of our asylum system and public confidence in border integrity. Asylum seekers continue to have the opportunity to make an asylum claim in the U.S. if they are returned by Canada under the Agreement (or vice versa). When the Additional Protocol to the STCA came into effect on March 25, 2023, the STCA was able to be applied to all individuals entering Canada from the U.S. at the land border regardless of their location of entry. This ensured consistent treatment of claimants and removed the incentive to cross irregularly to evade the application of the STCA at ports of entry.In June 2023, the Supreme Court of Canada upheld the constitutionality of the designation of the U.S. as a safe third country under s.7 of the Charter (right to life, liberty and security); a status that is subject to ongoing review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the four criteria set out under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA):
  1. Being a party to the Refugee Convention and to the Convention Against Torture;
  2. Maintaining domestic policies and practices that respect international obligations;
  3. Human rights record in the country; and
  4. Being a party to an agreement with the Government of Canada for the purpose of sharing responsibility with respect to claims for refugee protection.
The Government of Canada strongly discourages irregular crossings, which can be risky and dangerous to those involved. IRCC supports the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in their efforts to detect and disrupt human smuggling networks, and to combat international criminal organizations that seek to profit from the desperation and vulnerability of others.Canada is also party to the United Nations Protocol against Migrant Smuggling by Land, Sea and Air, which requires states parties to criminalize, prevent and combat this illegal activity. We encourage other countries to ratify and implement this Protocol, as well as its parent convention, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.While Canada’s law enforcement agencies work with international partners to disrupt smuggling networks, IRCC continues to develop new pathways to provide alternatives to irregular migration. In October of this year we announced the new humanitarian permanent residence pathway for 11,000 Haitians, Colombians and Venezuelans, as part of our commitment to welcome 15,000 migrants from Western Hemisphere on humanitarian basis with a path to economic opportunities, as an alternative to irregular migrationCanada is also working with international partners in the Americas, such as the International Organization for Migration and the UNHCR to increase the capacity of transit and host countries to respond to the needs of the large scale mixed migration movements. This assistance also addresses the root causes of irregular migration and forced displacement, expands regular migration pathways, responds to humanitarian crises and helps to build more durable, stable and safe societies in Latin America and the Caribbean. 
Entente entre le Canada et les États-Unis sur les tiers pays sûrsRéfugiésRelations Canada-États-Unis
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023e-4385e-4385 (Citoyenneté et immigration)LolitaPopovaJennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC20 avril 2023 à 10 h 38 (HAE)19 juin 2023 à 10 h 38 (HAE)31 octobre 202314 décembre 202319 juin 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278908" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté</Addressee>Attendu que :Les fondations du Canada reposent sur des principes qui reconnaissent l’État de droit ainsi que le respect des droits de la personne et de la démocratie;L’honorable Sean Fraser, ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté, a déclaré que « [l]a réunification des familles est un élément essentiel du système d’immigration du Canada », et que des députés ont également reconnu que « la réunification des parents et des grands-parents avec leurs familles au Canada est immensément bénéfique pour nos communautés »;Le programme de parrainage familial est néanmoins un système de loterie, qui présente de nombreuses lacunes et qui est essentiellement interrompu depuis 2020;En 2021 et 2022, les demandes retenues ont été choisies dans le bassin de formulaires d’intérêt pour le parrainage de 2020, ce qui a privé les résidents permanents et les citoyens de toute chance de présenter une demande dans le cadre du programme en 2021 et en 2022;Le système de loterie est injuste pour les résidents permanents et les citoyens qui ont contribué à l’économie canadienne pendant toute la période où ils ont été au Canada et qui aimeraient retrouver leurs proches;Le super visa, une autre option pour que les parents et les grands-parents puissent s’installer au Canada, permet à ces derniers d’entrer plusieurs fois au Canada pendant 10 ans, mais ne leur permet pas d’obtenir un permis de travail ouvert et, de façon générale, ne leur confère aucun droit.Nous, soussignés, Canadiens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de 1. Permettre la présentation de formulaires d’intérêt pour le parrainage en 2023;2. Lever les limites arbitraires appliquées à la fois aux invitations à présenter une demande et aux demandes acceptées;3. Augmenter l’allocation du plan annuel des niveaux d’immigration pour ce volet;4. Mettre en œuvre des normes de traitement pour garantir que les familles seront réunies dans un délai raisonnable; 5. Élaborer un meilleur système pour le programme de parrainage familial, dans le cadre duquel les demandeurs admissibles pourraient présenter une demande de parrainage pour leur famille.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.Family reunification is a key pillar of Canada’s immigration system that will continue to be firmly supported by the Government of Canada. This commitment is reflected in the Government’s decision to announce significant annual increases to permanent resident admissions through the Parents and Grandparents Program in the multi-year Levels Plan in the past years. In response to continued strong demand for parents and grandparents sponsorship and our desire to support families, the Government has increased the targeted number of parents and grandparents admissions from 25,000 in 2022 to 28,500 in 2023, 32,000 in 2024 and 34,000 in 2025 and 2026.Family class admissions must, however, be balanced with other immigration categories in order to meet Canada’s broader immigration objectives, including under the economic and refugee streams. Because of this, a random selection model has been implemented. The current intake system was introduced in large part to improve fairness and accessibility when compared to previous models. The 2019 online first-in system, for example, posed technical challenges for some prospective sponsors and may have disadvantaged those with certain cognitive or physical disabilities. The random selection model overcomes these obstacles by ensuring that regardless of when an Interest to Sponsor form is submitted during the three week submission period, all interested sponsors have an equal opportunity of being invited to apply, including via alternative submission methods to promote accessibility.The Government understands that there is growing demand for a new interest to sponsor period to be announced for prospective sponsors who were unable to express their interest in 2020 and for those who would like submit an Interest to Sponsor form for the first time. The viability and timing of the next intake are currently being assessed and an announcement will be communicated in a timely manner once a decision has been made.Regarding application-related caps, it is important to note that these limits are not arbitrary. Demand for sponsorship continues to exceed the admissions targets in the annual Immigration Levels Plan, the tool by which the Government of Canada sets the number of permanent residents to be admitted within each immigration category annually. This in turn determines how many applications can be processed. If application limits were not set, this would likely contribute to a significant negative impact on processing times, a growing backlog of cases and more uncertainty for selected sponsors and their family members. The current model ensures that Canada can continue to benefit from the managed migration system that has served it well for decades while upholding fairness.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has and will continue to work to improve processing times in all our programs. In a recent 2023 Report of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada on processing applications for permanent residence, the Department established that it would prioritize creating service standards for services that currently have none, including permanent residence streams, such as the family class, as part of a comprehensive multi-year service standard review. Completion of the first phase is expected by the end of the 2024–25 fiscal year.Finally, the Government also continues to actively assess ways in which to improve all lines of business, including the family class stream. As was raised in the Strategic Immigration Review reportpublished on October 31, 2023, IRCC is committed to exploring how we can enhance the immigration experience for families. Part of this process includes reviewing ways to ensure that equity considerations are built into policy and program changes and to better support accompanying family members.
Parrainage d'immigrantsProcessus de demandeRéunification des familles
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01859441-01859 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC31 octobre 202314 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01860441-01860 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC31 octobre 202314 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01861441-01861 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC31 octobre 202314 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01862441-01862 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC31 octobre 202314 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 décembre 2023441-01863441-01863 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB31 octobre 202314 décembre 202323 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted of that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, applicants may be eligible for relief, on a case-by-case basis, using mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong. In September, 2023, Canada co-sponsored an event at the UN in Geneva on the impact of the National Security Law on media freedom in Hong Kong.Canada, along with Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States also all publicly expressed concerns and condemned the Hong Kong authorities’ issuance of arrest warrants and international bounties for eight pro-democracy advocates living overseas. The National Security Law has no jurisdiction in applying the law within our borders and we will not waver in standing up for those who are targeted simply for exercising their rights peacefully.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 décembre 2023441-01922441-01922 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB9 novembre 202313 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:
  • A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (See Budget 2023, chapter 4)
  •  2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement
  • 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression
  • 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
The first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country. 
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 décembre 2023441-01853441-01853 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB30 octobre 202313 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 décembre 2023441-01852441-01852 (Affaires étrangères)BradRedekoppSaskatoon-OuestConservateurSK30 octobre 202313 décembre 20234 novembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01961441-01961 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON27 novembre 202312 décembre 202321 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
        
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01956441-01956 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON24 novembre 202312 décembre 202321 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
   
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01952441-01952 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB22 novembre 202312 décembre 20231 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01946441-01946 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON22 novembre 202312 décembre 202321 novembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
           
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023e-4277e-4277 (Environnement)ValerieElliottElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC15 février 2023 à 12 h 23 (HAE)16 mai 2023 à 12 h 23 (HAE)22 novembre 202312 décembre 202316 mai 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1"> gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : La pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées (Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis) est une espèce figurant sur la liste bleue qui pousse uniquement dans les forêts anciennes de haute altitude et riches en nutriments composées de cyprès jaunes et de thuyas géants; La Loi sur les espèces en péril (LEP) désigne la pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées, que l’on retrouve uniquement en Colombie-Britannique, comme une espèce dont la situation est préoccupante et qui est menacée par l’exploitation forestière industrielle; L’objectif de la LEP et de protéger les espèces en péril, mais ni le gouvernement fédéral ni le gouvernement provincial ne sont intervenus pour protéger ces écosystèmes anciens fragiles et irremplaçables; Le Conservation Data Centre (CDC) de la Colombie-Britannique ne documente que 52 populations actuelles de pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées présentes en Colombie Britannique, certaines en voie de disparaître, tandis que le plan de gestion de la Colombie-Britannique pour la pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées vise à maintenir toutes les populations actuelles connues; En 2021, la plus grande population de pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées découverte en Colombie-Britannique, composée de plus de 600 individus dans le bassin hydrographique de Granite Creek près de Port Renfrew (concession de ferme forestière 46, bloc de coupe 8022) a été rasée, et en août 2022, une population de cinq individus a été découverte dans la concession de ferme forestière 46, bloc de coupe 4733, une partie de forêt ancienne sectionnée par une nouvelle route forestière aménagée dans le bassin hydrographique de Bugaboo Creek près de Port Renfrew et destinée à être coupée.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de protéger immédiatement toutes les populations actuelles de pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées (Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis) et d’exiger immédiatement que la Colombie-Britannique respecte et applique les mesures de protection pour cette espèce partout sur les terres de la Couronne.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada is committed to halting and reversing the loss of our country’s rich biodiversity. In support of this commitment, Environment and Climate is leading the development of Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy. The 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy will establish a shared vision for halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada, reflect Canada’s domestic priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and guide how Canada implements the Global Biodiversity Framework domestically.The Government of Canada recognizes that the environment and the conservation of biodiversity is a shared responsibility in Canada, and that real progress can only be made if all levels of governments share objectives and work in collaboration to achieve them.Species at risk are on the front line of biodiversity loss, and the federal, provincial and territorial governments have been working cooperatively to protect and recover Canada’s imperiled species for close to three decades. The Government of Canada respects provincial and territorial jurisdiction and therefore first looks to them to protect terrestrial species and their habitat on non-federally administered lands.Federally, the Species at Risk Act (SARA) is the Government of Canada's key legislative tool to protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats. SARA provides a legal framework for identifying, listing, and recovering species at risk. The legislation mandates the development and implementation of recovery strategies and action plans, with the goal of preventing species extinction and promoting their recovery. SARA also includes provisions for critical habitat protection and cooperation between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, intending a coordinated effort to safeguard Canada's diverse wildlife and ecosystems, and supports the Government of Canada’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen is listed as a species of Special Concern on Schedule 1 of SARA andis identified as a Blue listed species by the British Columbia provincial government. The distribution of Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen overlaps with that of several other federally listed species at risk within old-growth forests throughout coastal British Columbia including Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.As required under SARA, a Management plan for the oldgrowth speclebelly lichen (Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis) https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.833290/publication.html was published in 2017; in addition, measures to achieve the management objective for the species have been set out in the Multi-species action plan for Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and 2 other sites www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry/action-plans/gwaii-haanas-national-park-reserve.htmlIn addition to fulfilling its obligations under SARA for the species, the Government of Canada recognizes that more needs to be done to protect the old-growth forests that support the Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen.Canada’s forests, and in particular British Columbias’s old-growth forests, are rich with biodiversity and provide important habitat for a range of wildlife. In addition to these habitat functions, forests are key to the health of our climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old-growth forests, like those in British Columbia also function as important carbon reservoirs.Forest management is the jurisdiction of provincial governments, and the vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia, approximately 96% of forests are on provincial crown land. At the same time, the federal government is committed to supporting the province’s effort to manage and conserve old-growth forests given their significance for migratory birds, species at risk and their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and their associated wildlife.To demonstrate federal support, the 2022 federal Budget established a $50 million Old Growth Nature Fund, which will focus on protecting at-risk, high productivity old-growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value and identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding will support planning and collaboration with British Columbia and Indigenous communities, and provide incentives for third-party funders, to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. The Old Growth Nature Fund will also contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieving Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of British Columbia are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada. High productivity old-growth supports critical habitat for SARA-listed species such as the Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen, Marbled Murrelet and Northern Spotted Owl.Federal officials are also working with their provincial and Indigenous colleagues and partners both to finalize a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation and to explore additional ways to encourage and support the province in its efforts to protect and restore habitat.The federal government has also contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 ha of forest habitat in British Columbia. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, and the Ecological Gifts Program.The federal government is also working to ensure forests, including old-growth forests, are considered in the context of ongoing species at risk and nature-related engagement with provincial and territorial partners. For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders are engaged in the development of a forest sector action plan that will help guide collaborative efforts to recover species at risk under the Pan Canadian Approach to Species at Risk.     
Espèces en voie de disparitionLoi sur les espèces en péril
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01943441-01943 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB22 novembre 202312 décembre 202330 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01942441-01942 (Santé)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB21 novembre 202312 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Les incitatifs pour les infirmières devraient être offerts à toutes les infirmières pour favoriser des relations saines et des milieux de travail sains;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux pour reconnaître les diplômes en soins de santé des professionnels qualifiés qui ont été formés et instruits à l’étranger;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux et mettre en œuvre de meilleures stratégies et mesures incitatives pour attirer et retenir les travailleurs de la santé au Manitoba;
  • Des infirmières, jeunes comme expérimentées, ainsi que des professionnels de la santé quittent notre province et profitent d’occasions offertes par d’autres provinces qui donnent des incitatifs et des avantages très avantageux à leurs professionnels de la santé;
  • Au Manitoba, beaucoup de personnes âgées ont un revenu fixe et ne peuvent se payer leurs médicaments de prescription;
  • Les infirmières sont surmenées en raison des charges de travail élevées.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Manitoba, prions la Chambre des communes de travailler avec les gouvernements des provinces et les autres intervenants du secteur de la santé pour :1. Prendre le recrutement et la rétention des infirmières au sérieux pour résoudre la crise dans les soins de santé;2. Garantir à toutes les personnes qui contribuent avec leurs impôts au Manitoba et à notre économie qu’elles auront accès à des soins de santé au Manitoba;3. Revoir la charge de travail des infirmières et le programme d’incitatifs pour qu’il inclut toutes les infirmières, sans égard à leur ancienneté ou à leur type de poste;4. Réévaluer une partie des changements qui ont été apportés au cours des dernières années, et transformer les installations de soins de santé en installations fonctionnelles, pour que les résidents du Manitoba, en particulier les communautés de Tyndall Park, Maples, Burrows, Kildonan et même Lakeside aient un endroit où aller.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealthcare is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. While the federal government provides financial support to the provinces and territories for healthcare services, the responsibility for matters related to management of the health care system and health workforces falls within provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As part of their responsibility to administer and deliver healthcare services, provinces and territories establish training curricula and manage licensure, and regulate healthcare professionals through arms-length regulatory bodies, such as professional colleges and associations.At the same time, the federal government acknowledges that it has a key leadership role to play in supporting solutions to the challenges facing health systems across the country, including those related to Canada’s health workforce. We remain committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments to protect and strengthen the publicly funded health care system.Budget 2023 delivered nearly $200 billion to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding also includes $25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority: family health services; health workers and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and a modernized health system. Additionally, provinces and territories are being asked to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals, and to advance labour mobility.On October 12, 2023 federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health issued a public statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting Canada’s health workforce so our health workers are able to provide high-quality, accessible and effective health services for people living in Canada. In particular, FPT governments committed to concrete actions focusing on retention, domestic education supply and demand, foreign credential recognition and ethical recruitment, labour mobility, and health workforce data and planning. These commitments included undertaking credential processes overseas in order to improve processing of licensure of international physicians and nurses within 90 days and support for a Nursing Retention Toolkit developed by the federally-appointed Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Leigh Chapman, in consultation with Canada’s nursing community. The toolkit highlights retention initiatives that employers or health authorities can implement to support their nursing workforce.The details on the Ministers commitments can be found here: Federal, provincial and territorial statement on supporting Canada’s health workforce.
ManitobaPersonnel infirmierSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01929441-01929 (Affaires et commerce)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC20 novembre 202312 décembre 202314 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le village de Lytton a été détruit dans un incendie le 30 juin 2021. Il est toujours frappé par un ordre d’évacuation, et la construction de résidences et d’autres édifices n’a toujours pas commencée;
  • Comme la reconstruction n’a toujours pas été lancée, les entreprises n’ont toujours pas ouvert leurs portes et ne génèrent pas de revenus depuis près de deux ans;
  • Accusant déjà des gros déficits causés par la pandémie, les entreprises anéanties par les flammes ne seront pas en mesure de rembourser leur prêt du Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennes (CUEC), qui viendra à échéance le 31 décembre 2023.
EN CONSÉQUENCE :Nous, soussignés, les citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconnaître les circonstances extraordinaires dans lesquelles se trouvent les entreprises de la région de Lytton et de les dispenser de rembourser leur prêt du CUEC. Vu l’ampleur du désastre et des retards bureaucratiques importants, les entreprises sont incapables de se reconstruire depuis près de deux ans. La dispense du remboursement des prêts du CUEC contractés par les entreprises de Lytton contribuerait à la reprise du développement économique et à la reconstruction d’une localité décimée.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), and the impact the fire in Lytton has had on Lytton businesses.The government launched the CEBA program to provide timely support to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and help support the jobs these businesses provide. The program provided nearly 900,000 small businesses with interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $60,000 to cover non-deferrable operating expenses. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Export Development Canada (EDC), federal government partners and more than 230 Canadian financial institutions worked together to provide support to both exporting and non-exporting companies. This vital support helped small businesses make it through an unprecedented period of time.To further help small businesses, the government has recently extended the flexibilities for CEBA and Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. On September 14, 2023, the government announced further extensions to CEBA repayment and loan forgiveness:
  • The repayment deadline to receive forgiveness (of up to $20,000) for all CEBA loans was extended to January 18, 2024 (previously extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023).
  • The repayment deadline to qualify for partial loan forgiveness now includes a refinancing extension until March 28, 2024.
  • As of January 19, 2024, outstanding loans, including those that are captured by the refinancing extension, will convert to three-year term loans, subject to interest of five percent per annum, with the term loan repayment date extended by an additional year from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026. This will provide those who are unable to secure refinancing or generate enough cashflow to repay their loans by the forgiveness deadline an additional year to continue repayment at a low borrowing cost.
Export Development Canada is the administrator of the CEBA program on behalf of the Government of Canada and is working with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to put in place systems to collect loans that remain outstanding after December 31, 2026. For those that cannot repay by the deadline, the CRA will work with each business to determine its ability to repay, emphasizing fairness, empathy, and putting people first.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of helping the people of Lytton rebuild. Pacific Economic Development Canada is offering two new programs to support the rebuilding of Lytton:
  • $6 million for the Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program to support eligible Lytton homeowners who wish to rebuild their home to fire-resilient or fire-resilient and Net Zero standards; and
  • $7.2 million to create the Lytton Business Restart program to help small- and medium-sized businesses re-establish in the community. This funding will include support for Indigenous businesses and those operated by women, youth, and other underrepresented groups.
The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canadians and Canadian businesses and is focusing on growing our economy and building a stronger, more resilient Canada for everyone.
Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennesLyttonPetites et moyennes entreprisesPrêts
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01924441-01924 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB20 novembre 202312 décembre 202330 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action. 
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01919441-01919 (Santé)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB9 novembre 202312 décembre 20232 mars 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is a very important issue, and the Government is currently developing its approach to protecting children to ensure they can engage safely online.As stated in the 2021 mandate letters to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Justice, the Government is committed to developing and introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content to protect Canadians, and hold online platforms accountable for the content they host. The Government is working hard to meet these commitments and aims to introduce legislation as soon as possible. The Government has conducted extensive consultations with experts, citizens, civil society, and other stakeholders to this end. It has heard from a diverse set of views and intends to draw on those insights when drafting legislation. It has heard a strong consensus for protecting children and youth from harm online– and that this needs to be balanced against other priorities, like protections for freedom of expression and privacy rights. The Government has also heard support for a risk-based approach to online safety; the need to hold online platforms accountable to a standard for responsible action; the need for more transparency; and the need for better tools to empower users on these platforms. Finally, it has heard that there is a need to confront child sexual abuse material content, and to mitigate the risks associated with exposing children and youth to such content.                                                                                                                                                                               The Government has also been looking at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.Lessons learned from other jurisdictions as well as the advice received from each stream of engagement are contributing to the development online safety legislation in Canada. Summaries for consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.html Overall, the Government is committed to putting in place a legislative and regulatory framework that will hold large online platforms accountable for protecting their users, including children and youth, from the risk of exposure to a range of harmful content. People in Canada, especially children and youth, deserve safer and more inclusive online experiences.   
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01915441-01915 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB9 novembre 202312 décembre 202330 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01912441-01912 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON9 novembre 202312 décembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
            
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01909441-01909 (Affaires étrangères)AnitaVandenbeldOttawa-Ouest—NepeanLibéralON8 novembre 202312 décembre 202322 novembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01907441-01907 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB7 novembre 202312 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:
  • A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (See Budget 2023, chapter 4)
  • 2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement
  • 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression
  • 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan
The first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country.
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01905441-01905 (Fiscalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB7 novembre 202312 décembre 202311 octobre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons attirer l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La taxe sur le carbone imposée par les Libéraux continuera à faire monter les coûts de chauffage pour les Canadiens;
  • Au Canada, chauffer sa maison en hiver n’est pas un luxe mais bien une nécessité;
  • Après huit années de ce gouvernement libéral, les Canadiens en sont rendus à devoir choisir entre chauffer leur maison ou mettre de la nourriture sur la table;
  • À aucun autre moment dans l’histoire les Canadiens n’ont autant payé de taxes que sous ce gouvernement libéral;
  • L’inflation a causé des augmentations massives des coûts pour les organismes à but non lucratif et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés, et ces augmentations sont intensifiées par la taxe sur le carbone.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Reculer et ne pas tripler la taxe sur le carbone pour le chauffage résidentiel;2) N’imposer aucune nouvelle taxe aux Canadiens;3) Placer les Canadiens au cœur de ses actions : leur famille, leurs chèques de paye, leur maison et leur avenir.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandSince taking office in 2015, the government's focus has been investing in the middle class, growing the economy, strengthening Canada's social safety net, and making life more affordable for Canadians. Key measures include:
  • Reversed the Conservative policy and restored the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to 65, from 67, preventing 100,000 seniors aged 65 and 66 from plunging into severe poverty each year.
  • Increasing support for families and low-income workers through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit, which have helped lift over 1 million Canadians out of poverty since 2015.
  • Across Canada reduction of fees for regulated childcare of 50 percent on average, with six provinces and territories reducing childcare fees to $10 a day or less by April 2, 2023. In Saskatchewan, this amounts to an estimated savings of up to $6,900 per child.
  • Increasing the GIS top up benefit for low-income single seniors, enhancing the GIS earnings exemption, and increasing Old Age Security for approximately 3.3 million Canadians in July 2022.
  • Reducing taxes for the middle class from 22 percent to 20.5 percent, while raising taxes on the wealthiest Canadians. 
  • Increasing the basic personal amount – i.e., the basic amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax – to $15,000, while phasing out the benefits of the increased basic personal amount for wealthy individuals.
In addition, the Government of Canada has provided targeted inflation relief to Canadians struggling with the impacts of global inflation, which has made the cost of living a real challenge. This includes direct, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 per child over two years to eligible families to cover dental expenses for their children under 12 and a doubling of the GST credit in the fall of 2022.Furthermore, the new onetime Grocery Rebate provided targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; and up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children. The Grocery Rebate was delivered to eligible Canadians on July 5, 2023, by direct deposit or cheque through the Canada Revenue Agency.Climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Proceeds relating specifically to the use of natural gas and propane by farmers are returned directly to farmers via a refundable tax credit.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal carbon pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 per cent supplement beyond the base amount. Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Taxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01895441-01895 (Transport)L’hon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 202312 octobre 2023Pétition au ministre des TransportsATTENDU QUE :
  • Des municipalités, des associations de propriétaires et des milliers de résidents craignent sérieusement que les maisons flottantes non réglementées en Ontario causent des dommages, notamment environnementaux, sociaux et économiques, et des impacts sur la sécurité publique dans nos cours d’eau si aucune réglementation n’est mise en place;
  • Le gouvernement de l’Ontario a récemment consulté les Ontariens sur cette question, et il semble disposé à réglementer ces maisons flottantes. Mais ses mains sont liées et il a besoin de votre soutien pour adopter des changements conformes aux recommandations énoncées ci-après;
  • Le problème est qu’en Ontario, Transports Canada classe ces structures en tant que « bâtiments », alors qu’en Colombie-Britannique, Transports Canada les place dans la catégorie des « maisons flottantes ». Ainsi, la manière dont Transports Canada assure la supervision de ces structures diffère selon les provinces;
  • Par conséquent, comme ces structures sont classées en tant que « bâtiments » en Ontario, elles sont actuellement exemptées de toute forme de supervision et de réglementation provinciales et municipales, notamment en matière de respect des codes du bâtiment, de protection de l’environnement, de sécurité publique, de taxation et de gestion des emplacements;
  • En Colombie-Britannique, où Transports Canada les classe en tant que « maisons flottantes », ces structures doivent être conformes à des normes de construction strictes et elles peuvent être assujetties à la réglementation provinciale et municipale pour assurer la protection de l’environnement, le respect des codes du bâtiment et la gestion de l’utilisation/de l’emplacement;
  • Une fois que ce changement aura été fait, les municipalités pourront créer des règlements sur les maisons flottantes qui cadreront avec les normes provinciales et municipales.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens de la province de l’Ontario, prions le ministre des Transports de :Demander respectueusement à votre Ministère de classer les maisons flottantes, existantes et nouvelles, en tant que maisons flottantes et non en tant que bâtiments en Ontario, en conformité au précédent établi par votre Ministère en Colombie-Britannique en 2001.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe Government of Canada is attentive to public concerns about floating accommodations on Ontario (ON) waters, and their potential environmental, social, and public safety impacts. Within the rubric of Transport Canada’s (TC) legislative and regulatory mandate, these structures are defined as vessels under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (the CSA 2001):A boat, ship or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for navigation in, on, through or immediately above water, without regard to method or lack of propulsion, and includes such a vessel that is under construction. It does not include a floating object of a prescribed class.While these floating accommodations often have no means of propulsion, they can be navigated under tow and, as such, are subject to pertinent regulations under the CSA 2001. TC’sregulatoryauthority under the CSA 2001 covers safety equipment, construction, navigation, and environmental protection. The department does not regulate where these vessels can operate, nor the duration for which they can stay anchored or moored in any given location.Vessels of this nature must meet the requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations and Transport Publication 1332 - Construction Standards for Small Vessels (2010), including having necessary safety equipment and meeting construction requirements. They must also meet the applicable requirements of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical Regulations, under which, for example, the discharge overboard of raw sewage is prohibited.While the floating accommodations of concern in ON are anchored near shore, independent of shore installations, and capable of navigation (i.e., can be moved to another location), those in British Columbia (BC) that are referenced as “float homes”, and that are not considered vessels, are permanently moored to the dock or shore, dependent on shore services (e.g., electrical power, fresh water, phone, waste management, etc.), and cannot be used for navigation. These float homes are normally located within the confines of a harbour or a marina.Such accommodations are treated as real estate, built in conformity with the BC Float Home Standard, and overseen by the BC Float Home Committee. Because of their features, these BC float homes are not considered vessels under theCSA 2001. In this regard, the CSA2001and the BC Float Home Standard are addressing different structures.In June 2023, the ON Government amended Regulation 161/17 (under the Public Lands Act) to prohibit floating accommodations from docking overnight on provincial waterways. The updated regulation clarifies the difference between “floating accommodations” and “watercraft”, applies only to public lands in ON, and does not address floating accommodations located on private water lots or on waterways under the authority of other governments (e.g., portions of the Trent Severn Waterway). The regulatory amendments do not impact TC’s definition of a vessel under the CSA 2001.TC, Parks Canada (PCA), and the ON Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) each have authorities related to floating accommodations, depending on whether they are secured to a waterbed and/or surface land controlled provincially or federally. TC, PCA, and the ON Government have met on multiple occasions to discuss floating accommodations.Going forward, TC will continue to work with its federal, provincial, and municipal partners to help ensure safe navigation and environmental protections for ON’s navigable waterways. TC is interested in better understanding the public’s concerns regarding floating accommodations and the long-term anchoring of vessels generally and hosted an online consultation in fall 2023 to better understand the perspectives of Canadians.Should those consultations indicate sufficient interest in having an opportunity to restrict long-term anchoring, TC would consider incorporating restrictions to this effect in the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR). The VORR provide a mechanism for local authorities and municipal and provincial governments to regulate boating activities on their waters, and delegate enforcement powers to local enforcement authorities. Local authorities submit applications to TC on a regular basis seeking new restrictions. A restriction on long-term anchoring could be added for those instances where the anchoring poses a safety or environmental risk. 
LogementPetits bateauxRéglementation
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01893441-01893 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB6 novembre 202312 décembre 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01886441-01886 (Travail et emploi)RosemarieFalkBattlefords—LloydminsterConservateurSK6 novembre 202312 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Les prestations de congé de maternité et de congé parental de l’assurance-emploi donnent aux parents un soutien financier critique pendant qu’ils s’occupent de leur nouvel enfant et tissent des liens avec lui;Avoir un parent à la maison plus longtemps au cours de la première année critique de la vie d’un enfant ou pendant son placement en famille soutient mieux la formation de liens sains ainsi que le bien-être de l’enfant;Les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention sont désavantagés dans le système d’assurance-emploi actuel;Tous les parents méritent un accès équitable aux prestations de congé parental;Le projet de loi C-318 accorde un accès équitable au congé parental pour les parents adoptifs et parents d’intention;Le Président de la Chambre des communes a statué que l’adoption du projet de loi C-318 nécessitait une recommandation royale.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de soutenir les parents adoptifs et d’intention en accordant la recommandation royale au projet de loi C-318.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to support adoptive and intended parents through Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.The arrival of a new child is a precious and exciting time for parents. This is equally true for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents.On November 21, 2023, the Fall Economic Statement announced that a new 15-week shareable adoption benefit would be introduced in the EI program. This benefit is expected to provide approximately 1,700 Canadian families each year with additional time and flexibility as they welcome a new child in their home. Parents who form their families via surrogacy will also be eligible for this benefit. Bill C-59, An Act to implement certain provisions of the fall economic statement tabled in Parliament on November 21, 2023 and certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on March 28, 2023, proposes amendments to the EI Act to implement this new benefit, along with corresponding changes to the Canada Labour Code to ensure job-protected leave for employees in the federally regulated private sector.  The new benefit for parents through adoption and surrogacy responds to what the Government heard during its comprehensive consultations on the EI program in 2021 and 2022. It will provide for an equal number of weeks of EI benefits for adoptive and intended parents as for biological parents, making EI benefits more inclusive of the way families are formed.The Government of Canada recognizes the diverse challenges faced by working parents raising children. Balancing family, work and financial considerations is a challenging task for Canadians raising children, and each family has its own needs. That is why we have made changes since 2017 to give parents more flexibility in their use of EI maternity and parental benefits. These include earlier access to maternity benefits, the choice of standard or extended parental benefits, and additional weeks of parental benefits when shared.We will continue to ensure that the EI program responds to the needs of today’s workforce, including for adoptive parents. EI is a significant income support program. Introducing a new benefit for adoptive parents needs to align with the implementation of the Government’s other priorities on EI. Once again, the government wishes to thank the petitioners. Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiC-318, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'assurance-emploi et le Code canadien du travail (parents adoptifs et parents d'intention)Congés parentaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01885441-01885 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 20232 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01884441-01884 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 20232 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01883441-01883 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 20231 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01882441-01882 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 20232 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01881441-01881 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 20231 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01880441-01880 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 20233 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01879441-01879 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.Judy A.SgroHumber River—Black CreekLibéralON6 novembre 202312 décembre 202331 octobre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01871441-01871 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB6 novembre 202312 décembre 202330 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action. 
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01870441-01870 (Environnement)RichardCanningsOkanagan-Sud—Kootenay-OuestNPDBC2 novembre 202312 décembre 202323 octobre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous, Canadiens, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • L'impact des changements climatiques s'accélère au Canada et partout dans le monde;
  • Le Canada a accepté l'Accord de Paris visant à limiter l’augmentation de la température bien en deçà de 2 °C afin d'éviter les conséquences désastreuses des changements climatiques; or, les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) n’ont pas diminué au Canada;
  • Les cibles canadiennes de réduction des GES ne sont pas actuellement suffisantes pour atteindre notre juste part des objectifs mondiaux dont les pays ont convenu à Paris pour atténuer les changements climatiques;
  • Notre industrie d’extraction des combustibles fossiles contribue fortement aux émissions de GES au Canada;
  • Les subventions accordées aux activités de production, d’exportation et d’expansion des combustibles fossiles, y compris les nouveaux pipelines, ne sont pas compatibles avec les objectifs annoncés de réduction des émissions de GES;
  • Le soutien continu du gouvernement envers l’industrie des combustibles fossiles, malgré les preuves scientifiques sur les dommages cumulatifs des émissions, menace notre avenir.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’agir rapidement et de manière collaborative pour s’acquitter des obligations du Canada aux termes de l’Accord de Paris
  • en abandonnant les combustibles sans laisser personne en plan;
  • en éliminant les subventions aux combustibles fossiles;
  • en mettant fin à l’expansion de l’industrie des combustibles fossiles au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTIn 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Act also holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets, based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Canada published the first Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target as a concrete milestone that improves transparency and accountability on the way to net-zero. The 2030 ERP includes a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, $9.1 billion in new investments, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Achieving further emissions reductions, in line with Canada’s 2030 and 2050 commitments, will require significant and ongoing effort. The Government of Canada is optimistic that, together, Canadians can achieve real and lasting emission reductions, while sharing and exporting our climate solutions to the world and supporting the workers and communities affected by the global transition towards a low-carbon future.Looking forward, the transition to a cleaner future will bring new, dynamic opportunities across our labour force. To put workers across Canada at the forefront of building a net-zero emissions economy, the Government of Canada is committed to help Canadians have the skills they need to succeed and to enable the economy to have the workers it needs to thrive. Building on Budget 2021 investments in skills development, including through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, Skills for Success, and the Apprenticeship Service, the Government is proposing to invest $250 million to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy through the 2022 Fall Economic Statement.On July 24, 2023, the Government of Canada released the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self-Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, which were jointly developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Finance Canada. The Guidelines apply to all federal departments and agencies.The Framework and Guidelines fulfill our domestic, G7 and G20 commitments to phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. Canada is the first country to release a rigorous analytical guide that both fulfills this commitment and transparently supports action. The Guidelines will be used to prevent the creation of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in the future.     
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reduction targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seize the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonization technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our global partners need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government released policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures that deliver on Canada’s commitment at COP26. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector. This commitment was reiterated and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, outlines the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world rapidly shifting to a net-zero economy.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding to establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, among other things.As committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023. The legislation proposes establishing a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill would also require the Government to:
  • establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures;
  • create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and
  • release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025.
These legislated mechanisms would guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a low-carbon economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables) are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables are helping to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with Indigenous partners, and with the input of experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for implementing joint strategies to leverage energy and resource opportunities to realize each region of Canada’s comparative advantage in a net-zero emissions economy.To date, the federal government has jointly launched nine Regional Tables across the country, with British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and the four Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Most recently, the Government of Canada and British Columbia, in collaboration with First Nation partners, released the foundational British Columbia Regional Energy and Resource Table Collaboration Framework, which sets the stage for a shared longer-term vision. On the other side of the country, plans for a similar framework with Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario are not far behind.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Accord de Paris de la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiquesCombustibles fossilesProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01869441-01869 (Environnement)Lisa MarieBarronNanaimo—LadysmithNPDBC2 novembre 202312 décembre 202312 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :
  • Les Canadiens se préoccupent vivement de la santé de l’océan et comptent sur un écosystème océanique épanoui;
  • En 2019, plus d’un million de passagers sont passés au large de la Colombie-Britannique dans des navires de croisière en route vers l’Alaska;
  • Ces navires génèrent d’énormes quantités de polluants qui sont dommageables pour la santé humaine, les organismes aquatiques et les écosystèmes côtiers;
  • Les règlements canadiens prévus par la Loi sur la marine marchande du Canada concernant le rejet des eaux usées et des eaux grises sont beaucoup moins stricts que ceux des États américains de la côte du Pacifique;
  • Par rapport à l’Alaska, le Canada autorise des rejets d’eaux usées contenant 18 fois plus de coliformes fécaux;
  • Le Canada n’oblige pas les navires construits avant 2013 à traiter leurs rejets d’eaux grises;
  • Sur les 25 navires de croisière étant passés au large de la Colombie-Britannique en 2019, 22 ont été construits avant 2013;
  • La mer des Salish, dans l’État de Washington, est une zone où il est interdit de rejeter des eaux usées, afin de protéger la santé publique, la qualité de l’eau et les ressources marines sensibles;
  • Le Canada n’a aucune zone de rejet interdit au large de la Colombie-Britannique;
  • Le Canada n’exige pas la présence d’observateurs indépendants sur les navires de croisière, contrairement à l’Alaska;
  • Les règlements canadiens moins stricts encouragent les navires de croisière à rejeter leurs eaux usées au large de la Colombie-Britannique.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada inquiets, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :1. Fixer des normes sur le rejet d’eaux usées et d’eaux grises par les navires de croisière aussi strictes sinon plus que celles imposées par l’Alaska;2. Désigner des zones de rejet interdit pour faire cesser la pollution dans les zones de protection marine, la totalité de la mer des Salish et de la mer Great Bear, et dans les habitats essentiels pour les espèces menacées et en voie de disparition; 3. Exiger la surveillance régulière par des tiers indépendants des navires de croisière en mouvement pour garantir le respect des normes de rejet.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezPart 1: The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution.On June 23, 2023, Transport Canada announced mandatory environmental measures to address discharges of greywater and sewage from cruise ships, effective immediately within Canada’s territorial waters. These substances were previously included in voluntary measures but will now be enforceable under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to provide stronger protection to Canada’s oceans and marine ecosystems. For more information, please refer to Ship Safety Bulletin No. 14/2023. These measures exceed international standards, strengthen Canada’s existing discharge regime, and place Canada amongst the countries with the most stringent requirements for these types of discharges in the world.The announcement of these new mandatory measures for sewage and greywater discharges in Canadian waters is a first step towards strengthening Transport Canada’s environmental regime. The mandatory measures also reflect work undertaken by Transport Canada to address concerns raised by the Canadian public and environmental organizations with respect to vessel-sourced pollution in Canadian waters.Transport Canada is currently working to make these changes permanent through amendments to the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations. Transport Canada will also continue to collaborate with the United States and other like-minded jurisdictions to support the implementation of a strong environmental regime that takes in to account our respective and unique jurisdictions.Part 2: The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution. This includes working to improve water quality and our marine environments from coast to coast to coast, to build a new world class environmental regime. Strengthening marine environmental protection requires a whole of government approach. Transport Canada is working closely with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada towards this shared objective.On February 8, 2023, the Government of Canada unveiled its 2023 Marine Protected Area Protection Standard, which, among other things, seeks to enhance restrictions on certain vessel discharges that occur within marine protected areas, including those located within the Salish and Great Bear Seas. Subject to further consultations with stakeholders, additional limitations or prohibitions are proposed for: oily engine bilge; sewage (blackwater); greywater; food waste; and scrubber washwater.In compliance with international regulations and law, voluntary measures for these substances, with the addition of garbage (including food wastes) and noxious liquid substances, will be also pursued in the Exclusive Economic Zone, 12–200 nautical miles from shore, where possible.Transport Canada also continues to support the ongoing work at the International Maritime Organization on these and related subjects. Part 3: Transport Canada has a robust marine oversight regime and is responsible for carrying out compliance and enforcement activities in accordance with the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and its regulations. The Department’s compliance and enforcement activities apply to Canadian and foreign vessels in Canadian waters. In instances where deficiencies or non-compliance are suspected or known, Transport Canada inspectors and investigators are authorized to take appropriate action to bring vessels into compliance. This may include directing corrective actions, issuing warnings or Administrative Monetary Penalties and Notices, or pursuing detentions and prosecutions through the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and the courts. Transport Canada compliance and enforcement actions are guided by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and its regulations. Transport Canada will take into consideration new and/or additional methods to support oversight, as needed, as it continues to develop enhanced measures to strengthen Canada’s discharge requirements.Transport Canada will continue to engage with industry and interested parties to determine how to further strengthen the marine environmental regime, where needed. This would include consideration towards the compliance and enforcement regime.   
Colombie-BritanniqueNavires de croisièreQualité de l'eauTraitement et évacuation des eaux usées
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01868441-01868 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB2 novembre 202312 décembre 202330 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which received Royal Assent on December 5, 2023. Bill C-48 enacts changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 enacts new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as makes additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also adopts changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The changes brought by Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023441-01866441-01866 (Santé)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC2 novembre 202312 décembre 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, aimerions porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement les éléments suivants :Attendu que : Plus de 29 000 Canadiens sont décédés des suites d’une intoxication aux opioïdes entre janvier 2016 et décembre 2021. Ces personnes dont le décès découle de la crise évitable étaient des citoyens aimés et appréciés de notre pays: il s’agit de nos enfants, de nos frères et sœurs, de nos conjoints, de nos clients, de nos amis; Les politiques actuelles du Canada en matière de drogues se sont révélées inefficaces pour prévenir la consommation de substances et exacerbent les méfaits et les risques liés à une telle consommation. La « guerre contre les drogues » a entraîné une stigmatisation généralisée des personnes qui consomment des substances contrôlées. Elle a permis au crime organisé de devenir le fournisseur unique de la plupart de ces substances. La consommation problématique est un problème de santé qui ne peut être résolu en criminalisant la possession et la consommation individuelles. Dans les pays qui ont adopté des réformes progressives de leurs politiques en matière de drogues, la décriminalisation de la possession personnelle est associée à une réduction significative des décès dus à la toxicité des drogues.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :1. Se livrer à une réforme de sa politique sur les drogues afin de décriminaliser la simple possession des substances dont la liste figure dans la Loi réglementant certaines drogues et autres substances;2. Mettre en place un processus de radiation des condamnations liées à la simple possession;3. Mettre en œuvre de toute urgence une stratégie nationale axée sur la santé afin d’assurer l’accès à un approvisionnement réglementé et plus sûr en opioïdes et d’accroître les services de traitement, de rétablissement et de réduction des méfaits axés sur les traumatismes ainsi que les campagnes d’éducation et de sensibilisation du public dans tout le Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Government continues to deliver on its promise to work toward removing the stigma associated with convictions for simple possession of drugs.Expungement is intended for cases where the criminalization of an activity constitutes a historical injustice because, among other things, were it to occur today, it would be inconsistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Expungement was not intended to address changing societal norms, such as the legalization of cannabis or health and social issues such as the ongoing opioid crisis.However, originally introduced in Parliament on December 7, 2021, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), was amended in September 2022 to address concerns about the ongoing stigma associated with a record of convictions for simple possession of drugs. It now specifies that past convictions under section 4(1) of the CDSA for possession of controlled drugs must be kept separate and apart from other criminal convictions within two years of the Bill’s coming into force. For convictions after the coming into force, the record of conviction must be kept separate and apart from other criminal convictions two years following sentence completion. This amendment is consistent with the underlying objective of the Bill to address the negative consequences associated with simple possession. The amendment acknowledges the calls from public health organizations and those who work with individuals with addictions. It helps address barriers to successful reintegration into society and also helps address a contributing cause of the ongoing opioid crisis, namely the stigmatization of people who use drugs. Bill C-5 received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022.Criminal records have a lasting impact on the ability of rehabilitated individuals to successfully reintegrate into society after overcoming personal challenges in their lives. Treating simple possession of drugs as a health and social issue means eliminating the stigma associated with convictions for simple possession.Public Safety Canada continues to work with other departments, including Health Canada and the Department of Justice, to support the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy: Overview - Canada.ca, and address the national drug crisis as part of its mandate to keep cities and communities safe.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James Maloney
  1. Bill C-5, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, received Royal Assent and came into force on November 17, 2022. The Bill aims to ensure that responses to criminal offences are fair and effective, while ensuring that public safety is maintained. The amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) reinforce the Government’s commitment to address the ongoing opioid crisis by providing space to treat substance use as a health issue, rather than as a criminal one. The law now requires police and prosecutors to consider options such as issuing a warning, or divert people to treatment programs or other supportive services instead of proceeding with charges or prosecuting for simple drug possession, and enacts for the first time in the CDSA a declaration of principles to guide them in exercising discretion.
  2. Bill C-5 further addresses the stigma associated with having a criminal record by: (1) limiting the kind of information that may be kept in the police record of warning or referrals and the use that can be made of such records, as well as to whom these records may be disclosed; and, (2) providing that past and future records of convictions for this offence be kept separate and apart from other records of convictions after a certain period of time.
  3. The 2018 Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act provides that the Governor in Council may list an offence as eligible for expungement if the activity no longer constitutes an offence, and the criminalization of the activity was a historical injustice. Bill C-5 did not repeal the offence of simple drug possession.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. While there are a number of complex factors that contribute to the high rates of overdose that we are seeing today, a major driver is the increasingly toxic and unpredictable illegal drug supply, where fentanyl remains widespread and we have observed the rise or emergence of other substances, including stronger opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. In 2022, approximately four out of every five opioid-related overdose death involved fentanyl. The cost of substance use-related harms is not limited to the loss of lives alone and, more broadly, impacts health, social well-being, and public safety. The Government of Canada takes this crisis very seriously and is committed to working together with all levels of government, Indigenous Peoples and communities, partners from law enforcement, criminal justice, health and social systems, and people with lived and living experience and other key stakeholders, to take urgent action and leverage every available tool to save lives and work towards an end to this national public health crisis.Our government is committed to continued action using the broad range of powers at its disposal and to take steps to end overdose deaths and substance-use related harms. Canada’s approach to addressing the overdose crisis and substance use-related harms is comprehensive, equitable, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our renewed federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The renewed CDSS outlines the Government of Canada’s updated plan to address the overdose crisis, and other substance use-related harms in Canada.Through the renewed CDSS, Canada is taking a holistic approach to addressing substance use and related harms, centered on promoting public health and protecting public safety. This whole-of-government initiative includes timely access to a full range of strategies to help people access the prevention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery services and supports they need, when and where they need them.The renewed CDSS uses an integrated approach that brings together prevention and education, substance use services and supports, evidence, and substance controls. New investments include supporting a wide range of activities, such as: community-based supports; streamlining authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services;   vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply; an overdose monitoring platform for law enforcement and other first responders; and further action with our partners to disrupt illegal drug production and trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances. By using a wide-range of tools, we have the best opportunity to end this crisis, protect communities and save lives.Since 2017, the federal government has made commitments of more than $1 billion and has taken significant action to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. This includes a Budget 2023 commitment of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing, to support the renewed CDSS, which will continue to guide the government’s work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians by:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
These investments have made a difference in reducing overdose deaths and harms. For example, since 2017 through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), Health Canada has provided over $500 million to support more than 380 community-based projects focused on innovative treatment, harm reduction, prevention and stigma reduction activities. More than $26 million of this funding was dedicated to expanding Naloxone awareness, training and distribution across Canada. As of May 2023, these projects contributed to more than 1.5M Canadians being trained on how to respond to an overdose, and more than 69,000 nasal naloxone kits being distributed across the country.We also invested $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches to build the evidence around innovative care practices, including services that prescribe pharmaceutical-grade medications as an alternative to the highly toxic illegal drug supply for people at high risk of overdose – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of November 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP, representing total funding commitments of over $102 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, as well as research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.These investments have also improved access to treatment. For example, provinces and territories have used federal investments provided through Budget 2018 for the Emergency Treatment Fund to expand existing treatment approaches, such as services to support youth with substance use disorder, withdrawal management services appropriate for people who use methamphetamine, Rapid Access Addictions Medicine clinics, access to opioid dependence treatments, and culturally-appropriate care for Indigenous communities. Funds have also been used to implement innovative approaches to treatment, including ‘wrap-around’ care and the development of telehealth infrastructure to connect clients in remote and rural settings.In addition to these investments, the Government of Canada has supported the expansion of supervised consumption services (SCS) across Canada and also proactively issued exemptions that allow provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Since 2016, the number of SCS has grown from one to 40. From October 2017 to July 2023, they have received over 4.3 million visits, responded to over 51,000 overdoses, and made over 264,000 referrals to health and social services [as of October 25, 2023].Federal funds are enabling new checking technologies to be used at SCS and other associated services to provide people who use drugs and health workers with information on the contents of toxic street drugs, including whether they contain deadly fentanyl, benzodiazepines or other toxic substances. This gives people who use drugs the opportunity to make informed decisions that may reduce their risk of overdose. As of November 2023, there are 30 federally authorized SCS that are authorized to conduct drug checking in Canada, and 5 federally authorized sites that offer stand-alone drug checking services. In addition, the Government of Canada held a Drug Checking Technology Challenge (October 2018 to July 2021), that provided a total of $1,724,500 million to nine participants to catalyze innovation in drug checking technologies. Through the renewed CDSS, we will streamline authorizations for SCS, urgent public health need sites and drug checking services with clear public health and public safety requirements for organizations seeking to provide these evidence-based life saving services to Canadians.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder, as well as facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to respond to this crisis and to keep communities safe. Our government works closely with domestic and international partners to address the toxic illegal drug supply that is driving overdose harms and deaths. We continue to equip border agents with the tools necessary to intercept controlled substances. For example, we have made it harder to access chemicals used to make fentanyl by scheduling them under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and have also amended legislation to allow border officers to open mail of any weight, in order to stop drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from entering Canada illegally through the mail system. Our government also works with private sector partners to address money laundering of the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking in an effort to dismantle the organized crime groups involved in the supply of these toxic illegal drugs.The Government of Canada continues to lead efforts to facilitate opportunities for collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, community-based organizations, and other partners and stakeholders, to reduce the harms associated with substance use and support efforts to provide a full range of culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed health and social services and supports to meet the diverse needs of people who use drugs.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by nearly $200 billion over 10 years, in order to improve Canada’s health care system. This investment includes $25 billion for shared health priorities, including increasing access to mental health and substance use services and supports. These commitments are in addition to existing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories for health priorities, including mental health and substance use, that were put in place in 2017. These investments will set the foundation for long-term, integrated and sustained health care system change that builds on existing, targeted actions to address mental health and substance use challenges.We have also established federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the FPT Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the FPT Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use, to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners. In addition, discussions are held with provinces and territories at the Deputy Minister and Ministerial level through meetings of the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health and the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Health Minister’s Meetings.To inform the federal approach, our government also regularly consults with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. Health Canada established the People with Lived and Living Experience Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We recognize that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments so that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.With respect to safer supply, a number of researchers in academic institutions across Canada are studying this emerging approach, contributing to the evidence base that can inform decision-making at local, provincial and federal levels. Safer supply builds on the evidence from medication-assisted approaches to the treatment of substance use disorder, with safer supply services having a number of unique goals and approaches that need to be assessed and evaluated on their own merits.The evidence base around safer supply is still developing, but is growing. Existing studies and evaluations of safer supply programs are showing some promising early outcomes, including:
  • reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations; and,
  • client reports of reductions in overdoses and illegal drug use, reduced engagement in criminalized activities, access to health and social services, improved trust in primary care providers among clients who face barriers to care, and other quality of life improvements.
Health Canada is supporting several studies of safer supply. This includes a preliminary assessment of safer supply pilot projects in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick. The federal government, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is also supporting a study being conducted by a research team from the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. This four-year evaluation research project focuses on program implementation and the short-term health outcomes of 11 of the government funded safer supply pilot projects. The final results of this study are expected in 2025. Additionally, CIHR has awarded $2 million to the University of Victoria to support a four-year study evaluating the safer supply initiatives in British Columbia, in partnership with Indigenous leaders, Elders and system partners. We will continue to monitor outcomes of safer supply, so that our response to the overdose crisis is evidence-based and focused on saving lives. Our government is committed to working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the CDSA. Among other measures, the amendments require police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, directing prosecutors to consider alternatives to prosecution for the personal possession of drugs, except in the most serious cases where public safety concerns arise.In addition, in May 2022, at the request of the province of British Columbia, a time-limited exemption was granted under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province are not subject to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they can also receive assistance to connect with those services. This exemption, which is in effect from January 31, 2023, to January 31, 2026, is part of a much broader strategy British Columbia and this Government are taking to help people who use drugs access supports and services, rather than face criminal charges. This time-limited exemption is being supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes and inform implementation.Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The items above are some examples of concrete actions taken by the federal government to address the overdose crisis. Please visit the following website for a comprehensive list of all the actions taken to date.The Government of Canada will continue working with our partners and stakeholders to implement the renewed CDSS and will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and advancing work on the development of standards for mental health and substance use health services. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023e-4507e-4507 (Droits de la personne)VijaykumarJainMelissaLantsmanThornhillConservateurON19 juillet 2023 à 8 h 50 (HAE)17 octobre 2023 à 8 h 50 (HAE)2 novembre 202312 décembre 202317 octobre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Les hindous forment un groupe minoritaire, ayant une population d’environ 850 000 personnes ou 2,3 % de la population canadienne, dont un nombre croissant de personnes nées au Canada et une majorité de personnes ayant immigré au Canada en provenance de nombreux pays, dont l’Inde, le Sri Lanka, le Kenya et les pays des Caraïbes, entre autres;Dans l’ensemble, les Canadiens de confession hindoue sont des citoyens pacifiques et respectueux des lois qui contribuent grandement à l’économie, à la culture et à la société canadiennes;Les hindous représentent le peuple autochtone du sous-continent indien et ont des cultures, des langues et des philosophies distinctes et diversifiées; Les temples hindous ont fait l’objet de nombreuses attaques et les hindous ne se sentent pas en sécurité dans leurs lieux de culte; Les hindous du Canada sont de plus en plus confrontés à des stéréotypes négatifs, à des préjugés et à de la discrimination au travail, à l’école et dans les communautés; Les traditions et la culture hindoues sont mal représentées et mal comprises par les médias et le milieu universitaire.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes : 1) de reconnaître l’hindouphobie comme un terme du glossaire du Code des droits de la personne afin de désigner les préjugés et la discrimination anti-hindous;2) de reconnaître la définition suivante de l’hindouphobie : Le sentiment anti-hindou ou l’hindouphobie est le déni, le rejet, les préjugés ou la diffamation à l'égard des hindous, de l’hindouisme ou de l’hindouité; 3) de financer l’élaboration de matériel d’éducation et de formation ainsi qu’un plan visant à informer les Canadiens au sujet de l’hindouphobie et du sentiment anti-hindou afin de les sensibiliser et de s’attaquer à l’hindouphobie systémique et institutionnelle.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiThe Government would like to thank the petitioner for expressing their concerns regarding the growing negative stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination of Hindus in Canada.In Canada, Hindus have been an integral part of Canadian society since 1903. Over the past 120 years, Hindu communities have flourished and grown immensely. They've become increasingly active and prolific, leaving their mark on many aspects of Canadian society, from medicine and cutting-edge technology to the arts and thriving businesses.November 2022 marked Canada’s first official Hindu Heritage Month, a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions that Canadians of Hindu heritage have made and continue to make in building a strong and prosperous country.While Canada remains one of the most diverse and inclusive countries in the world, we are not immune to racism, discrimination, and hate. That is why our government has and continues to take concrete measures to ensure that all Canadians can equitably participate in Canada’s economic, cultural, social, and political spheres.Canada has set in place a strong legislative framework that supports diversity and addresses discrimination, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, and the Canadian Human Rights Act.Specifically, the Government of Canada recognizes the diversity of Canadians in regard to race, national or ethnic origin, colour and religion as fundamental characteristics of Canadian society in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act. Paragraph 3(1)(d) of the Act states that it is the policy of the Government of Canada to “recognize the existence of communities whose members share a common origin and their historic contribution to Canadian society, and enhance their development.”Regarding the Canadian Human Rights Commission, it operates independently of government and is responsible for administering the law as it relates to human rights, which protects people in Canada from discrimination when based on any of the designated 13 grounds, which include race, national or ethnic origin and religion.In 2019, the Government of Canada launched Building a Foundation for Change: Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2019-2022, the goal of which is to help address racism in its various forms. With an investment of close to $100 million, the Strategy complements existing government efforts and programs aimed at eliminating inequities.We are aware that our work is not yet finished, which is why our government announced a further investment of $85 million over 4 years, from 2023 to 2026, for a renewed Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy. Further, the Government acknowledges that police-reported hate crimes have increased by 72% between 2019 and 2021. This is why Budget 2023 announced that the federal government plans to introduce a new Action Plan to Combat Hate to confront hate in all its forms.Please be assured that the government unequivocally rejects all forms of hate and discrimination and believes all Canadians must stand up against it where and when ever it is encountered, all while recognizing that it is our diversity that makes us stronger.
Canadiens hindousDiscriminationÉducation et formationHindouisme et hindous
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 décembre 2023e-4586e-4586 (Aliments et boissons)DebbieFieldJulieDabrusinToronto—DanforthLibéralON20 septembre 2023 à 10 h 52 (HAE)20 octobre 2023 à 10 h 52 (HAE)2 novembre 202312 décembre 202320 octobre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="300002" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Famille, des Enfants et du Développement social</Addressee>Attendu que :Les familles sont en difficulté. À cause de l’inflation et du coût de la vie moins abordable, de plus en plus d’enfants n’ont pas accès à une alimentation nutritive, et l’insécurité alimentaire touche 1 enfant sur 4 (1,8 million);Les programmes alimentaires en milieu scolaire améliorent la nutrition des enfants, leur santé mentale, leur santé à long terme, leur rendement scolaire, leur présence ainsi que leur cohésion sociale, en plus de contribuer aux économies locales, comme l’ont reconnu le Comité permanent des finances de la Chambre des communes (1997) et d’innombrables études;La qualité du régime alimentaire des élèves est faible, quel que soit le milieu socioéconomique;Le coût évitable des maladies liées à la nutrition au Canada est estimé à 15,8 milliards de dollars par an;Les repas fournis par l’école peuvent alléger la pression sur le budget des familles;Un programme national d’alimentation scolaire se combinerait au programme universel pour la garde d’enfant et à l’Allocation canadienne pour enfants en tant que soutiens familiaux essentiels;En 2017, l’UNICEF a classé le Canada au 37e rang des 41 pays les plus riches pour ce qui est de fournir une alimentation saine aux enfants;La Fondation Rockefeller a signalé que les programmes d’alimentation scolaire récupéraient le double de leurs coûts en santé humaine et en avantages économiques; Dans son budget de 2019, le gouvernement du Canada s’est engagé à l’égard des repas en milieu scolaire dans le cadre de la politique alimentaire pour le Canada, le budget de 2022 a confirmé cet engagement et la plateforme électorale de 2021 du Parti libéral a promis 1 milliard de dollars sur cinq ans.Nous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de fournir 1 milliard de dollars sur cinq ans pour des programmes d’alimentation scolaire, avec un investissement immédiat de 200 millions dans le budget de 2024, négocié avec les provinces, les territoires et les dirigeants autochtones, pour aider les enfants à acquérir les habitudes alimentaires et nutritionnelles dont ils ont besoin pour vivre en santé et réussir à l’école.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada is committed to working with the provinces and territories, municipalities, Indigenous partners, and key stakeholders to develop a National School Food Policy and explore how more children in Canada can receive nutritious food at school. Work to fulfill this commitment is ongoing and remains a key priority.To advance and inform this work, the government has and continues to engage with a broad range of stakeholders from across Canada, including through bilateral conversations and roundtables, and has also sought the views of Canadians through an online questionnaire. The Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has also visited school food programs and met with stakeholders in many communities across Canada.Through these engagement activities, we have gained a better understanding of the current school food landscape, as well as views on principles and objectives that could shape a National School Food Policy. Stakeholders highlighted that school meal programs can have multiple social, health, environmental and economic benefits and can play a role in increasing access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food for children, especially those from low-income or food-insecure households.On October 31, 2023, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food released a “What We Heard” Report that summarizes the views that were shared during these engagements on a National School Food Policy.While we continue to work with key partners on the development of a National School Food Policy, we recognize that this is a challenging time for many families and that global inflation has made it more difficult to make ends meet. The Government of Canada has taken recent action to deliver inflation relief to Canadians. For example, the Government provided a one-time Grocery Rebate payment that provided eligible couples with two children with up to an extra $467. We also recently proposed amendments to the Competition Act to enhance competition, particularly in the grocery sector.In addition, the Government of Canada has made significant investments through targeted social programs and income supplements to reduce poverty and increase well-being. This in turn helps improve Canadians’ ability to meet their basic needs, including access to nutritious food. These programs and benefits include the following:• the Canada Child Benefit, which provides substantial tax-free income support to families raising children;• the new Canadian Dental Care Plan;• the newly expanded Canada Workers Benefit, which supports workers earning lower wages;• the Employment Insurance program; and• the creation of a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with a significant reduction in fees.
Alimentation en milieu scolaireEnfantsNutritionProgrammes de repas à l'école
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01838441-01838 (Droits de la personne)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 octobre 202311 décembre 202327 mai 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Un examen effectué par le Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation n’a permis de trouver aucune information concernant la transmission de la COVID-19 à bord d’avions;
  • Selon la première médecin en chef de Westjet, la Dre Tammy McKnight, en date du 23 avril 2021, il n’y avait aucun cas connu de transmission de la COVID-19 à bord d’un avion canadien;
  • Une étude menée en 2020 par l’Association du transport aérien international a révélé que sur 1,2 milliard de passagers dans le monde, seulement 44 cas de COVID-19 ont été signalés comme des cas de transmission liés à un vol;
  • D’autres pays ont aboli les obligations et restrictions en matière de vaccins;
  • La restriction imposée aux Canadiens qui prennent des vols, des trains et des traversiers intérieurs représente une atteinte déraisonnable à leurs droits et libertés, dont la justification ne peut être démontrée dans une société libre et démocratique.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre des Transports :1) d’abolir l’obligation de présenter un passeport vaccinal pour les citoyens canadiens et les résidents permanents qui prennent des vols intérieurs;2) de mettre fin à toutes les obligations et restrictions vaccinales sous réglementation fédérale liées à la COVID-19.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezAs of June 20, 2022, the Government suspended vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, the federally regulated transportation sector, and federal government employees. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for travel within Canada or for those working in the federally regulated transportation sector; accommodations for remote communities are also no longer necessary.Other public health measures, under the authority of the Public Health Agency of Canada such as border entry restrictions, passenger testing, masking, quarantine and isolation requirements were also lifted on October 1, 2022.  
COVID-19ImmunisationPandémiesRestrictions concernant les voyages
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01851441-01851 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON27 octobre 202311 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
      
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01850441-01850 (Administration et services gouvernementaux)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC27 octobre 202311 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :Big White Mountain Resort est un moteur économique et un employeur important pour la région; la station étant la deuxième destination hivernale de la Colombie-Britannique sur le plan de la fréquentation, car elle accueille plus de 650 000 skieurs et plus d’un million de clients chaque année;Les codes postaux facilitent la perception et le paiement juste et efficace de l’impôt foncier;Pour être précise, la navigation à l’aide des logiciels de cartographie dépend fortement des codes postaux;Les codes postaux sont utiles aux organisations touristiques car ils permettent d’étiqueter et de géolocaliser avec précision le contenu généré par les utilisateurs;L’accès aux services en ligne tels que les répertoires d’entreprises de Google et la gestion de ces services dépendent de l’accès des organisations et entreprises à un code postal;Les services essentiels tels que les assurances et les processus d’identification exigent un code postal enregistré pour que le traitement ou la transaction ait lieu.Par conséquent :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le ministre des Services publics et de l’Approvisionnement de collaborer avec Postes Canada et de veiller à ce que la création d’un code postal pour Big White Mountain Resort soit priorisée et traitée rapidement.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Charles SousaCanada Post maintains a nation-wide postal code system for the sole purpose of processing and delivering millions of pieces of mail each day as efficiently as possible. It only assigns postal codes to addresses that qualify for a prime mode of delivery. Unfortunately, issues can arise when third parties such as Google rely on Canada Post’s mailing address database and postal codes for their own purposes.Canada Post assigns a mailing/postal address (including a postal code) for the purposes of mail delivery. The addressing authority (Municipality, Band, Province, District etc.) assigns a civic (9-1-1) address to identify a physical location. In some cases, the mailing/postal address already matches the civic (9-1-1) address, however in some areas, like Big White, it does not. Canada Post’s civic addressing program is the matching of a physical address to its mailing address. This matching gives customers one consistent address to serve both purposes and helps Canada Post improve efficiency and accuracy of mail and parcel delivery.The addressing authority owns/assigns all civic (9-1-1) addressing information including an official place name; Canada Post owns/assigns a mailing/postal address including the postal code.Canada Post provides each municipally-recognized address in Canada with one free method of delivery – such as door-to-door delivery, delivery to a community mailbox, delivery to a Post Office (PO) Box, or general delivery – as determined by Canada Post. Currently, the primary mode of mail delivery for residents and businesses in Big White are community mailboxes. All customers are currently using a PO box number as their mailing address. Canada Post is in contact with the municipality as it is in the process of moving from PO box numbering to civic (9-1-1) addresses for customers.Canada Post is working on a civic addressing change for Big White customers that will include recognizing the municipality place name of “Big White Mountain” along with their 9-1-1 civic address and updated postal code. The postal code for Big White Mountain will continue to originate from the Kelowna mail processing centre, where all mail coming into the community is prepared for delivery. This civic addressing project, which includes an extensive data collection process for all addresses, continues and Canada Post is targeting its completion in the first half of 2024, barring any unforeseen delays.In the meantime, customers are encouraged to provide both their PO box mailing address and civic address, when contracting services or ordering items online. Customers can review section 3.1.2.2. of our Addressing Guidelines to confirm how to format this addressing information. While this is not a guaranteed solution, it is an effective way of providing all of the necessary addressing information until Canada Post completes the scheduled address change.Canada Post continues to work with Big White Resort on this matter.
Centres de skiCodes postaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01849441-01849 (Santé)ZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservateurAB27 octobre 202311 décembre 202312 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE : Santé Canada propose de changer considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels; Les produits de santé naturels englobent des produits de tous les jours comme les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les lotions SPF que les Canadiens utilisent quotidiennement dans leur régime de vie proactif; Les changements provoqueront la hausse des prix à la consommation et réduiront radicalement l’éventail des produits offerts au moment même où l’inflation atteint un sommet et que l’accès aux soins de santé devient de plus en plus difficile; Santé Canada a récemment proposé l’imposition de nouveaux frais élevés à l’importation, à la fabrication et à la vente de produits de santé naturels en même temps qu’il met en œuvre une nouvelle législation sur l’étiquetage; Cette situation forcera de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada, ce qui réduira le choix de produits de santé naturels accessibles aux Canadiens. PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler avec l’industrie afin de moderniser l’étiquetage et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie; de faire en sorte que les modifications de la réglementation ne soient envisagées qu’une fois que le Cadre sur l’autonomie en matière de soins aura été modifié et que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les activités se dérouleront efficacement et que des politiques et procédures seront en place pour garantir la stabilité du processus de sélection pour les produits de santé naturels.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01848441-01848 (Justice)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservateurAB27 octobre 202311 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons attirer l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que, à compter du 17 mars 2023, les personnes aux prises avec des problèmes de santé mentale qui n’ont pas d’autre problème de santé auront accès à l’aide médicale à mourir;Attendu que, selon l’Association canadienne pour la santé mentale (ACSM), "En tant qu’organisme axé sur le rétablissement, l’ACSM ne croit pas que les maladies mentales sont irréversibles";Attendu que le suicide est souvent un symptôme de maladie mentale et est la deuxième cause de décès chez les Canadiens âgés de 10 à 19 ans;Attendu que les experts juridiques et médicaux sont extrêmement préoccupés par le fait que l’autorisation de l’euthanasie dans le cas des personnes souffrant de dépression et d’autres maladies mentales risque de miner les efforts en matière de prévention du suicide.Par conséquent, nous soussignés demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes pour remédier à la situation : 1. Abroger l’accès à l’euthanasie lorsque la maladie mentale est le seul problème de santé;2. Protéger les personnes souffrant de maladie mentale en facilitant leur traitement et leur guérison, et non leur mort.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandIn March 2023, the temporary exclusion of eligibility for medical assistance in dying (MAID) on the basis of a mental illness alone was extended by one year, until March 17, 2024. This was done to provide more time for the dissemination and uptake of key resources by the medical and nursing communities to ensure healthcare system readiness.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included the development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard will help clinicians align their practice with clear guidance and will assist regulators to ensure the protection of the public in the context of more complex cases.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of the provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • amending regulations to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over forty MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders;
  • implementing online engagement with Indigenous Peoples, through both Indigenous- and government-led activities; and,
  • holding discussions with the provinces and territories are underway to explore models to enhance existing MAID oversight mechanisms.
Moreover, additional resources developed by provinces and territories will support the medical and psychiatric communities in being prepared for upcoming changes to the law.Working to improve access to health care services remains a priority for the Government of Canada. All jurisdictions in Canada have a broad range of policies, programs and initiatives aimed at providing support to persons with disabilities and promoting their inclusion and full participation in Canadian society.Through Budget 2023, the Government committed close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government intends to work collaboratively with provinces and territories on four shared health priorities to improve integrated health care for Canadians:
  • expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernizing health systems with standardized health data and digital tools.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, the Government of Canada announced that it would provide $25 billion over ten years to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible and tailored so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. As there is no health without mental health, an integrated and inclusive approach to investments in health service teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools will help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.This builds on the government’s previous investment of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians. The investment is being provided directly to provinces and territories via negotiated bilateral agreements to help them expand access to community-based mental health and addiction services.Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal and complex choice that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives. Our Government is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, protect those who may be vulnerable, and support autonomy and freedom of choice.In June 2021, when former Bill C-7 expanded eligibility for MAID to persons whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, it also temporarily excluded from eligibility for MAID persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, for two years, until March 17, 2023. This was done in recognition that these requests are complex and require additional study. During this time, an independent expert review on MAID and mental illness was conducted by the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness. Its final report was tabled in May 2022. A study of the Criminal Code MAID provisions and other related issues, including mental illness, was also conducted in Parliament during this time by the Special Joint Committee on MAID. Its interim and final reports were tabled in June 2022 and February 2023, respectively.In March 2023, Bill C-39 extended the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID of persons suffering solely from a mental illness by one year, until March 17, 2024. The extension allowed additional time for the dissemination and uptake of key resources by the medical and nursing communities to ensure healthcare system readiness. The extension also provided more time to consider the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s interim and final reports.On March 27, 2023, the Government released the Model Practice Standard for MAID to provide clear guidance to clinicians and health professional regulators to help protect those who may be vulnerable, including those whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental disorder. Additionally, a Canadian MAID curriculum was developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers with the support of Health Canada and was launched in September 2023.On October 18, 2023, the Special Joint Committee on MAID was re-established to assess healthcare system readiness, in accordance with Recommendation 13 of that committee’s final report. It must submit a final report no later than January 31, 2024.Our Government continues to work with all partners including the provinces and territories, as well as stakeholders, to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable populations on this deeply personal issue is prioritized.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentaleSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01847441-01847 (Droits de la personne)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK27 octobre 202311 décembre 202311 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l'attention de la Chambre des communes : ATTENDU QUE :La liberté de choix en matière de soins de santé devient de plus en plus restreinte et menacée par la législation et les dispositions légales du gouvernement du Canada; C’est un droit fondamental des individus de pouvoir choisir le moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens veulent être libres de décider du moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens sont aptes à prendre leurs propres décisions en matière de santé sans l’ingérence de l’État.Par conséquent : les signataires de la pétition demandent au Parlement de garantir à chaque Canadien le droit à la liberté de choix en santé en édictant la Charte de la liberté de choix en santé rédigée pour l’Association de protection des produits de santé naturels le 4 septembre 2008.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Droits de la personneSanté
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01846441-01846 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK27 octobre 202311 décembre 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01845441-01845 (Sécurité publique)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK27 octobre 202311 décembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023e-4364e-4364 (Transport)TammyLachapelle-WardScottAitchisonParry Sound—MuskokaConservateurON26 avril 2023 à 11 h 11 (HAE)25 juin 2023 à 11 h 11 (HAE)27 octobre 202311 décembre 202327 juin 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">ministre des Transports</Addressee>Attendu que :Certains promoteurs d’hydroaérodromes invoquent la protection de la compétence fédérale pour contourner les pouvoirs provinciaux et municipaux en vue de construire d’immenses quais et hangars à bateaux sous le couvert de la Loi sur l’aéronautique;Le règlement actuel sur les hydroaérodromes omet de préciser que les quais et les structures polyvalents ne sont pas autorisés;Le règlement actuel n’oblige pas le promoteur à faire preuve de transparence auprès des pouvoirs locaux au sujet de ses intentions ou ne l’oblige pas à fournir une copie de ses documents d’enregistrement ou de certification;L’enregistrement et la certification des hydroaérodromes sont délivrés sans que les pouvoirs provinciaux et municipaux procèdent à des évaluations d’impact environnemental; L’enregistrement et la certification des hydroaérodromes sont délivrés sans que les pouvoirs locaux procèdent à des évaluations de la sécurité.Nous, les soussignés, électeurs et résidents de tous les lacs du Canada, prions le ministre des Transports de 1) demander une modification au règlement actuel (le Règlement de l’aviation canadienne) afin que les hydroaérodromes soient soumis aux mêmes exigences que les aérodromes terrestres, en obligeant le promoteur à consulter les pouvoirs locaux avant la construction d’un quai ou d’une structure; et de 2) demander qu’il soit précisé dans le règlement que les quais et les structures polyvalents ne sont pas protégés par la compétence fédérale.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe Aeronautics Act defines an aerodrome as “any area of land, water (including the frozen surface thereof) or other supporting surface used, designed, prepared, equipped or set apart for use either in whole or in part for the arrival, departure, movement or servicing of aircraft and includes any buildings, installations and equipment situated thereon or associated therewith.”Water aerodromes can be either non-registered, registered, or certified (i.e., certified by Transport Canada and considered “airports”). Registration of a water aerodrome is voluntary and strictly for aviation-related purposes and enhances safety by making safety and navigation-related information and procedures known to pilots in the Canada Water Aerodrome Supplement. Transport Canada (TC) officials review the registration application to ensure that regulatory requirements of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part III, Subpart 1 (CAR 301) are met; aerodrome operators are expected to meet the applicable elements of CAR 301 (e.g., have a way to ascertain the direction of the wind) even if not registered. An aerodrome cannot be registered if it does not meet aviation-safety requirements.Aviation safety assessments at water aerodromes are within federal jurisdiction, and aviation safety at water aerodromes is based on a layered approach. In addition to applicable sections of CAR 301 for the water aerodrome itself and the option to register, the users of water aerodromes (seaplane pilots) are required to take certain precautions when operating at an aerodrome, such as observing for collision, and ensuring that the aerodrome is suitable for the intended operation. As such, a pilot is expected to visually inspect for vessels and other obstacles in the water. Those operating seaplanes are expected to plan for daylight flights, due to being restricted to daytime visual flight rules. A seaplane operator must also follow many applicable marine-related legislation or regulations when on water.With respect to consultations, it is true that water aerodromes are exempt from the consultation requirements of CARsPart III, Subpart VII (CAR 307) as the aerodrome work criteria would be difficult to apply to water aerodromes since there are no runways to build or extend. Nonetheless, an operator is still required to comply with other federal laws, as well as with provincial/municipal laws that do not conflict with the federal aeronautics’ regime. It is the responsibility of the operator to understand and obtain any applicable permits, approvals, and/or authorizations for work they are doing in or around the water, or even on land, including from an environmental perspective.Neither the CARs, standards, or associated guidance currently specify a required size for docks or specify any specific facilities needed to support water aerodrome operations. Whether a “mixed-use” installation or building is integral to aviation depends on the situation, and whether the local rules on land use can be applied may differ by municipality and province. Where there is disagreement as to whether a municipal or provincial law applies, the Courts are best positioned to decide.TC’s Navigation Protection Program administers the Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNWA). The primary purpose of the CNWA is to authorize and regulate works and obstructions that may interfere with the public right to navigation in Canada’s navigable waters. Water aerodrome operators who wish to build docks or installations on the water that are subject to the CNWA are required to comply with this Act.TC acknowledges the request to amend water aerodrome regulations and will take into consideration the specific concerns heard in this petition. Any decision to proceed with regulatory changes would require further analysis and significant consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. In addition, there may be a range of non-regulatory options to consider. TC will examine these issues closely, including the recommendation in this petition, to determine the appropriate way forward.
AéroportsInstallations d'amarrageRéglementation
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01843441-01843 (Justice)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB27 octobre 202311 décembre 202312 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement et au ministre de la Justice Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Whereas:
  • Dans le contexte de l’augmentation des divorces et de l’évolution rapide des unions conjugales dans notre pays, il est évident qu’un examen de la Loi sur le divorce s’impose;
  • Parmi les pays du G7, c’est le Canada qui présente aujourd’hui le taux d’unions de fait le plus élevé, celui-ci étant passé de 6 % en 1981 à 23 % en 2021;
  • Près de 4 enfants sur 10 vivent avec un parent seul, des beaux-parents ou des parents en union de fait ou dans une autre union non traditionnelle;
  • Plus du quart des adultes en couple en sont à leur deuxième mariage ou union de fait, et ce ménage dure souvent plus d’une décennie et produit des enfants;
  • Cependant, malgré l’évolution de la nature des unions conjugales dans notre pays, les Lignes directrices fédérales sur les pensions alimentaires pour enfants créées dans le cadre de la Loi sur le divorce ne reflètent pas la diversité et la complexité des unions conjugales en 2013;
  • Les parents canadiens, et particulièrement les pères qui sont responsables de près de 97 % des pensions alimentaires pour enfants, ont de la difficulté à appliquer les lignes directrices qui, compliquées, ne tiennent pas compte des choix de vie des ex-conjoints qui se sont remis en couple et des changements de situation familiale, par exemple lorsqu’un nouvel enfant naît dans une famille reconstituée.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Justice de demander l’examen législatif de la Loi sur le divorce, et particulièrement des Lignes directrices fédérales sur les pensions alimentaires pour enfants, afin qu’elles tiennent compte de l’évolution de la réalité des familles reconstituées et des fluctuations du revenu au fil du temps et qu’elles répondent mieux aux besoins des enfants en garde partagée.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyFamily law is an area of shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The Divorce Act and Federal Child Support Guidelines (Federal Guidelines) apply when people divorce or are divorced. Provincial and territorial family laws and child support guidelines apply when unmarried couples separate (common law partners) or when married couples separate but do not divorce. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together on an ongoing basis to monitor the application of the law and to improve the family justice system responses to the many complex issues that may arise during separation and divorce.Child support is the right of the child. The Federal Guidelines, a set of rules and tables, have the following goals: establish a fair standard of support for children so that they continue to benefit from both parents’ incomes after separation; reduce conflict between parents by making the calculation of child support more objective; ensure that parents and children in similar situations are treated the same; and make the legal process more efficient and encourage settlements.The guiding principle of the Federal Guidelines is that both parents share the responsibility to financially support their children based on their ability to do so. This responsibility continues even if parents remarry or have another relationship. Children should continue to benefit from both parents’ financial means after separation or divorce, just as they would if the family were still together.The way child support is calculated under the Federal Guidelines depends on the parenting time arrangement. In shared parenting time arrangements, the situation can vary significantly from one family to another. As a result, the method to calculate support in shared parenting time cases is discretionary. Child support is determined on a case-by-case basis by considering the following factors: (1) the amount in the tables that each parent would pay, based on each parent’s income; (2) the increased costs of shared parenting time; (3) the condition, means, needs and other circumstances of each parent and child.The Federal Guidelines recognize that in some cases, a child support amount, combined with other circumstances, could create undue hardship for a parent or child. Such circumstances could include the obligation to support children from another relationship. If an undue hardship claim is successful, a court may order a different child support amount.Child support is based on income. As income can vary overtime, so should child support amounts. Provincial child support services are administrative services that can calculate or recalculate child support amounts. These services can adjust child support amounts, either up or down, to reflect updated income information.The Government is committed to making the family justice system as fair as possible for all Canadians and to strengthening the family justice system. For example, Divorce Act amendments came into force in 2021 with the goal of promoting children’s best interests, addressing family violence, helping reduce poverty, and improving the efficiency and accessibility of the family justice system. In addition, work continues on various topics relating to Canadian families. The Department of Justice Canada recently undertook research on international child support models, including as it relates to shared parenting time, as well as on the experience of divorced and separated parents with child support and related issues. Information is published on the Department’s website. It is important for the Government of Canada to be aware of Canadians’ concerns about the family justice system so that work can continue with provincial and territorial governments to find ways to improve it.
Examen législatifLoi sur le divorceMariage et divorcePension alimentaire pour enfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01842441-01842 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC27 octobre 202311 décembre 202322 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • les peuples autochtones ont des droits et des titres sur leurs territoires traditionnels et sont les gardiens de ces terres depuis des temps immémoriaux;
  • la crise climatique exige l’intervention de tous les ordres du gouvernement et de l’industrie;
  • les forêts anciennes présentent des avantages incalculables, notamment pour la séquestration du carbone, la biodiversité, la culture, les loisirs, l’alimentation et plus;
  • les écosystèmes anciens de fond de vallée à forte productivité en Colombie-Britannique sont en danger;
  • sur les 2,7 % de forêts anciennes originales à forte productivité qui restent en Colombie-Britannique, 75 % sont censés faire l’objet de coupes;
  • il reste aujourd’hui seulement 9 % des 360 000 hectares originaux de forêts anciennes de fond de vallée à forte productivité sur l’île de Vancouver, et 2,6 % seulement de ces forêts sont protégés dans des parcs;
  • la dernière vallée ancienne intacte non protégée dans le Sud de l’île de Vancouver, Fairy Creek, est censée faire l’objet de coupes, de même que la vallée de la haute-Walbran et d’autres parcelles de forêts anciennes;
  • la plupart des Canadiens soutiennent l’exploitation durable de forêts de deuxième et troisième venues, mais sont contre l’abattage d’arbres anciens ou la destruction de leurs écosystèmes environnants.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons instamment au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • 1. Travailler avec les provinces et les Premières Nations pour mettre fin immédiatement à l’exploitation d’écosystèmes anciens en danger;
  • 2. Financer la protection à long terme d’écosystèmes anciens à titre de priorité dans le plan d’action climatique du Canada et de geste de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones;
  • 3. Appuyer les initiatives forestières à valeur ajoutée en partenariat avec les Premières Nations afin que l’industrie forestière du Canada soit durable et fondée sur l’exploitation de forêts de deuxième et de troisième venues;
  • 4. Interdire l’exportation de billes brutes et maximiser l’utilisation des ressources pour les emplois locaux;
  • 5. Interdire l’utilisation d’arbres entiers pour la production de granulés de bois.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada’s forests provide a wealth of environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadians. The forestry sector in Canada is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies. Through careful monitoring and planning, Canada’s forest sector manages the long-term health of its forests, both safeguarding these benefits in the face of challenges and finding new opportunities in a changing world.Finding solutions also means working with Indigenous communities and leaders so that forest management and conservation practices are informed by Indigenous knowledge systems. Through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is providing financial support to Indigenous-led projects and Indigenous-identified priorities in the forest sector. The IFI was recently renewed until 2024-2025 with a $10M contributions budget and a new $3M grants stream. During the renewal process, IFI heard communities’ call for change to support broader priorities in the sector and to support projects that accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership. With the new grants stream, Indigenous communities can access financial support to prepare for and participate in engagement and consultation activities, such as sustainable forest management planning with industry and government. Other eligible projects that support the sustainability of Canada’s forest industry include gathering, developing, using, and protecting Indigenous knowledge and science, Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship and economic development opportunities. Since 2017, the program has supported 133 Indigenous-led, forest-based economic development projects, invested almost $17M in capital, and helped to create more than 625 jobs and 54 new or expanded businesses.British Columbia’s iconic old growth forests have deep-rooted cultural significance to Indigenous communities and are important to all British Columbians. They are also critical habitats for dozens of species at risk and migratory birds and are important natural stores of carbon.The British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund established by the Departments of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and NRCan commits $50 million to advance shared objectives regarding urgent protection of vital ecosystems, wildlife habitats and species at risk while also protecting carbon stores in old growth forests. The Old Growth Nature Fund has been established in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous and local communities.This collaborative work to protect communities and diverse natural habitats, including by advancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts, is also crucial to securing a cleaner, healthier, and greener future for Canadians. The Old Growth Nature Fund further complements the Enhanced Nature Legacy announced in 2021, and the Natural Climate Solutions Fund announced in 2020.Canada boasts the most forest area certified by internationally recognized, third-party systems as being managed in a sustainable way, respecting ecological values and Indigenous rights. Three quarters of Canada’s managed public forests are certified to one or more of three sustainable forest management certification systems: the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Forest Stewardship Council, and the Canadian Standards Association. As with all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies that are the basis for sustainable forest management and include protections for old growth forests. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures ensure that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably.Canadian wood pellets are primarily made from sawmill residues that are by-products of wood product manufacturing. The industry also uses branches and treetops from harvest operations, logs damaged by natural disturbances, or trees that are cut to manage long-term ecological values in the forest. If not used, these additional sources of wood fibre are typically left to decompose into the atmosphere or may be burned onsite.Supporting markets for all material harvested, as part of a sustainable forest management plan, ensures that no part of the harvested tree is wasted, and delivers economic benefits to Canadians.Finally, as part of Budget 2023, Canada announced $368.4 million over three years, starting in 2023-2024 to NRCan to renew and update forest sector support, including for Indigenous leadership in the sector.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada is home to ecosystems that are globally significant in their capacity to absorb carbon, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect biodiversity. This includes 24% of the world’s wetlands, 25% of temperate rainforest areas and 28% of remaining boreal forests. In this context, the Government of Canada understands that the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are connected and need to be tackled together.That said, conservation and protection of Canada’s forests, including old growth forests and ecosystems, is a shared responsibility. The vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia (B.C.), approximately 96% of forests are on provincial Crown land, where, under the Constitution Act, 1867, forest management is the jurisdiction of the provincial government. As such, forest management on those lands is within the jurisdiction of the B.C. government. At the same time, there is an important federal role to conserve migratory bird habitat, protect critical habitat of federally listed species at risk, and mitigate climate change.With this in mind, the mandate letters of the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change and Natural Resources include a commitment to help protect old growth forests, notably in B.C., by reaching a Nature Agreement with B.C., establishing a $50 million B.C. Old Growth Nature Fund, and ensuring First Nations, local communities and workers are partners in shaping the path forward for nature protection. This $50 million investment was made through Budget 2022, and a contribution agreement was signed with B.C. in March 2023.The Old Growth Nature Fund will deliver on the Ministers’ mandate letters by providing $50 million to the Government of B.C., to be matched by B.C., to permanently protect and conserve old growth forests in the province. The Fund focuses on protecting at-risk high productivity old growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding supports planning and collaboration with B.C. and Indigenous communities, and provides incentives for third-party funders to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. For example, the 58,000-hectare Incomappleux Valley Conservancy in the B.C. interior was created, in-part, thanks to investments under the Old Growth Nature Fund.The Old Growth Nature Fund will be a key component of the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation, which was signed on November 3, 2023, in Vancouver between Canada, B.C and the First Nations Leadership Council. The Framework Agreement presents a unique opportunity to collaboratively advance nature conservation, species at risk and climate mitigation objectives in collaboration with provincial and Indigenous partners. With regard to old growth specifically, work together under the Framework Agreement will include efforts to protect the habitat of old growth-associated species such as Marbled Murrelet. In so doing, the Agreement will build on recent announcements from the Government of B.C. concerning moratoria on old growth forest harvesting, and to launch a provincial Conservation Finance Mechanism to protect ecosystems including forests.The Government of Canada appreciates that, in addition to their habitat functions, forests are key to the health of the climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old growth forests, like those in B.C., also function as important carbon reservoirs.Appreciating the significance of forests to biodiversity conservation and climate, the federal government has contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 hectares of forest habitat in B.C. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Ecological Gifts Program, and others.Alongside this work, the federal government has made forests a central part of Canada’s plan to tackle climate change. The Old Growth Nature Fund in particular is expected to contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieve Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of B.C. are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada.Complementing this effort on a broader scale, the Government of Canada has also announced a series of funding initiatives of significance to forest ecosystems and forestry in Canada:
  • Natural Climate Solutions is investing more than $5 billion over ten years to restore, better manage, and conserve Canada’s natural and managed ecosystems. This initiative includes three complementary programs:
    • 2 Billion Trees program, led by Natural Resources Canada;
    • Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), led by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); and
    • The Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program, led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
  • The NSCSF is a $1.4 billion, 10-year (2021-2031) fund to reduce 5-7 megatons of GHG emissions annually. Up to $36.9 million in funding has been allocated to support Indigenous communities to deliver projects that build capacity and advance Indigenous-led efforts on natural climate solutions, with a focus on improved management, conservation, and restoration of wetlands, grasslands and forests that result in reduced and captured GHG emissions.
  • Enhanced Nature Legacy provides $2.3 billion in new funding over five years (2021-2026) that will further contribute to the implementation of conservation measures for Canada’s land and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. This includes the establishment of new federal, provincial and territorial protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measures, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, and additional habitat restoration. It also included the announcement of further investments through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, a $2 billion fund that could, amongst other things, incent provinces to leave timber standing (for example, by creating other revenue streams for forests).
The broader significance of Canada’s forests is also recognized in the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada where forests are identified as a priority sector. Development of a conservation action plan for species at risk is currently underway in collaboration with forest sector partners and stakeholders to advance the protection and recovery of species at risk and enhance sector sustainability.With respect to support for Indigenous community involvement in ecosystem protection and climate action, including in forests and more broadly, it should be noted that under the NSCSF, described above, an Indigenous Partnership (NSCSF-IP) stream was established to provide targeted funding to enable Indigenous peoples to play a meaningful leadership role in natural climate solutions as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation. Through the NSCSF-IP, ECCC supports Indigenous organizations and communities to undertake Indigenous-led capacity building activities and on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration, improved land management, and conservation of wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands and forests that result in reduced GHG emissions, and that maximize co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency, and human well-being.Beyond this, ECCC has also funded approximately 115 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Guardians initiatives since 2017 with investments totaling over $46 million. Indigenous Guardians initiatives support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems including old-growth forests, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between the Canadian landscape and Indigenous culture. Indigenous Guardians are Indigenous peoples exercising their cultural responsibilities through on-the-ground stewardship of traditional lands, waters, air, and ice. They act as the “eyes and ears on the ground”. Indigenous Guardians funding supports on-the-ground activities such as ecological and cultural resource monitoring, restoration, and visitor experience activities, contribution to cultural continuity (e.g., intergenerational knowledge transmission) and implementation of Indigenous conservation practices and Indigenous knowledge.  
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuForests provide a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits for people and communities across Canada. They are a major source of income and employment for 300 communities across the country, directly employing 205,000 workers, including over 11,500 Indigenous workers. Canada is committed to Indigenous reconciliation and recognize the importance of natural resources to Indigenous Peoples.With respect to the proposal to ban the export of raw logs, logs are integral to the domestic manufacturing industry for a wide range of forest products including softwood lumber and other products like high value finished veneer panels. Domestic and international trade in logs is important for log harvesters and Canadian trade. The policy and process governing the export of logs harvested in British Columbia contained in Global Affairs Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102 form an important part of the Government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and domestic policy objectives.The Government regularly reviews policies to ensure that Canada’s domestic policy objectives and trade opportunities are maximized and welcomes all ideas and proposals related to its policies, including those associated with the export of raw logs. The Government is committed to continuing to work and collaborate closely with Indigenous Peoples and all stakeholders and partners on this issue to achieve the best possible results for Canada.
Politique autochtonePolitique forestièreProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01841441-01841 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 octobre 202311 décembre 20237 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01840441-01840 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 octobre 202311 décembre 20239 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01839441-01839 (Santé)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 octobre 202311 décembre 20232 mars 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE:Les jeunes peuvent facilement accéder à du matériel sexuellement explicite, à savoir des images avilissantes et des représentations d’actes sexuels violents; Une part importante du contenu sexuellement explicite est rendu disponible en ligne à des fins commerciales, et que sa consultation n’est pas protégée par une aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge de l’internaute; La consommation régulière de ce genre de contenu par des jeunes est associée à une série d’effets néfastes, notamment le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement d’attitudes favorables au harcèlement et à la violence, dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle contre les femmes en particulier; Le Parlement reconnaît que les effets néfastes d’un accès de plus en plus facile des jeunes au matériel sexuellement explicite constituent un important problème de santé et de sécurité publique; Les mécanismes de vérification de l’âge des internautes en ligne sont de plus en plus sophistiqués et permettent désormais de bel et bien confirmer l’âge des internautes sans porter atteinte à leurs droits à la vie privée; Quiconque met en ligne du contenu sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales est tenu responsable d’en interdire l’accès à des jeunes; La vérification de l’âge en ligne représentait la principale recommandation des participants à l’étude entreprise par le Comité permanent de la santé en 2017.EN CONSÉQUENCE, vos pétitionnaires prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is a very important issue, and the Government is currently developing its approach to protecting children to ensure they can engage safely online.As stated in the 2021 mandate letters to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Justice, the Government is committed to developing and introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content to protect Canadians, and hold online platforms accountable for the content they host. The Government is working hard to meet these commitments and aims to introduce legislation as soon as possible. The Government has conducted extensive consultations with experts, citizens, civil society, and other stakeholders to this end. It has heard from a diverse set of views and intends to draw on those insights when drafting legislation. It has heard a strong consensus for protecting children and youth from harm online– and that this needs to be balanced against other priorities, like protections for freedom of expression and privacy rights. The Government has also heard support for a risk-based approach to online safety; the need to hold online platforms accountable to a standard for responsible action; the need for more transparency; and the need for better tools to empower users on these platforms. Finally, it has heard that there is a need to confront child sexual abuse material content, and to mitigate the risks associated with exposing children and youth to such content.The Government has also been looking at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.Lessons learned from other jurisdictions as well as the advice received from each stream of engagement are contributing to the development online safety legislation in Canada. Summaries for consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.html Overall, the Government is committed to putting in place a legislative and regulatory framework that will hold large online platforms accountable for protecting their users, including children and youth, from the risk of exposure to a range of harmful content. People in Canada, especially children and youth, deserve safer and more inclusive online experiences.   
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01837441-01837 (Affaires et commerce)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 octobre 202311 décembre 20234 juin 2021 Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que le régime fiscal actuel favorise grandement la vente d’une petite entreprise ou d’une ferme à un membre de la famille plutôt qu’à un étranger;Attendu que le maintien de la propriété familiale et la stabilité à long terme des entreprises sont affaiblis par les règles d’imposition actuelles; Attendu que les petites entreprises sont l’épine dorsale de notre économie et de nos collectivités; Attendu que l’âge moyen d’un agriculteur canadien en 2016 était de 55 ans; Attendu que la Fédération canadienne de l’agriculture (FCA) estime que 500 milliards de dollars en actifs agricoles sont appelés à changer de mains au cours des 10 prochaines années;Attendu que les agriculteurs et les propriétaires de petites entreprises sont injustement pénalisés par le système fiscal s’ils veulent vendre leur entreprise et leurs actifs à un membre de leur famille. Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Appuyer et adopter rapidement le projet de loi C-208, (transfert d’une petite entreprise ou d’une société agricole ou de pêche familiale), qui fera en sorte que les fermes et les entreprises pourront être transférées à la prochaine génération sans craindre des impôts injustes; 2. Veiller à ce que les petites entreprises et les exploitations agricoles familiales soient encouragées et soutenues et à ce que les lourdeurs administratives soient éliminées.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandBill C-208 (An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (transfer of small business or family farm or fishing corporation), 43rd Parliament, 2nd session) received royal assent on June 29, 2021. In Budget 2023, the government announced additional proposed measures to support intergenerational business transfers (see page 16 of Budget 2023 Tax Measures: Supplementary Information under the heading “Strengthening the Intergenerational Business Transfer Framework”).
Fermes familialesPetites et moyennes entreprisesTransfert de propriété
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01836441-01836 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB26 octobre 202311 décembre 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • Aucune loi n’oblige les producteurs, les distributeurs et les annonceurs de matériel pornographique commercial à vérifier l’âge et le consentement des personnes représentées dans le matériel et à consigner ces données;
  • La recommandation no 2 du rapport sur MindGeek que le Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique a publié en 2021 dit ceci : « Que le gouvernement du Canada oblige les plateformes offrant des services d’hébergement de contenu au Canada à exiger de toutes les personnes figurant dans du contenu pornographique la confirmation qu’elles sont majeures et qu’elles consentent à la diffusion du contenu, avant que celui-ci soit téléversé sur un site »;
  • Le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet, crée deux nouvelles infractions dans le Code criminel : le fait de produire du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée, et le fait de distribuer du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée ou lorsque le consentement a été refusé par écrit;
  • Plusieurs organismes, dont Defend Dignity, le Conseil national des femmes du Canada, le London Abused Women’s Centre, le Conseil des femmes de Montréal, Parents Aware et le National Centre on Child Exploitation, se sont exprimés en faveur du projet de loi C 270;
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions donc la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThere is no room in Canada for sexual exploitation. Our Government is committed to ensuring that all individuals are safe from sexual exploitation, including online. It is for this exact reason that the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s December 2021 mandate letter commits to introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content, taking into consideration the feedback received from the Canadian public in 2021.In 2022, we took it a step further, which included an expert advisory group, a Citizens’ Assembly, Indigenous engagement, which involved a sharing circle and one-on-one interviews, and 20 Ministerial roundtables across Canada. Our Government is committed to putting in place a regulatory framework to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content online. Online services have a role to play to make the Internet a safer place for all users in Canada.Furthermore, the Criminal Code includes a strong and comprehensive approach that protects against sexual exploitation, including offences that prohibit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (section 162.1), as well as child-specific sexual offences, including child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1). Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, which means that prosecutions can happen in Canada for crimes allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report to police when they have reasonable grounds to believe that their Internet service is being or has been used to commit a child pornography offence, such as making child pornography available, or distributing child pornography. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) is responsible under the Act for another measure to protect the Canadian public. It receives, and processes, reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet from Canadian providers of Internet services. C3P is a registered charitable organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which receives and processes tips from the public about potentially illegal material online related to child sexual exploitation and then refers any potentially actionable reports to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services for those who need it. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler, which scans the internet and automatically detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally. When service providers, subject to the Act, are advised of a location on the Internet where child pornography may be made available to the public, the providers are required under this Act to report to C3P. All of these efforts together make C3P an effective organization that provides tools to protect children and combat child sexual exploitation.
Âge légalC-270, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (matériel pornographique)ConsentementPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01835441-01835 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB26 octobre 202311 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01834441-01834 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC26 octobre 202311 décembre 202312 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le guillemot marbré (Brachyrampus marmoratus) est inscrit sur la liste des espèces « menacées » de la Loi sur les espèces en péril (LEP) depuis 2003 et est un oiseau migrateur protégé par la Loi de 1994 sur la Convention concernant les oiseaux migrateurs;
  • Dans le programme de rétablissement fédéral, on souligne que le guillemot marbré est menacé principalement à cause de la destruction continue de l’habitat de nidification dans les forêts anciennes, qui découle en grande partie des opérations forestières industrielles;
  • Tous les nids sont protégés en vertu de la Loi fédérale sur les espèces en péril et de la Loi sur la Convention concernant les oiseaux migrateurs, mais ceux des guillemots marbrés sont presque imperceptibles, et, par conséquent, la protection existante n’est pas suffisante pour que cette espèce soit sauvegardée;
  • Les intervenants de l’industrie forestière échouent constamment à respecter leur obligation de faire rapport dans le cadre des projets de blocs de coupe;
  • En 2021, des biologistes ont observé plus de 300 détections vérifiées de guillemots marbrés dans le bloc de coupe 8022, concession de ferme forestière (TFL) numéro 46, ainsi que des comportements de nidification dans la forêt;
  • Les petites aires d’habitat d’espèces sauvages existant dans la concession de ferme forestière numéro 46 contiennent uniquement 26 % d’habitat de nidification propice à l’espèce selon les cartes sur l’habitat propice de 2018;
  • Les forêts anciennes répondent à la définition d’un large éventail de valeurs axées sur la biodiversité selon les définitions de la Convention sur la diversité biologique.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de protéger immédiatement tous les habitats essentiels de forêts anciennes que fréquentent les guillemots marbrés (Brachyrampus marmoratus), qui constituent des refuges régis par la Loi de 1994 sur la Convention concernant les oiseaux migrateurs.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada is committed to halting and reversing the loss of this country’s rich biodiversity. In support of this commitment, Environment and Climate Change Canada is leading the development of Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy. The 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy will establish a shared vision for halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada, reflect Canada’s domestic priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and guide how Canada implements the Global Biodiversity Framework domestically.The Government of Canada recognizes that the environment and the conservation of biodiversity is a shared responsibility in Canada and that real progress can only be made if all levels of government share objectives and work in collaboration to achieve them. Species at risk are on the front line of biodiversity loss, and the federal, provincial, and territorial governments have been working cooperatively to protect and recover Canada’s imperiled species for close to three decades. The Government of Canada respects provincial and territorial jurisdiction and therefore first looks to them to protect terrestrial species and their habitat as well as migratory birds’ habitat beyond the nest on non-federally administered lands.The statutory scheme protecting migratory birds under both the Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, respects and supports this reality and achieves two principal goals: (1) it ensures the protection of individuals, nests, and eggs of migratory birds, and (2) it complies with the constitutional division of powers and the principles of subsidiarity and cooperative federalism.The Species at Risk Act (SARA) is the Government of Canada's key legislative tool to protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats. SARA provides a legal framework for identifying, listing, and managing at-risk species and mandates the development of recovery strategies and action plans, with the goal of preventing species extinction and promoting their recovery. SARA also includes provisions for critical habitat protection. The Act is based on cooperation between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, intending a coordinated effort to safeguard Canada's diverse wildlife and ecosystems, and supports the Government of Canada’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Minister of the Environment is also responsible for the administration of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA), which provides for the protection of migratory birds through the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, and the Migratory Birds Sanctuary Regulations. The Act prohibits the hunting, possession, and trade of migratory birds, their nests, and eggs without permits. Regulations under the MBCA provide a framework for species-specific protection, hunting seasons, and to focus conservation efforts.  In 2022, the Migratory Bird Regulations were modernized.  The new Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, provide protection to migratory bird nests when they are considered to have a high conservation value for migratory birds. The nests of all migratory bird species are protected when they contain a live bird or a viable egg. This supports conservation benefits as the nests of most migratory birds only have conservation value when they are active.  In general, the Regulations grant authority to federal agencies to enforce these laws, ensuring the sustainability of migratory bird populations. The federal government also works with the provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous nations, and various partners to protect migratory bird habitat through the work of North American Waterfowl Management Plan Habitat Joint Ventures, the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Network, Important Bird Areas program, and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.As a migratory bird and listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, the Marbled Murrelet is protected under both SARA and the MBCA. The amended final Recovery Strategy for the Marbled Murrelet in Canada was published on the SAR Public Registry in January 2023. This recovery strategy partially identifies critical habitat for the species in Canada where available information in terrestrial and marine habitats was adequate to do so. There are also three multispecies Action Plans that include Marbled Murrelet for lands and waters administered by the Parks Canada Agency.  In March and December 2022, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change issued protection statements pursuant to subsection 58(5.2)(b) of SARA indicating how the critical habitat of certain migratory birds (including Marbled Murrelet), that is habitat to which the MBCA applies, is legally protected. Nests of migratory birds are legally protected through the following Acts of Parliament and relevant provisions: s.33 of SARA, s.5 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, and s.3(2) of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations. The protection statement noted that: “For clarity, the language ‘habitat to which that Act [MBCA] applies’ refers to the nest only.” The text of the protection statement can be found on the Species at Risk Public Registry: Protection statement: habitat to which the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 applies for migratory birds listed under the Species at Risk ActIn addition to fulfilling its obligations under SARA and the MBCA for the species, the Government of Canada recognizes that more needs to be done to protect the old growth forests that support the Marbled Murrelet.Canada’s forests, and in particular British Columbia’s (B.C.) old growth forests, are rich with biodiversity and provide important habitat for a range of wildlife. In addition to these habitat functions, forests are key to the health of our climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old growth forests, like those in British Columbia, also function as important carbon reservoirs.Forest management is the jurisdiction of provincial governments, and the vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia, approximately 96% of forests are on provincial crown land. At the same time, the federal government is committed to supporting the province’s effort to manage and conserve old growth forests given their significance for migratory birds, species at risk and their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and their associated wildlife.To demonstrate federal support, the 2022 Federal Budget established a $50 million Old Growth Nature Fund, which will focus on protecting at-risk high productivity old growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding will support planning and collaboration with B.C. and Indigenous communities, and provide incentives for third-party funders, to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. The Old Growth Nature Fund will also contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieve Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of British Columbia are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada. Federal officials are also working with their provincial and Indigenous colleagues and partners to finalize a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation and to explore additional ways to encourage and support the province in its efforts to protect and restore habitat.The federal government has also contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 hectares of forest habitat in British Columbia. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, and the Ecological Gifts Program.The federal government is also working to ensure forests, including old growth forests, are considered in the context of ongoing species at risk and nature-related engagement with provincial and territorial partners. For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders are engaged in the development of a forest sector action plan that will help guide collaborative efforts to recover species at risk under the Pan Canadian Approach to Species at Risk.     
Conservation des habitatsEspèces en voie de disparitionLoi de 1994 sur la convention concernant les oiseaux migrateursOiseaux migrateurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01833441-01833 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • Aucune loi n’oblige les producteurs, les distributeurs et les annonceurs de matériel pornographique commercial à vérifier l’âge et le consentement des personnes représentées dans le matériel et à consigner ces données;
  • La recommandation no 2 du rapport sur MindGeek que le Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique a publié en 2021 dit ceci : « Que le gouvernement du Canada oblige les plateformes offrant des services d’hébergement de contenu au Canada à exiger de toutes les personnes figurant dans du contenu pornographique la confirmation qu’elles sont majeures et qu’elles consentent à la diffusion du contenu, avant que celui-ci soit téléversé sur un site »;
  • Le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet, crée deux nouvelles infractions dans le Code criminel : le fait de produire du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée, et le fait de distribuer du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée ou lorsque le consentement a été refusé par écrit;
  • Plusieurs organismes, dont Defend Dignity, le Conseil national des femmes du Canada, le London Abused Women’s Centre, le Conseil des femmes de Montréal, Parents Aware et le National Centre on Child Exploitation, se sont exprimés en faveur du projet de loi C 270;
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions donc la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThere is no room in Canada for sexual exploitation. Our Government is committed to ensuring that all individuals are safe from sexual exploitation, including online. It is for this exact reason that the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s December 2021 mandate letter commits to introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content, taking into consideration the feedback received from the Canadian public in 2021.In 2022, we took it a step further, which included an expert advisory group, a Citizens’ Assembly, Indigenous engagement, which involved a sharing circle and one-on-one interviews, and 20 Ministerial roundtables across Canada. Our Government is committed to putting in place a regulatory framework to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content online. Online services have a role to play to make the Internet a safer place for all users in Canada.Furthermore, the Criminal Code includes a strong and comprehensive approach that protects against sexual exploitation, including offences that prohibit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (section 162.1), as well as child-specific sexual offences, including child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1). Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, which means that prosecutions can happen in Canada for crimes allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report to police when they have reasonable grounds to believe that their Internet service is being or has been used to commit a child pornography offence, such as making child pornography available, or distributing child pornography. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) is responsible under the Act for another measure to protect the Canadian public. It receives, and processes, reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet from Canadian providers of Internet services. C3P is a registered charitable organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which receives and processes tips from the public about potentially illegal material online related to child sexual exploitation and then refers any potentially actionable reports to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services for those who need it. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler, which scans the internet and automatically detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally. When service providers, subject to the Act, are advised of a location on the Internet where child pornography may be made available to the public, the providers are required under this Act to report to C3P. All of these efforts together make C3P an effective organization that provides tools to protect children and combat child sexual exploitation.
Âge légalC-270, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (matériel pornographique)ConsentementPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01832441-01832 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 20237 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01831441-01831 (Droits de la personne)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202327 mai 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Un examen effectué par le Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation n’a permis de trouver aucune information concernant la transmission de la COVID-19 à bord d’avions;
  • Selon la première médecin en chef de Westjet, la Dre Tammy McKnight, en date du 23 avril 2021, il n’y avait aucun cas connu de transmission de la COVID-19 à bord d’un avion canadien;
  • Une étude menée en 2020 par l’Association du transport aérien international a révélé que sur 1,2 milliard de passagers dans le monde, seulement 44 cas de COVID-19 ont été signalés comme des cas de transmission liés à un vol;
  • D’autres pays ont aboli les obligations et restrictions en matière de vaccins;
  • La restriction imposée aux Canadiens qui prennent des vols, des trains et des traversiers intérieurs représente une atteinte déraisonnable à leurs droits et libertés, dont la justification ne peut être démontrée dans une société libre et démocratique.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre des Transports :1) d’abolir l’obligation de présenter un passeport vaccinal pour les citoyens canadiens et les résidents permanents qui prennent des vols intérieurs;2) de mettre fin à toutes les obligations et restrictions vaccinales sous réglementation fédérale liées à la COVID-19.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezAs of June 20, 2022, the Government suspended vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, the federally regulated transportation sector, and federal government employees. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for travel within Canada or for those working in the federally regulated transportation sector; accommodations for remote communities are also no longer necessary.Other public health measures, under the authority of the Public Health Agency of Canada such as border entry restrictions, passenger testing, masking, quarantine and isolation requirements were also lifted on October 1, 2022.  
COVID-19ImmunisationPandémiesRestrictions concernant les voyages
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01830441-01830 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • Aucune loi n’oblige les producteurs, les distributeurs et les annonceurs de matériel pornographique commercial à vérifier l’âge et le consentement des personnes représentées dans le matériel et à consigner ces données;
  • La recommandation no 2 du rapport sur MindGeek que le Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique a publié en 2021 dit ceci : « Que le gouvernement du Canada oblige les plateformes offrant des services d’hébergement de contenu au Canada à exiger de toutes les personnes figurant dans du contenu pornographique la confirmation qu’elles sont majeures et qu’elles consentent à la diffusion du contenu, avant que celui-ci soit téléversé sur un site »;
  • Le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet, crée deux nouvelles infractions dans le Code criminel : le fait de produire du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée, et le fait de distribuer du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée ou lorsque le consentement a été refusé par écrit;
  • Plusieurs organismes, dont Defend Dignity, le Conseil national des femmes du Canada, le London Abused Women’s Centre, le Conseil des femmes de Montréal, Parents Aware et le National Centre on Child Exploitation, se sont exprimés en faveur du projet de loi C 270;
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions donc la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThere is no room in Canada for sexual exploitation. Our Government is committed to ensuring that all individuals are safe from sexual exploitation, including online. It is for this exact reason that the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s December 2021 mandate letter commits to introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content, taking into consideration the feedback received from the Canadian public in 2021.In 2022, we took it a step further, which included an expert advisory group, a Citizens’ Assembly, Indigenous engagement, which involved a sharing circle and one-on-one interviews, and 20 Ministerial roundtables across Canada. Our Government is committed to putting in place a regulatory framework to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content online. Online services have a role to play to make the Internet a safer place for all users in Canada.Furthermore, the Criminal Code includes a strong and comprehensive approach that protects against sexual exploitation, including offences that prohibit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (section 162.1), as well as child-specific sexual offences, including child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1). Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, which means that prosecutions can happen in Canada for crimes allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report to police when they have reasonable grounds to believe that their Internet service is being or has been used to commit a child pornography offence, such as making child pornography available, or distributing child pornography. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) is responsible under the Act for another measure to protect the Canadian public. It receives, and processes, reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet from Canadian providers of Internet services. C3P is a registered charitable organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which receives and processes tips from the public about potentially illegal material online related to child sexual exploitation and then refers any potentially actionable reports to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services for those who need it. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler, which scans the internet and automatically detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally. When service providers, subject to the Act, are advised of a location on the Internet where child pornography may be made available to the public, the providers are required under this Act to report to C3P. All of these efforts together make C3P an effective organization that provides tools to protect children and combat child sexual exploitation.
Âge légalC-270, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (matériel pornographique)ConsentementPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01829441-01829 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • Aucune loi n’oblige les producteurs, les distributeurs et les annonceurs de matériel pornographique commercial à vérifier l’âge et le consentement des personnes représentées dans le matériel et à consigner ces données;
  • La recommandation no 2 du rapport sur MindGeek que le Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique a publié en 2021 dit ceci : « Que le gouvernement du Canada oblige les plateformes offrant des services d’hébergement de contenu au Canada à exiger de toutes les personnes figurant dans du contenu pornographique la confirmation qu’elles sont majeures et qu’elles consentent à la diffusion du contenu, avant que celui-ci soit téléversé sur un site »;
  • Le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet, crée deux nouvelles infractions dans le Code criminel : le fait de produire du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée, et le fait de distribuer du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée ou lorsque le consentement a été refusé par écrit;
  • Plusieurs organismes, dont Defend Dignity, le Conseil national des femmes du Canada, le London Abused Women’s Centre, le Conseil des femmes de Montréal, Parents Aware et le National Centre on Child Exploitation, se sont exprimés en faveur du projet de loi C 270;
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions donc la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThere is no room in Canada for sexual exploitation. Our Government is committed to ensuring that all individuals are safe from sexual exploitation, including online. It is for this exact reason that the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s December 2021 mandate letter commits to introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content, taking into consideration the feedback received from the Canadian public in 2021.In 2022, we took it a step further, which included an expert advisory group, a Citizens’ Assembly, Indigenous engagement, which involved a sharing circle and one-on-one interviews, and 20 Ministerial roundtables across Canada. Our Government is committed to putting in place a regulatory framework to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content online. Online services have a role to play to make the Internet a safer place for all users in Canada.Furthermore, the Criminal Code includes a strong and comprehensive approach that protects against sexual exploitation, including offences that prohibit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (section 162.1), as well as child-specific sexual offences, including child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1). Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, which means that prosecutions can happen in Canada for crimes allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report to police when they have reasonable grounds to believe that their Internet service is being or has been used to commit a child pornography offence, such as making child pornography available, or distributing child pornography. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) is responsible under the Act for another measure to protect the Canadian public. It receives, and processes, reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet from Canadian providers of Internet services. C3P is a registered charitable organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which receives and processes tips from the public about potentially illegal material online related to child sexual exploitation and then refers any potentially actionable reports to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services for those who need it. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler, which scans the internet and automatically detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally. When service providers, subject to the Act, are advised of a location on the Internet where child pornography may be made available to the public, the providers are required under this Act to report to C3P. All of these efforts together make C3P an effective organization that provides tools to protect children and combat child sexual exploitation.
Âge légalC-270, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (matériel pornographique)ConsentementPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01828441-01828 (Santé)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202328 janvier 2021PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Que la vie humaine soit traitée avec le plus grand respect, de la conception à la mort naturelle.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement du Canada de : soutenir les mesures qui protègent la vie humaine.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government has always and will always support a woman’s right to choose. Everyone has the right to make decisions about their health and body. The Supreme Court of Canada in 1988 struck down Canada’s criminal law against abortion, and the Government took the necessary steps to complete the repeal of those provisions by introducing amendments to take them off the books, which were enacted in 2019. Our Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7, which provides that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. Section 7 includes some protection against government interference with an individual’s access to abortion care. Section 7 also generally protects an individual’s right to control their bodily integrity, and a sphere of personal autonomy involving inherently private choices that go to the core of what it means to enjoy individual dignity and independence. Our government will always protect and promote women’s rights in Canada and around the world.
Système de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01827441-01827 (Sécurité publique)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01826441-01826 (Transport)L’hon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLibéralON25 octobre 202311 décembre 20235 octobre 2023Pétition au ministre des TransportsATTENDU QUE :
  • Des municipalités, des associations de propriétaires et des milliers de résidents craignent sérieusement que les maisons flottantes non réglementées en Ontario causent des dommages, notamment environnementaux, sociaux et économiques, et des impacts sur la sécurité publique dans nos cours d’eau si aucune réglementation n’est mise en place;
  • Le gouvernement de l’Ontario a récemment consulté les Ontariens sur cette question, et il semble disposé à réglementer ces maisons flottantes. Mais ses mains sont liées et il a besoin de votre soutien pour adopter des changements conformes aux recommandations énoncées ci-après;
  • Le problème est qu’en Ontario, Transports Canada classe ces structures en tant que « bâtiments », alors qu’en Colombie-Britannique, Transports Canada les place dans la catégorie des « maisons flottantes ». Ainsi, la manière dont Transports Canada assure la supervision de ces structures diffère selon les provinces;
  • Par conséquent, comme ces structures sont classées en tant que « bâtiments » en Ontario, elles sont actuellement exemptées de toute forme de supervision et de réglementation provinciales et municipales, notamment en matière de respect des codes du bâtiment, de protection de l’environnement, de sécurité publique, de taxation et de gestion des emplacements;
  • En Colombie-Britannique, où Transports Canada les classe en tant que « maisons flottantes », ces structures doivent être conformes à des normes de construction strictes et elles peuvent être assujetties à la réglementation provinciale et municipale pour assurer la protection de l’environnement, le respect des codes du bâtiment et la gestion de l’utilisation/de l’emplacement;
  • Une fois que ce changement aura été fait, les municipalités pourront créer des règlements sur les maisons flottantes qui cadreront avec les normes provinciales et municipales.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens de la province de l’Ontario, prions le ministre des Transports de :Demander respectueusement à votre Ministère de classer les maisons flottantes, existantes et nouvelles, en tant que maisons flottantes et non en tant que bâtiments en Ontario, en conformité au précédent établi par votre Ministère en Colombie-Britannique en 2001.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe Government of Canada is attentive to public concerns about floating accommodations on Ontario (ON) waters, and their potential environmental, social, and public safety impacts. Within the rubric of Transport Canada’s (TC) legislative and regulatory mandate, these structures are defined as vessels under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (the CSA 2001):A boat, ship or craft designed, used or capable of being used solely or partly for navigation in, on, through or immediately above water, without regard to method or lack of propulsion, and includes such a vessel that is under construction. It does not include a floating object of a prescribed class.While these floating accommodations often have no means of propulsion, they can be navigated under tow and, as such, are subject to pertinent regulations under the CSA 2001. TC’sregulatoryauthority under the CSA 2001 covers safety equipment, construction, navigation, and environmental protection. The department does not regulate where these vessels can operate, nor the duration for which they can stay anchored or moored in any given location.Vessels of this nature must meet the requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations and Transport Publication 1332 - Construction Standards for Small Vessels (2010), including having necessary safety equipment and meeting construction requirements. They must also meet the applicable requirements of the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical Regulations, under which, for example, the discharge overboard of raw sewage is prohibited.While the floating accommodations of concern in ON are anchored near shore, independent of shore installations, and capable of navigation (i.e., can be moved to another location), those in British Columbia (BC) that are referenced as “float homes”, and that are not considered vessels, are permanently moored to the dock or shore, dependent on shore services (e.g., electrical power, fresh water, phone, waste management, etc.), and cannot be used for navigation. These float homes are normally located within the confines of a harbour or a marina.Such accommodations are treated as real estate, built in conformity with the BC Float Home Standard, and overseen by the BC Float Home Committee. Because of their features, these BC float homes are not considered vessels under theCSA 2001. In this regard, the CSA2001and the BC Float Home Standard are addressing different structures.In June 2023, the ON Government amended Regulation 161/17 (under the Public Lands Act) to prohibit floating accommodations from docking overnight on provincial waterways. The updated regulation clarifies the difference between “floating accommodations” and “watercraft”, applies only to public lands in ON, and does not address floating accommodations located on private water lots or on waterways under the authority of other governments (e.g., portions of the Trent Severn Waterway). The regulatory amendments do not impact TC’s definition of a vessel under the CSA 2001.TC, Parks Canada (PCA), and the ON Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) each have authorities related to floating accommodations, depending on whether they are secured to a waterbed and/or surface land controlled provincially or federally. TC, PCA, and the ON Government have met on multiple occasions to discuss floating accommodations.Going forward, TC will continue to work with its federal, provincial, and municipal partners to help ensure safe navigation and environmental protections for ON’s navigable waterways. TC is interested in better understanding the public’s concerns regarding floating accommodations and the long-term anchoring of vessels. TC also hosted an online consultation in fall 2023 to better understand the perspectives of Canadians.Should those consultations indicate sufficient interest in having an opportunity to restrict long-term anchoring, TC would consider incorporating restrictions to this effect in the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (VORR). The VORR provide a mechanism for local authorities and municipal and provincial governments to regulate boating activities on their waters, and delegate enforcement powers to local enforcement authorities. Local authorities submit applications to TC on a regular basis seeking new restrictions. A restriction on long-term anchoring could be added for those instances where the anchoring poses a safety or environmental risk. 
LogementPetits bateauxRéglementation
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023e-4421e-4421 (Sécurité publique)SteveSullivanL’hon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLibéralON24 mai 2023 à 8 h 26 (HAE)21 septembre 2023 à 8 h 26 (HAE)25 octobre 202311 décembre 202321 septembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee> Attendu que : La conduite avec facultés affaiblies tue des centaines de Canadiens et en blesse des milliers d’autres chaque année;En 2021, il y a eu près de 78 500 accusations fédérales et sanctions provinciales pour conduite avec facultés affaiblies;On estime que la conduite avec facultés affaiblies coûte à la société des milliards de dollars chaque année, entre les soins de santé, l’application de la loi, les tribunaux, les prisons, les assurances, les coûts personnels, et bien d’autres choses encore; La loi HALT, présentée en l’honneur de la famille Abbas, tuée par un conducteur en état d’ébriété, a été promulguée par le président américain Joe Biden en novembre 2021 et a bénéficié d’un appui bipartite. Cette loi exige que les voitures et camions neufs soient équipés d’une technologie avancée de prévention de la conduite avec facultés affaiblies d’ici 2026-2027; Les experts estiment que la technologie pourrait prévenir la majorité des blessures et des décès causés par la conduite avec facultés affaiblies.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de légiférer pour qu’il soit obligatoire d’équiper les nouveaux véhicules d’une technologie de prévention de la conduite avec facultés affaiblies d’ici 2026-2027.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezRoad safety in Canada is a shared jurisdiction among all levels of government, industry partners, and all road users. Under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Transport Canada regulates the safety performance of new and imported motor vehicles and equipment to strengthen road safety. Justice Canada is responsible for the Criminal Code of Canada, which contains the federal laws and penalties for impaired driving. Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for driver licensing and vehicle registration, vehicle maintenance, and insurance as well as setting and enforcing the rules of the road. Safety is a key priority for Transport Canada, and this includes measures to strengthen road safety. The Department works with provincial and territorial partners and other stakeholders, including police, to reduce impaired driving. The Department chairs a Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee concerning the standards for breath alcohol ignition interlocks for convicted offenders and conducts surveys to measure impaired driving on Canadian roads.Maintaining road safety requires the combined efforts of many, which is why in 2017, the Government announced investments of $161 million until March 2025 to address drug-impaired driving (DID). Funds are administered by Public Safety Canada to enhance training of frontline officers to recognize the signs and symptoms of DID; build law enforcement capacity; provide access to drug screening equipment; develop policy and research; and raise public awareness about the dangers of DID. Provinces and Territories can access up to $81 million of this funding.Transport Canada also has regular communication with the United States (U.S.) on road safety. The Department is aware that their recent legislation includes financial support to further test anti-impaired driving technologies. Although there are significant benefits to anti-impaired driving technologies being installed in vehicles, various considerations need to be assessed for the benefits of these devices to be fully realized. Some of the issues include: the need for provincial and territorial support and coordination; public acceptance; addressing the cost of device manufacturing and associated costs to consumers; and assessing the vehicle fleet changeover time to have a meaningful impact. It is important to note that the technology is still evolving. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is scheduled to release their Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in 2023, seeking comments on mandating these technologies. This will be followed by a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking additional comment prior to any Final Rule being published. Transport Canada will continue to monitor these developments and collaborate with the U.S. NHTSA through their process as well as similar processes in other countries. These steps will help inform the appropriate path forward for Canada which could potentially include mandating these devices to keep Canadians safe.While collective efforts to tackle impaired driving are resulting in a decrease in occurrences, the numbers are still far too great, and we are committed to working with partners to continue to explore all options to address this egregious crime. 
Conduite avec facultés affaibliesNouvelles technologies
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01824441-01824 (Justice)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202312 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement et au ministre de la Justice Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Whereas:
  • Dans le contexte de l’augmentation des divorces et de l’évolution rapide des unions conjugales dans notre pays, il est évident qu’un examen de la Loi sur le divorce s’impose;
  • Parmi les pays du G7, c’est le Canada qui présente aujourd’hui le taux d’unions de fait le plus élevé, celui-ci étant passé de 6 % en 1981 à 23 % en 2021;
  • Près de 4 enfants sur 10 vivent avec un parent seul, des beaux-parents ou des parents en union de fait ou dans une autre union non traditionnelle;
  • Plus du quart des adultes en couple en sont à leur deuxième mariage ou union de fait, et ce ménage dure souvent plus d’une décennie et produit des enfants;
  • Cependant, malgré l’évolution de la nature des unions conjugales dans notre pays, les Lignes directrices fédérales sur les pensions alimentaires pour enfants créées dans le cadre de la Loi sur le divorce ne reflètent pas la diversité et la complexité des unions conjugales en 2013;
  • Les parents canadiens, et particulièrement les pères qui sont responsables de près de 97 % des pensions alimentaires pour enfants, ont de la difficulté à appliquer les lignes directrices qui, compliquées, ne tiennent pas compte des choix de vie des ex-conjoints qui se sont remis en couple et des changements de situation familiale, par exemple lorsqu’un nouvel enfant naît dans une famille reconstituée.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Justice de demander l’examen législatif de la Loi sur le divorce, et particulièrement des Lignes directrices fédérales sur les pensions alimentaires pour enfants, afin qu’elles tiennent compte de l’évolution de la réalité des familles reconstituées et des fluctuations du revenu au fil du temps et qu’elles répondent mieux aux besoins des enfants en garde partagée.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyFamily law is an area of shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The Divorce Act and Federal Child Support Guidelines (Federal Guidelines) apply when people divorce or are divorced. Provincial and territorial family laws and child support guidelines apply when unmarried couples separate (common law partners) or when married couples separate but do not divorce. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together on an ongoing basis to monitor the application of the law and to improve the family justice system responses to the many complex issues that may arise during separation and divorce.Child support is the right of the child. The Federal Guidelines, a set of rules and tables, have the following goals: establish a fair standard of support for children so that they continue to benefit from both parents’ incomes after separation; reduce conflict between parents by making the calculation of child support more objective; ensure that parents and children in similar situations are treated the same; and make the legal process more efficient and encourage settlements.The guiding principle of the Federal Guidelines is that both parents share the responsibility to financially support their children based on their ability to do so. This responsibility continues even if parents remarry or have another relationship. Children should continue to benefit from both parents’ financial means after separation or divorce, just as they would if the family were still together.The way child support is calculated under the Federal Guidelines depends on the parenting time arrangement. In shared parenting time arrangements, the situation can vary significantly from one family to another. As a result, the method to calculate support in shared parenting time cases is discretionary. Child support is determined on a case-by-case basis by considering the following factors: (1) the amount in the tables that each parent would pay, based on each parent’s income; (2) the increased costs of shared parenting time; (3) the condition, means, needs and other circumstances of each parent and child.The Federal Guidelines recognize that in some cases, a child support amount, combined with other circumstances, could create undue hardship for a parent or child. Such circumstances could include the obligation to support children from another relationship. If an undue hardship claim is successful, a court may order a different child support amount.Child support is based on income. As income can vary overtime, so should child support amounts. Provincial child support services are administrative services that can calculate or recalculate child support amounts. These services can adjust child support amounts, either up or down, to reflect updated income information.The Government is committed to making the family justice system as fair as possible for all Canadians and to strengthening the family justice system. For example, Divorce Act amendments came into force in 2021 with the goal of promoting children’s best interests, addressing family violence, helping reduce poverty, and improving the efficiency and accessibility of the family justice system. In addition, work continues on various topics relating to Canadian families. The Department of Justice Canada recently undertook research on international child support models, including as it relates to shared parenting time, as well as on the experience of divorced and separated parents with child support and related issues. Information is published on the Department’s website. It is important for the Government of Canada to be aware of Canadians’ concerns about the family justice system so that work can continue with provincial and territorial governments to find ways to improve it.
Examen législatifLoi sur le divorceMariage et divorcePension alimentaire pour enfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01823441-01823 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON25 octobre 202311 décembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
      
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023e-4573e-4573 (Affaires sociales et égalité)TylerWilliamsLeahGazanWinnipeg-CentreNPDMB7 septembre 2023 à 11 h 07 (HAE)7 octobre 2023 à 11 h 07 (HAE)25 octobre 202311 décembre 202310 octobre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que : Le vendredi 25 août 2023, en fin de journée, il a été annoncé que le comté de Lanark mettait fin, à compter du 7 septembre 2023, à « l’accès au financement pour l’apprentissage et la garde des jeunes enfants à l’échelle du Canada (AGJE) » dont bénéficiait Natural Connections Child Care, sans invoquer d’autre raison que « le paragraphe A4.2, Résiliation pour des raisons de commodité » – ce qui plus que doublé le coût des services de garde pour plus de 280 familles de la région; quelles que soient les raisons de cette décision – budget, audit, bureaucratie, mauvaise gestion, mauvaise conduite –, les familles et les éducateurs que ce financement aidait et soutenait méritent d’en être informés.Nous soussignés, résidants préoccupés du comté de Lanark County et des environs, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. Mettre en œuvre une aide ou une intervention financière pour soutenir toutes les familles et tous les éducateurs concernés par cette décision, et expliquer les facteurs qui ont mené à cette décision;2. Appuyer la convocation d’une réunion d’urgence du conseil, entièrement transparente et tenue en présence de membres du public, pour qu’aient lieu des discussions sur la crise des services de garde d’enfants qui sévit actuellement au comté de Lanark, ainsi que sur la série d’événements ayant mené à l’exécution de cette décision sans qu’aucune explication soit donnée, et sur la façon de garantir que les familles de cette communauté ne se retrouvent jamais dans une telle situation; 3. Veiller à ce que des plans d’urgence soient mis en place pour les familles et les éducateurs concernés, avec des calendriers et des procédures appropriés, si le financement des services de garde d’enfants est interrompu par application du « paragraphe A4.2 - Cessation pour raisons de commodité », afin de garantir qu’aucune famille ne se retrouve à nouveau dans une telle situation.
Response by the Minister of Families, Children and Social DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe Government of Canada made a transformative investment of more than $27 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care (ELCC) system with provinces and territories. The vision for the Canada-wide ELCC system is that all families in Canada have access to high-quality, affordable, flexible, and inclusive ELCC, no matter where they live. Under the Canada-Ontario Canada-wide ELCC Agreement (2021-2026), the Government of Canada is providing more than $10.2 billion in funding over five years to the Government of Ontario.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have primary responsibility for the design and delivery of ELCC systems within their jurisdiction.In Ontario, the Ministry of Education provides funding to licensed child care programs that participate in the Canada-wide ELCC system through Consolidated Municipal Service Managers and District Social Services Administration Boards, also known as service system managers. Service system managers enter into a service agreement with child care operators and are responsible for ensuring their compliance with the terms and conditions of their agreements. For home-based child care, a home child care agency holds the service agreement with a service system manager, and the agency then contracts with individual home-based child care providers.All child care providers, including home-based, must follow certain requirements laid out by the provincial government, including regulations under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, and funding guidelines issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education. Home child care agencies must also adhere to requirements set out in their service agreements with the service system managers.  Service system managers are responsible for planning, managing and coordinating child care within their regions.Lanark County indicated that the details concerning the termination of Natural Connections Childcare’s agreement are confidential.The federal government will continue to work with provincial and territorial governments to increase the supply of high quality and affordable spaces across the country.  
Programmes et accords d'apprentissage et de garde des jeunes enfantsServices à l'enfance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01821441-01821 (Transport)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON25 octobre 202311 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition au ministre des Transports Attendu que :
  • La fréquence élevée du trafic aérien à proximité de zones résidentielles nuit à la qualité de vie, notamment en causant du stress et en nuisant au sommeil;
  • Il faut une meilleure collaboration de la part de la direction des aéroports avec les citoyens et les autorités fédérales en vue de réduire les répercussions négatives du bruit des aéronefs;
  • L’Aéroport international de la région de Waterloo (AIRW) abrite l’une des écoles de pilotage les plus grandes et les plus achalandées du Canada, et son trafic aérien a crû de plus de 1 400 % entre 2019 et 2022, ce qui le classe aujourd’hui au 6e rang des aéroports les plus achalandés au Canada;
  • Les répercussions négatives pour les résidents vivant à proximité de l’AIRW ont grandement empiré pendant ce temps, particulièrement en raison du fait que l’aéroport : n’impose aucune restriction ou couvre-feu pour les vols de nuit, autorise les pilotes à atterrir et décoller à toute heure du jour et de la nuit, et ne dispose pas d’un comité de gestion du bruit fonctionnel où les citoyens sont représentés et se réunissant régulièrement pour entendre les plaintes des résidents;
  • Les autres aéroports canadiens les plus achalandés à proximité de zones résidentielles à Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa et Montréal sont tous assujettis à des exigences strictes en matière de gestion du brut ainsi qu’à des restrictions concernant le trafic aérien et sur piste.
Nous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le ministre des Transports à :
  • S’assurer que les aéroports canadiens à proximité de zones résidentielles disposent de procédures et d’exigences de contrôle suffisantes spécifiques aux aéroports pour l’atténuation du bruit leur permettant de satisfaire à toutes les obligations découlant du Règlement de l’aviation canadien;
  • Vérifier si d’autres aéroports canadiens à proximité de zones résidentielles devraient être assujettis à des exigences d’atténuation du bruit et à des restrictions supplémentaires, comme :
      • l’obligation d’élaborer un plan de gestion du bruit approuvé par le ministre et de produire des rapports publics sur les problèmes de gestion du bruit et les solutions appliquées;
      • des procédures et des contrôles d’atténuation du bruit plus stricts, et des restrictions d’exploitation pour les vols de nuit; ou
      • des restrictions d’exploitation pour les pistes soumises aux critères acoustiques.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezManaging noise at aerodromes, especially active aerodromes, is a difficult exercise for the aerodrome operators, residential neighbours, aerodrome users and all levels of government. Aerodrome operators are responsible for managing noise resulting from the use of their facility with the goal of balancing the needs of aerodrome users and those of the residential community. This can be a challenging endeavour that is best managed by the aerodrome operator as they are most familiar with the operational demands and circumstances at the aerodrome. Many tools exist to manage noise such as aircraft and runway operational procedures and operating restrictions. Such procedures and restrictions exist at many aerodromes and are published in the aviation document entitled Canada Flight Supplement (CFS). Many of these procedures and restrictions have been made enforceable through the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR). There are specific procedures or restrictions that have been published for the Region of Waterloo International Airport (RWIA).  The RWIA has a page on its website that allows people to submit noise concerns. Petitioners can propose to the operator of the RWIA to establish a venue for communication and discussion such as an on-going outreach committee or a noise management committee. In collaboration with the aerodrome management and its users, changes to the existing procedures or restrictions could be explored in a manner that could provide some relief. As experiences with such measures grows, they can be modified accordingly. For more information on the regulatory framework related to aircraft noise, please refer to: 
  1. Managing noise from aircraft: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/operating-airports-aerodromes/managing-noise-aircraft 
  1. Advisory Circular (AC) 302-002. The purpose of this AC is to introduce the new?Noise Abatement Procedures and Restrictions Implementation Process, the completion of which is now required to implement new or amended noise abatement procedures and noise control measures made pursuant to CAR 602.105, at airports and aerodromes: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/reference-centre/advisory-circulars/advisory-circular-ac-no-302-002 
 
AéroportsBruit et pollution par le bruitCirculation aérienne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 décembre 2023441-01820441-01820 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB25 octobre 202311 décembre 202316 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01798441-01798 (Pêches)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC24 octobre 20237 décembre 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Un sondage réalisé en 2011 a révélé que 70 % des Britanno Colombiens étaient d’accord avec l’énoncé selon lequel « le saumon sauvage du Pacifique revêt autant d’importance pour les Britanno Colombiens que la langue française pour les Québécois »;La montaison du saumon rouge du Fraser a chuté subitement en 2009, alors que 1 million de saumons seulement, sur les 10 millions attendus, sont retournés frayer; Cette chute a incité le gouvernement du Canada à lancer une vaste commission d’enquête fédérale en 2012, sous la direction de l’honorable Bruce Cohen, pour enquêter sur la cause de ce déclin catastrophique; Les recommandations suivantes font partie des 75 recommandations découlant de l’enquête du juge Cohen :
  • Le gouvernement du Canada devrait retirer du mandat de Pêches et Océans la promotion de l’élevage du saumon comme industrie et du saumon d’élevage comme produit,
  • Le ministère des Pêches et des Océans devrait tenir explicitement compte de la proximité du saumon rouge du fleuve Fraser dans l’établissement des fermes salmonicoles, envisager de déménager les fermes salmonicoles qui sont trop près des voies de montaison du saumon, et envisager d’interdire complètement l’élevage du saumon en enclos de filet, particulièrement dans la région des îles Discovery,
  • Le ministère des Pêches et des Océans devrait encourager la Colombie Britannique à exiger que les utilisateurs de pesticides en foresterie et en agriculture consignent les endroits où des pesticides ont été appliqués et les quantités utilisées, et en fasse rapport annuellement à la province,
  • Pour favoriser la pérennité du saumon rouge du fleuve Fraser, le gouvernement du Canada devrait encourager, au Canada et à l’étranger, la prise de mesures raisonnables pour lutter contre les causes du réchauffement des eaux et des changements climatiques;
Des années plus tard, les recommandations du juge Cohen n’ont pas encore été mises en œuvre. PAR CONSÉQUENT, LES PÉTITIONNAIRES prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le principe de précaution et de mettre immédiatement en œuvre les 75 recommandations formulées par le juge Cohen afin de sauver notre saumon.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Diane LebouthillierThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the Cohen Commission’s recommendations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), along with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and the Province of British Columbia (BC), have now taken actions to address all 75 of the recommendations.Many of the Cohen recommendations are broad reaching, and consequently, acting on many of the recommendations is an ongoing task. Ongoing work on many of the Cohen recommendations continues, particularly across several key areas, such as salmon stock assessment, health status assessment, habitat protection and restoration, precautionary approach to salmon aquaculture, and fisheries management.Commitment to ongoing action is reflected in the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan which outlines specific activities and approaches led by DFO over the last five years towards restoring and maintaining healthy and diverse Pacific salmon populations and their habitats. A five-year report of the Implementation Plan was published on September 21, 2023 (https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/annual-annuel/5-year-annee-eng.html).Please see the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update Report and Annex (https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cohen/report-rapport-2018-eng.htm) for more detail on DFO’s actions to date in response to the Cohen Commission recommendations and the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan(https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/ip-pmo/index-eng.html). Additionally, the third Wild Salmon Policy Annual Report was released on February 4, 2022 (https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/annual-annuel/2020-2021-eng.html). Furthermore, the Government of Canada recognizes that a bold and targeted response with concrete actions is required to address the historic declines facing Pacific salmon. In response, the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) establishes a more comprehensive and transformative approach to support Pacific salmon rebuilding in both the immediate and longer-term. Working collaboratively with Indigenous groups, partners and stakeholders across British Columbia and the Yukon, the main goal of this initiative is to conserve and restore wild Pacific salmon stocks and their ecosystems, for all that depend on them. The PSSI’s four pillars to achieve this goal are: conservation and stewardship; salmon enhancement; harvest transformation; and integration and collaboration.DFO has addressed the Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 3: “The Government of Canada should remove from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ mandate the promotion of salmon farming as an industry and farmed salmon as a product” as per the ‘Annex to the Cohen Response 2018 Status Update: recommendation response detail’ (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cohen/annex-annexe-2018-eng.htm).The petition highlights Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 15: “The Department of Fisheries and Oceans should explicitly consider proximity to migrating Fraser River sockeye when siting salmon farms” and Recommendation 17: “The Department of Fisheries and Oceans should apply revised siting criteria to all licensed salmon farm sites. Farms that no longer comply with siting criteria should be promptly removed or relocated to sites that comply with current siting criteria.” It is also important to note Recommendation 19 in consideration of responses to Recommendations 15 and 17: “ On September 30, 2020, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans should prohibit net-pen salmon farming in the Discovery Islands (fish health sub-zone 3-2) unless he or she is satisfied that such farms pose at most a minimal risk of serious harm to the health of migrating Fraser River sockeye salmon. The Minister’s decision should summarize the information relied on and include detailed reasons. The decision should be published on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ website.”In response to Recommendation 19, the Department looked at the overall risk to Fraser River sockeye salmon from pathogens that can be found at Atlantic salmon farms, which was important in assessing whether current siting criteria are sufficient in the protection of wild salmon stocks, including migrating Fraser River sockeye. The Department completed risk assessments on nine known pathogens, assessing the risk of these pathogens coming from aquaculture operations in the Discovery Islands area to Fraser River sockeye. It was concluded that each pathogen posed no more than a minimal risk to Fraser River sockeye salmon abundance and diversity under the current fish health management practices (https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cohen/recherche-aquaculture-research-eng.html). DFO continues to update its understanding of pathogens and pests and adapt its management in response. Siting of aquaculture operations is a shared and harmonized process in BC, requiring a provincial crown tenure, a federal navigable waters permit, and a federal aquaculture licence. Aquaculture applications are submitted through a single portal, where the Government of BC considers siting through the lens of granting leases for provincial crown lands, Transport Canada considers siting related to safe navigation, and DFO considers siting relating to potential impacts to fish and fish habitat, potential impacts to existing fisheries, and fish health and wild-farmed interactions, which includes consideration of the proximity to wild salmon migration routes.Siting guidelines inform a proponent and the public on how a new or amendment application will be assessed. Licence conditions for aquaculture set out the specific operational and reporting requirements to which licence holders must adhere in order to operate legally and be in compliance with the Fisheries Act and associated regulations. They also contain provisions to ensure that aquaculture sites are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner that minimizes the risk to wild fish stocks and the marine resource.In fall 2020, the Department consulted with First Nations in the Discovery Islands to hear their views and concerns with respect to the aquaculture sites in the area. These perspectives informed the former Minister Bernadette Jordan’s decision in December 2020 to phase out Atlantic salmon aquaculture in the area by June 2022. While the Federal Court ultimately struck down that decision, former Minister Joyce Murray decided in June 2022 not to reissue Atlantic salmon aquaculture licences in the Discovery Islands, and to consult with First Nations and industry on the future of licensing in the area. In February 2023, following six months of consultations, former Minister Murray decided not to reissue licences in the Discovery Islands. Industry and some of the First Nations in the area filed a judicial review in Federal Court in March 2023 which is still a matter before the courts.The Government is moving forward on the development of an Open-Net Pen Transition Plan for salmon aquaculture in B.C. The vision of the Transition Plan is to advance innovation and growth in sustainable aquaculture in BC to progressively minimize or eliminate interactions between farmed and wild salmon, while also taking into account social, cultural, and economic objectives.In developing the Transition Plan, DFO will rely on input from the Province of British Columbia, First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders, and British Columbians. The Government is committed to ensuring that the transition from open-net pen aquaculture is done in a manner that respects the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.In July 2022, DFO released a discussion framework, which outlines the vision for open-net pen transition in BC. Members of the public were invited to participate by completing an online survey, which was available until October 27, 2022; details about this process are available on the aquaculture engagement webpage. Other activities included Ministerial roundtables with Indigenous leaders, key stakeholders, and conservation organizations; as well as bilateral meetings and engagement sessions with First Nations; local and provincial governments; industry, academics, conservation organizations; and other stakeholder groups. In May 2023, a What We Heard Report summarizing Phases 1 and 2 of engagement was released.  In July 2023, in response to requests from First Nations and others, the time period for consultation on the Transition Plan was extended. The feedback and input received during this engagement will be instrumental in the development of the final transition plan.In relation to the Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 54: “The Department of Fisheries and Oceans should encourage the Province of British Columbia:
  • to require users of pesticides in forestry and agriculture to record, and report annually to the province, the areas where pesticides were applied and the amounts used to develop; and
  • maintain a pesticide-use database (that includes information on location, volume / concentration, and timing of use) and make that information publicly available.”
BC has a system in place to monitor, report, and disseminate information on pesticide use across sectors (aquaculture, agriculture, forestry). The province requires users to report pesticide use, and has the ability to provide information on total use. Standards of use are consistent with Health Canada requirements. As part of the Fisheries Protection Program, DFO will continue to coordinate and work with the Province of BC on areas of common interest. Specific to pesticides used for aquaculture purposes, under the authority of the Aquaculture Activities Regulations, DFO collects all information regarding the deposit of deleterious substances, including both drugs and pesticides. Any use of registered pesticides, including Hydrogen Peroxide are reported to DFO through a 72 hour notification requirement, and a quarterly report include dates and amounts of product used.Both ECCC and DFO have taken action in response the Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 74: “To improve future sustainability of the Fraser River sockeye, the Government of Canada should champion, within Canada and internationally, reasonable steps to address the causes of warming waters and climate change.” DFO works to address climate change impacts in aquatic ecosystems as a part of an ECCC-led, whole-of-government effort. Through this work, the department conducts vulnerability assessments on Pacific species, including salmon, to warming waters and continues to monitor trends in sea surface temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean acidification in freshwater and marine areas. These monitoring data are important to understanding the causes of change and are used by DFO in studies to quantify the rate of change in freshwaters and marine waters inhabited by Pacific salmon.
Commission CohenFleuve FraserPêches du PacifiquePolitique sur les pêchesSaumon sockeyeStocks de poissons
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023e-4460e-4460 (Justice)LaurelSimBlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB26 mai 2023 à 14 h 43 (HAE)23 septembre 2023 à 14 h 43 (HAE)24 octobre 20237 décembre 202325 septembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : La violence sexuelle contre les enfants a augmenté de 118 % entre 2010 et 2017 selon le Centre canadien de la statistique juridique;Les statistiques montrent que la Loi sur l’enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels a rarement été utilisée par les services de police aux fins indiquées, c’est-à-dire pour protéger la société par la prévention et la tenue d’enquêtes efficaces sur les crimes de nature sexuelle;Le 16 septembre 2021, Robert Keith Major, 53 ans, un délinquant sexuel connu et déjà condamné à plusieurs reprises, a tué Mchale Erica Busch (24 ans) et son fils, Noah Lee McConnell (16 mois), dans leur logement de Hinton, en Alberta, un crime qui aurait pu être évité;Mchale Busch et son fiancé, Cody McConnell, ne savaient pas que le délinquant vivait dans l’appartement voisin du leur, car ils n’avaient emménagé que dix jours auparavant et n’avaient aucun lien avec l’accusé. Le complexe était un immeuble familial qui abritait de nombreux enfants et se trouvait à proximité de deux terrains de jeux et d’une école.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes : 1. Exiger que les délinquants sexuels reconnus coupables se présentent au poste de police le plus proche lors de tout changement de résidence; 2. Préciser que le délinquant qui omet de le faire commet une infraction et qu’un mandat d’arrestation peut être délivré contre lui;3. Créer une catégorie de délinquants spécialement désignés pour les personnes reconnues coupables d’agressions sexuelles à l’endroit d’un enfant qui sont condamnés à une peine de plus de deux ans ou pour les délinquants reconnus coupables d’au moins deux infractions sexuelles violentes ou d’infractions impliquant l’enlèvement de femmes ou d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) establishes reporting obligations for a registered sex offender in relation to a change of residence.On October 26, 2023, Bill S-12 came into force, ensuring the National Sex Offender Registry can continue to be an effective tool to prevent and investigate crimes of a sexual nature.Under section 4.1(1)(a) of the SOIRA, an offender subject to a SOIRA order is obligated to report to a registration centre any change in their main residence or secondary residence within seven days. If an offender fails to report in accordance with section 4.1(1)(a) of the SOIRA, they can be charged under section 490.031(1) of the Criminal Code for failure to comply with their SOIRA order. This is a hybrid offence, meaning it can be prosecuted by summary conviction (a less serious offence), or by indictment (a more serious offence). The maximum penalty for this offence is a maximum fine of $10,000.00 or a term of imprisonment of 2 years less a day imprisonment if prosecuted by summary conviction, or a maximum fine of $10,000.00 or a term of 2 years if prosecuted by indictment.While failure to report continues to be an offence under the Criminal Code, Bill S-12 also introduced a new warrant provision that permits a peace officer to arrest a person who is non-compliant with their obligations under sections 4 to 5.1 of the Sex Offender Information Registration Act in order to bring them to a registration centre and provide them with the opportunity to comply. If the offender still fails to comply they could then be charged under section 490.031(1) of the Criminal Code for failure to comply, as noted above.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneySexual offences, particularly against children, are amongst the most egregious crimes. Protecting persons in Canada from sexual offenders is a top priority for the Government.Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code,the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, came into force on October 26, 2023. It responds directly to a Supreme Court of Canada decision and strengthens the National Sex Offender Registry.This legislation aims to ensure that everyone in Canada – survivors of sexual assault and their families in particular – can feel safe and have confidence in our criminal justice system, knowing that tools are in place for police to prevent and investigate sexual crimes.Under these recent reforms:
  • anyone convicted of a sexual offence against a child, when prosecuted by indictment and sentenced to two years or more in prison, as well as any repeat sexual offender, will be automatically required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry;
  • all other sexual offenders will also be required to register, unless they can demonstrate to a judge that they pose no risk to the community; and,
  • judges will be able to impose lifetime registration for sexual offenders who are found guilty of more than one offence at the same time, if the pattern of offending demonstrates a risk of reoffending.
The legislation also aims to strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry as a law enforcement tool in many other ways, including by adding five new designated offences for which an individual can be added to the Registry, including the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, so called “sextortion”, and aggravated sexual assault of a person under 16.In addition, the legislation created a compliance warrant scheme authorizing police to seek a warrant to arrest an offender who is non-compliant with their Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) obligation and bring them to a registration center to facilitate compliance. If an offender complies, a charge for non-compliance is precluded.The legislation now also contains a summons provision to permit courts to compel an offender to return to court for a consideration of their SOIRA obligation in situations where this issue was not considered at sentencing. Further, under the legislation, registered offenders are required to provide law enforcement with at least 14 days’ notice and a specific address of destination when travelling, when possible.Finally, the legislation empowers survivors and victims of crime by giving them greater voice and agency in the criminal justice process, namely through amended publication ban provisions and enhanced access to information.The Government will do everything in its power to protect persons in Canada, especially the most vulnerable, and to help give a voice to the victims.
Code criminelDélinquants sexuelsExploitation et abus sexuel d'enfantsLoi sur l'enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01800441-01800 (Environnement)MarcSerréNickel BeltLibéralON24 octobre 20237 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années, si elle n’est pas freinée, provoquera « une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes »;
  • L’été 2023 a été le trimestre le plus chaud jamais enregistré à l’échelle mondiale, et le Canada connaît la saison des incendies de forêt la plus grave jamais enregistrée;
  • Au cours de la dernière décennie, la combustion de combustibles fossiles est à l’origine de plus de 85 % des gaz qui réchauffent notre planète, les gaz à effet de serre;
  • Le secteur pétrolier et gazier du Canada est le secteur qui émet le plus rapidement et le plus massivement des gaz à effet de serre;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à « plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050 ».
NOUS, sousignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement fédéral d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre un objectif provisoire et scientifique de réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre d’ici 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to achieve Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets in a way that allows the sector to compete in a global economy that is transitioning to net-zero. Addressing emissions from the oil and gas sector—the largest source of GHG emissions in Canada—is critical to the achievement of Canada’s climate goals and international commitments, and vital to the sustainability and competitiveness of Canada’s energy industry.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which outlines the measures Canada is taking to reach its Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement, a 40-45% economy-wide reduction in GHG emissions below 2005 levels by 2030. A key element of the Government’s plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This Government of Canada commitment was first announced in November 2021 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.Capping and cutting oil and gas sector emissions will send a clear, long-term policy signal to invest in clean technology, low-emissions energy assets, and supporting infrastructure while avoiding investments in oil and gas production that do not incorporate best-in-class technologies and infrastructure. The oil and gas emissions cap will build on other measures in place to reduce emissions from the sector, including carbon pollution pricing and methane regulations. The Government plans to release further details before the end of 2023.
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01801441-01801 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB24 octobre 20237 décembre 20231 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01802441-01802 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01803441-01803 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON24 octobre 20237 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
    
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01804441-01804 (Transport)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON24 octobre 20237 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition au ministre des Transports, l’honorable Pablo Rodriguez ATTENDU QUE :
  • Depuis 1946, Modélistes Aéronautiques Associés du Canada (MAAC) est l’organisme qui réglemente le vol d’aéromodèles au Canada. MAAC réglemente l’aéromodélisme radiocommandé (RC) en fixant des exigences en matière de formation ainsi que des règles concernant les fréquences radio, le bruit, les aéroclubs et l’aménagement des terrains de vol, et en fournissant une couverture d’assurance responsabilité civile à ses membres;
  • L’aéromodélisme est un loisir qui se pratique à tout âge. Cependant, depuis l’adoption du Règlement de 2019 modifiant le Règlement de l’aviation canadien (systèmes d’aéronefs télépilotés), qui a fixé à 14 ans l’âge minimum pour piloter un système d’aéronef télépiloté (SATP), il nous est beaucoup plus difficile de susciter l’intérêt de jeunes pilotes pour notre loisir;
  • Les formations au vol et les examens approfondis proposés par MAAC font qu’il n’est pas nécessaire de soumettre les membres de MAAC à des examens sur les SATP commerciaux;
  • Partout au Canada, les règles et les restrictions actuelles ont forcé de nombreux pilotes d’aéronefs radiocommandés à voilure fixe à cesser de pratiquer cette activité. Si l’exemption pour les pilotes d’appareils RC membres de MAAC n’est pas rétablie, nous pensons que ce loisir disparaîtra.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre des Transports : 1. de revoir la décision de Transports Canada d’annuler l’exemption accordée aux membres de MAAC au titre de la partie IX du Règlement de l’aviation canadien (RAC); 2. de rétablir l’exemption pour les membres de MAAC ou de retirer les modèles d’aéronefs radiocommandés à voilure fixe de la catégorie des systèmes d’aéronefs télépilotés (SATP) figurant dans le RAC.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezIn 2019, with the coming into force of Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), which contain most of the rules that apply to all Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) up to 25 kilograms conducting visual line-of-sight (VLOS) operations, Transport Canada issued an exemption to the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) that allowed its members to operate model aircraft between 250 grams and 35 kilograms while abiding by all applicable safety guidelines and conditions set out in the exemption.  When the new regulations came into effect, the definition of “model aircraft” and any reference to model aircraft in the CARs was repealed, and the term Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) was introduced to refer to “a navigable aircraft, other than a balloon, rocket, or kite that is operated by a pilot who is not on board” (CARs?101.01), which includes both drones and model aircraft. This change reflected a focus on regulating that is based on the risks posed by the weight of the aircraft and operating environment, not its end-use.   The decision to issue an exemption to the MAAC was based on an assessment of their safety policies and procedures, which were assessed as providing an acceptable level of safety to Part IX of the CARs, which sets out registration, pilot licensing, and operational requirements for RPAS in Canada. The exemption included several conditions designed to further mitigate potential safety risks, including that the exemption would no longer be valid should any of the conditions be breached.    On February 3, 2023, the MAAC was notified that the exemption was rendered invalid due to a breach of Condition #3 of the exemption, which read that “Prior to sanctioning a field in Class C, D, E, F, or any other type of restricted airspace, the MAAC shall obtain an authorization through a written agreement from the appropriate controlling agency or user agency for the area, [and] shall include operational boundaries, maximum altitudes, and communication protocols to facilitate the safe operation of RPAS at the field”. Since the MAAC did not receive written authorization from the controlling agency (NAV CANADA) prior to sanctioning some fields in controlled airspace, the exemption is no longer valid. As such, members of the MAAC are now required to follow the rules set out in Part IX of the CARs.     In parallel, in June 2023, Transport Canada pre-published proposed amendments to Part IX of the CARs, which would allow for routine beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations with RPAS up to 150 kilograms away from populated areas in uncontrolled airspace at low altitudes and includes routine VLOS operations with RPAS up to 150 kilograms. Although distinct from the cancellation of the exemption, Transport Canada has received substantial feedback from the Canadian model aircraft community that will be taken into consideration as we navigate next steps.   Transport Canada will continue to work with the MAAC and the broader model aircraft community to determine appropriate next steps and facilitate the safe and legal use of Canadian airspace by its members. To date, no replacement application has been received from the MAAC. Anyone may apply for an exemption at any time if they can demonstrate that their proposed operation is in the public interest and would not negatively affect aviation safety. For more information, please send an email to ExemptionsAviation@tc.gc.caAll Canadian pilots of RPAS, including recreational operators, must understand that they are sharing the skies with other aircraft and follow the rules set out in Part IX of the CARs. They are encouraged to consult Transport Canada’s safety resources to ensure their operations are safe, legal, and avoid harming others.  
Activités récréativesAéronefs téléguidésSécurité aérienne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01805441-01805 (Justice)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON24 octobre 20237 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes assemblée en Parlement Nous, soussignés, citoyens (ou résidents) du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes assemblée en Parlement sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :
  • La pension alimentaire pour enfants est fondée sur le principe que le niveau de vie de l’enfant soit aussi égal que possible entre les lieux de résidence l’enfant dans les cas de garde conjointe ou partagée. Or, cela n’est pas le cas et parfois l’application de ce principe peut avoir l’effet contraire, entraînant un écart plus important du niveau de vie des ménages de l’enfant;
  • La pension alimentaire est calculée en fonction du revenu personnel des parents. Cependant, la situation du parent recevant la pension alimentaire peut changer au fil du temps et entraîner une augmentation du revenu disponible du ménage et ainsi donner lieu à une réduction du niveau de vie de l’enfant;
  • Le revenu du ménage n’est pris en compte que dans les cas de « difficultés excessives », ce qui doit être le cas de l’une des parties pour lancer des procédures juridiques, ce qui représente une source supplémentaire de stress et de dépenses. Cependant, l’Agence du revenu du Canada utilise le revenu du ménage plutôt que le revenu personnel pour calculer le crédit d’impôt pour personnes handicapées et la prestation fiscale pour enfants;
  • L’utilisation du revenu du ménage pour le calcul tient compte des changements du niveau de vie outre le revenu personnel et donne un portrait global permettant de déterminer si une pension alimentaire est requise ou non.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :vos pétitionnaires demande au gouvernement du Canada d’envisager l’utilisation du revenu du ménage plutôt que du revenu personnel dans tous les cas, non seulement dans le cas de « difficultés excessives » aux fins du calcul de la pension alimentaire dans les situations de garde conjointe ou partagée afin que tous les ministères utilisent la même base de calcul.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyFamily law is an area of shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The Divorce Act and Federal Child Support Guidelines (Federal Guidelines) apply when people divorce or are divorced. Provincial and territorial family laws and child support guidelines apply when unmarried couples separate (common law partners) or when married couples separate but do not divorce. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together on an ongoing basis to monitor the application of the law and to improve the family justice system responses to the many complex issues that may arise during separation and divorce.Child support is the right of the child. It is calculated using a set of rules and tables. The child support model and formula used to calculate child support amounts was developed in the 1990s to fit the Canadian situation. It is based on parents’ capacity to pay. Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Justice, at the time, tasked the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Family Law Committee with recommendations of making improvements to the family law system. To do so, models in other countries were examined and consultations with stakeholders, and close collaboration with the provinces and territories, took place.The Federal Guidelines have the following goals: establish a fair standard of support for children so that they continue to benefit from both parents’ incomes after separation; reduce conflict between parents by making the calculation of child support more objective; ensure that parents and children in similar situations are treated the same; and make the legal process more efficient and encourage settlements.The guiding principle of the Federal Guidelines is that both parents share the responsibility to financially support their children based on their ability to do so. This responsibility continues even if parents remarry or have another relationship. Children should continue to benefit from both parents’ financial means after separation or divorce, just as they would if the family were still together.The way child support is calculated under the Federal Guidelines depends on the parenting time arrangement. In shared parenting time arrangements, the situation can vary significantly from one family to another. As a result, the method to calculate support in shared parenting time cases is discretionary and is determined on a case-by-case basis by considering the following factors: (1) the amount in the tables that each parent would pay, based on each parent’s income; (2) the increased costs of shared parenting time; and, (3) the condition, means, needs and other circumstances of each parent and child.The Federal Guidelines recognize that in some cases, a child support amount, combined with other circumstances, could create undue hardship for a parent or child. The purpose of the standard-of-living test set out in the Federal Guidelines is to determine which of the two households has a higher standard of living. If an undue hardship claim is successful, a court may order a different child support amount.The child support amounts set out in the Federal Child Support Tables (Federal tables) are produced using the federal child support formula that takes into account parents’ income and taxes. There is a separate table for every province and territory to take into account the specific tax rules of that province or territory. Information on the formula used to calculate child support amounts in the Federal Table amounts is published on the Department’s website.The rules to calculate income for child support purposes is different than for taxes purposes. It is calculated using gross income, starting with line 15000 of the Income Tax Return and adjusted with schedule III of the Federal Guidelines. Gross income is used because it is generally considered to be a fairer and more accurate indication of a parent’s ability to pay child support than net income.As income can vary over time, so should child support amounts. Provincial child support services are administrative services that can calculate or recalculate child support amounts, including in the context of divorce. These services can adjust child support amounts, either up or down, to reflect updated income information, for eligible families.The Government is committed to making the family justice system as fair as possible for all Canadians and to strengthen the family justice system. For example, Divorce Act amendments came into force in 2021 with the goal of promoting children’s best interests, addressing family violence, helping reduce poverty, and improving the efficiency and accessibility of the family justice system. In addition, work continues on various topics relating to Canadian families. The Department of Justice Canada recently undertook research on international child support models, including as it relates to how income is defined and used in other jurisdictions. Information is published on the Department’s website.It is important for the Government of Canada to be aware of Canadians’ concerns about the family justice system so that work can continue with provincial and territorial governments to find ways to improve it.
Droit de la famillePension alimentaire pour enfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01806441-01806 (Pêches)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC24 octobre 20237 décembre 202318 octobre 2022Pétition à la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienneNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienne de poursuivre ses objectifs de réparation et d’utiliser les outils du Cadre pour la pêche durable, et :1. de reporter l’octroi de permis à toute autre installation de conchyliculture située dans l’habitat de frai et de croissance du hareng, ou tout près de cet habitat, dans le détroit de Baynes et le chenal Lambert jusqu’à ce que :
  • (i) une évaluation écosystémique soit réalisée sur les répercussions des activités de cette industrie sur le stock de hareng,
  • (ii) cette industrie gère efficacement ses engins et ses équipements et paie pour le nettoyage des tonnes de débris de plastique qu’elle produit chaque année;
2. de concevoir, avec les Premières Nations, un plan de cogestion du détroit de Baynes et du chenal Lambert qui :
  • (i) repose sur des zones et des écosystèmes,
  • (ii) respecte et reconnaît les territoires traditionnels non cédés et la valeur unique de cet endroit en tant que zone d’importance écologique et biologique et zone importante pour la conservation des oiseaux et la biodiversité qui compte vingt-et-un ruisseaux à saumon, ainsi que des frayères et des aires d’alevinage du hareng,
  • (iii) tient compte d’autres intervenants.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Diane LebouthillierHerring plays a critical, foundational role in the ecosystem, supporting numerous economically, ecologically, and culturally significant species. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) takes into consideration the importance of herring and herring spawning areas when making decisions about aquaculture licences and has strong regulatory tools in place to protect herring spawn. The Fisheries Act prohibits harmfully disturbing herring spawn, unless authorized (for example, legally harvesting roe on kelp). A shellfish aquaculture licence is not an authorization to harmfully disturb spawn. Herring spawn has been known to settle on aquaculture gear and any spawn on shellfish gear, or any other thing upon which it has set, cannot be harmfully disturbed or killed, until the time for the eggs to have hatched is passed.In addition to the above noted provisions in the Fisheries Act, the shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence prescribe the protection of important and sensitive habitats, including but not limited to kelp beds and eelgrass. It is prohibited to conduct shellfish aquaculture activities within kelp and eelgrass, which are important spawning habitats for herring.All shellfish aquaculture licence applications are subject to a rigorous harmonized review process that considers the application in context to all other fisheries and habitat, including proximity to fish spawning areas. The review is conducted on a site by site basis and site specific measures can be prescribed into a licence when and as needed.DFO recognizes that debris from aquaculture sites is an important issue to the public. The marine finfish aquaculture conditions of licence and shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence include requirements to have infrastructure and equipment capable of withstanding oceanographic and meteorological conditions in the licensed location. Farm operators must conduct regular inspections of their infrastructure and equipment and are responsible for ensuring debris generated by the facility is collected or treated and disposed of appropriately.According to the conditions of licence for Shellfish Aquaculture operators, the onus is on the licence holder to prevent pollution. New shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence were introduced in spring 2021, directly addressing marine plastic debris and ghost gear. The new licence conditions support lost gear identification, polystyrene (eg. Styrofoam) pollution reduction, and regular clean-ups of licensed facilities. These conditions work to support government priorities and commitments, specifically under the restored Fisheries Act, G7 Ocean Plastics Charter, CCME Zero Plastic Waste Action Plan (Phase II), and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI).  The shellfish conditions of licence require aquaculture licence holders to perform regular seafloor inspections, remove and dispose of debris, permanently label most types of plastic equipment and aquaculture gear for easy identification, and remove exposed foam used for floatation. These new requirements came into effect as of April 1, 2023.DFO will continue to review the performance of existing management measures and will work with partners and stakeholders to identify areas where further action is needed.DFO is committed to working with provinces/territories, Indigenous partners, environmental groups and others on sustainable management of aquaculture.DFO is currently exploring an area-based approach to aquaculture management in the Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel area through a two-year pilot project in partnership with the K’omoks First Nation.DFO is now working closely with the K’omoks First Nation, and other First Nations with overlapping territory in the area, to discuss and understand the unique social, cultural, environmental, and economic values in Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel. This includes the recognition of Baynes Sound as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area and the shared responsibility of stewardship.This initiative is a step towards ecosystem-based management and may lead to the co-development of an aquaculture management plan for this area, should that be something all parties agree to creating.
AquacultureHarengPeuples autochtones
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01807441-01807 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC24 octobre 20237 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01808441-01808 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC24 octobre 20237 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01809441-01809 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC24 octobre 20237 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01810441-01810 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC24 octobre 20237 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01811441-01811 (Justice)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 202329 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01812441-01812 (Santé)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB24 octobre 20237 décembre 202323 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Les incitatifs pour les infirmières devraient être offerts à toutes les infirmières pour favoriser des relations saines et des milieux de travail sains;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux pour reconnaître les diplômes en soins de santé des professionnels qualifiés qui ont été formés et instruits à l’étranger;
  • Le gouvernement doit faire mieux et mettre en œuvre de meilleures stratégies et mesures incitatives pour attirer et retenir les travailleurs de la santé au Manitoba;
  • Des infirmières, jeunes comme expérimentées, ainsi que des professionnels de la santé quittent notre province et profitent d’occasions offertes par d’autres provinces qui donnent des incitatifs et des avantages très avantageux à leurs professionnels de la santé;
  • Au Manitoba, beaucoup de personnes âgées ont un revenu fixe et ne peuvent se payer leurs médicaments de prescription;
  • Les infirmières sont surmenées en raison des charges de travail élevées.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Manitoba, prions la Chambre des communes de travailler avec les gouvernements des provinces et les autres intervenants du secteur de la santé pour :1. Prendre le recrutement et la rétention des infirmières au sérieux pour résoudre la crise dans les soins de santé;2. Garantir à toutes les personnes qui contribuent avec leurs impôts au Manitoba et à notre économie qu’elles auront accès à des soins de santé au Manitoba;3. Revoir la charge de travail des infirmières et le programme d’incitatifs pour qu’il inclut toutes les infirmières, sans égard à leur ancienneté ou à leur type de poste;4. Réévaluer une partie des changements qui ont été apportés au cours des dernières années, et transformer les installations de soins de santé en installations fonctionnelles, pour que les résidents du Manitoba, en particulier les communautés de Tyndall Park, Maples, Burrows, Kildonan et même Lakeside aient un endroit où aller.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealthcare is a shared responsibility between the Government of Canada and the provinces and territories. While the federal government provides financial support to the provinces and territories for healthcare services, the responsibility for matters related to management of the health care system and health workforces falls within provincial and territorial jurisdiction. As part of their responsibility to administer and deliver healthcare services, provinces and territories establish training curricula and manage licensure, and regulate healthcare professionals through arms-length regulatory bodies, such as professional colleges and associations.At the same time, the federal government acknowledges that it has a key leadership role to play in supporting solutions to the challenges facing health systems across the country, including those related to Canada’s health workforce. We remain committed to continuing to work with provincial and territorial governments to protect and strengthen the publicly funded health care system.Budget 2023 delivered nearly $200 billion to reduce backlogs, expand access to family health services and ensure provinces and territories can provide the high quality and timely health care Canadians expect and deserve. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories to improve health care services for Canadians. This funding also includes $25 billion over 10 years to advance shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements that will support the needs of people in each province and territory in four areas of shared priority: family health services; health workers and backlogs; mental health and substance use; and a modernized health system. Additionally, provinces and territories are being asked to streamline foreign credential recognition for internationally educated health professionals, and to advance labour mobility.On October 12, 2023 federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Health issued a public statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting Canada’s health workforce so our health workers are able to provide high-quality, accessible and effective health services for people living in Canada. In particular, FPT governments committed to concrete actions focusing on retention, domestic education supply and demand, foreign credential recognition and ethical recruitment, labour mobility, and health workforce data and planning. These commitments included undertaking credential processes overseas in order to improve processing of licensure of international physicians and nurses within 90 days and support for a Nursing Retention Toolkit developed by the federally-appointed Chief Nursing Officer, Dr. Leigh Chapman, in consultation with Canada’s nursing community. The toolkit highlights retention initiatives that employers or health authorities can implement to support their nursing workforce.The details on the Ministers commitments can be found here: Federal, provincial and territorial statement on supporting Canada’s health workforce.
ManitobaPersonnel infirmierSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01813441-01813 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01814441-01814 (Santé)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 202314 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is a very important issue, and the Government is currently developing its approach to protecting children to ensure they can engage safely online.As stated in the 2021 mandate letters to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Justice, the Government is committed to developing and introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content to protect Canadians, and hold online platforms accountable for the content they host. The Government is working hard to meet these commitments and aims to introduce legislation as soon as possible. The Government has conducted extensive consultations with experts, citizens, civil society, and other stakeholders to this end. It has heard from a diverse set of views and intends to draw on those insights when drafting legislation. It has heard a strong consensus for protecting children and youth from harm online– and that this needs to be balanced against other priorities, like protections for freedom of expression and privacy rights. The Government has also heard support for a risk-based approach to online safety; the need to hold online platforms accountable to a standard for responsible action; the need for more transparency; and the need for better tools to empower users on these platforms. Finally, it has heard that there is a need to confront child sexual abuse material content, and to mitigate the risks associated with exposing children and youth to such content.                                                                                                                                               The Government has also been looking at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.Lessons learned from other jurisdictions as well as the advice received from each stream of engagement are contributing to the development online safety legislation in Canada. Summaries for consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.html Overall, the Government is committed to putting in place a legislative and regulatory framework that will hold large online platforms accountable for protecting their users, including children and youth, from the risk of exposure to a range of harmful content. People in Canada, especially children and youth, deserve safer and more inclusive online experiences.   
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01815441-01815 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:• A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (See Budget 2023, chapter 4)• 2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement• 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression• 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action PlanThe first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country 
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01816441-01816 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 20239 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01817441-01817 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • La demande pour les refuges pour femmes est malheureusement en croissance;
  • En raison du coût élevé de la vie et de la crise du logement, il est plus difficile pour les femmes et les enfants vivant de la violence domestique de s’enfuir et de trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre;
  • Alors que ce gouvernement libéral augmente considérablement les dépenses pour la bureaucratie et les consultants, il coupe 145 millions de dollars pour le financement des refuges pour femmes.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir le financement pour les refuges pour femmes.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home. Providing a safe and secure space for persons fleeing domestic violence is a priority for our government. Launched in 2017, the National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $82-billion plan giving more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum while prioritizing populations most in need, including women and their children. The federal government aims to put 33% of the strategy’s investments, with a minimum of 25%, toward serving the unique needs of women and their children.NHS programs and initiatives support the creation of shelters, such as the $13.2 billion National Housing Co-Investment Fund which aims to create 2,000 new shelter spaces and repair 2,000 shelters for survivors of family violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed to creating 1,241 new shelter spaces or transitional housing units available for survivors of gender-based violence, and to repair/renew a further 302 units.  The Government recognizes that Indigenous women and children face unique challenges and barriers to housing. For those who experience violence, a shelter is often a first step to rebuilding their lives and protecting them from further violence. The NHS includes programming and funding exclusively for shelters in Indigenous communities and in the North. This includes $420 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative to build a minimum of 38 shelters and 50 new transitional homes for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping gender-based violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed $76 million toward the construction of 11 shelters and 18 transitional homes through this program.In May 2020, our government committed $44.8 million to build a total of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping family violence. These Indigenous-led shelters will provide vital refuge and culturally appropriate critical supports and services to help survivors of family violence recover from the trauma of their experiences, access support programming and create a stable environment where they can begin to regain an independent life. This is also a crucial element of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an important contribution to the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. 
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerIn response to unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada provided approximately $300 million in emergency funding to over 1,400 organizations such as women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations that provide critical supports and services to those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence.Along with other temporary COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by the federal government since 2020, this measure is coming to an end.  Despite this, the Government of Canada continues to support critical services for individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Most notably, on November 9, 2022, Women and Gender Equality Canada launched a historic National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This provides an investment of $539.3 million over five years, committed in Budget 2022, which is being implemented through bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories to support their efforts to address and end gender-based violence. These agreements, along with the respective provincial/territorial implementation plans, will be posted on Women and Gender Equality Canada’s website. This historic funding builds on additional Government of Canada investments to address gender-based violence since 2021-22:  
FemmesMaisons de refuge
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01818441-01818 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB24 octobre 20237 décembre 20239 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 décembre 2023441-01819441-01819 (Environnement)LeslynLewisHaldimand—NorfolkConservateurON24 octobre 20237 décembre 202311 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement, à la députée de Haldimand-Norfolk, au ministre des Transports et au ministre de l’Environnement et des Changements climatiquesAttendu que :Notre qualité de vie, notre tranquillité et la jouissance de nos propriétés sont compromises par Skydive Ontario et l’aérodrome de Cayuga East, code CAF2;Le bruit excessif de multiples avions et les cris des parachutistes, ainsi que les activités dangereuses et l’empiètement de parachutistes sur nos propriétés nous privent de notre droit de jouir de nos propriétés, comme on pourrait s’y attendre dans cette région;Les gaz d’échappement des avions s’intensifient et qu’il y a un risque accru de contamination au plomb par l’essence au plomb que consomment ces avions; Cette exploitation ne devrait pas se retrouver dans un secteur zoné « milieu humide agricole protégé » et à proximité de plusieurs projets de restauration de milieux humides.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement, la députée de Haldimand-Norfolk, le ministre des Transports et le ministre de l’Environnement et des Changements climatiques de faire fermer cette exploitation, non seulement pour la sécurité et le bien-être des résidents, mais aussi pour préserver l’environnement naturel dont nous profitions tous autrefois.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezTransport Canada is aware of the business operations of Skydive Ontario, based at the Cayuga East Aerodrome (CAF2) and the impacts on the surrounding community. A history of complaints has been submitted to the Department regarding Skydive Ontario, including issues such as: noise; unsafe flying; low flying; flying in clouds; flying at night; firearms use; wildlife management; the construction of a hangar; lead pollution; etc. To date, there have been no regulatory non-conformities identified by Transport Canada officials. Additionally, departmental officials have maintained a dialogue with the operator to advise of the community concerns and have been informed of accommodations made in an attempt to address some of the issues. One of the mitigation strategies to address noise and low flying includes the implementation of their Noise Program, which includes varied departure and arrival paths, along with minimized power during approaches. While the Department understands this is a difficult issue experienced by the community, Transport Canada’s experience shows that these matters are most effectively addressed at the local community level, and it is recommended that the community and the air operator engage in constructive dialogue to work towards a feasible solution. Complaints regarding trespassing on private property should be directed to the local law enforcement agencies by the residents. As the safety regulator for aviation in Canada, Transport Canada exercises its authority through the Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Accordingly, within the Department’s jurisdictional authority, various surveillance activities have been conducted to follow-up on the reports provided by the community, and no regulatory non-conformities have been identified.  
Aérodrome de Cayuga EastAéroportsProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 décembre 2023441-01797441-01797 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON23 octobre 20236 décembre 202318 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
  
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 décembre 2023441-01796441-01796 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB23 octobre 20236 décembre 202317 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 décembre 2023441-01795441-01795 (Environnement)VivianeLapointeSudburyLibéralON23 octobre 20236 décembre 202316 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Nos systèmes économiques et financiers ont besoin d’un climat stable, et que la Banque du Canada reconnaît que les changements climatiques présentent des risques importants pour les systèmes financiers et l’économie;Le maintien des aides financières aux activités rejetant de grandes quantités d'émissions fait grandir les risques que les changements climatiques sont susceptibles de faire peser sur la stabilité des systèmes financiers et les intérêts à long terme des Canadiens;Aucune mesure législative forte n’a encore été prise dans ce domaine au Canada, en dépit des avancées législatives observées ailleurs dans le monde qui tiennent compte du lien entre le climat et la finance, ce qui signifie que le Canada risque de prendre du retard;Le projet de loi S-243, Loi édictant la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, a été rédigé sur la base de consultations tenues auprès d’experts nationaux et internationaux, de manière à permettre au Canada de rattraper son retard et de devenir un chef de file dans l’alignement des flux financiers sur les engagements climatiques.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter les éléments principaux de la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, qui permettraient :1) d’établir l’obligation, pour les administrateurs et les dirigeants des institutions financières fédérales, de veiller à ce que leur entité soit alignée sur les engagements climatiques;2) d’aligner les objectifs des sociétés d’État et des ministères, y compris la surveillance des marchés par le Bureau du surintendant des institutions financières, sur les engagements climatiques;3) d’exiger l’élaboration de plans d’action, de cibles et de rapports provisoires relatifs au respect des engagements climatiques par le biais de la production obligatoire de rapports annuels; 4) de maintenir la présence d’une expertise climatique dans certains conseils d’administration et à éviter les conflits d’intérêts;5) de prévoir des normes de fonds propres proportionnelles aux risques climatiques microprudentiels et macroprudentiels générés par les institutions financières;6) d’exiger l’élaboration d’un plan d’action gouvernemental servant à aligner l’ensemble des produits financiers sur les engagements climatiques;7) d’exiger la tenue en temps opportun d’examens publics sur les progrès de la mise en œuvre afin d’assurer un apprentissage itératif.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about climate-aligned finance in Canada.Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy and net-zero emissions by 2050 will require substantial investment beyond the public sector. Private sector capital and expertise will be needed to meet Canada’s climate objectives and create a climate-resilient economy.Developing sustainable finance in Canada will promote the long-term growth and stability of Canada’s financial system. It will also create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and investors.In May 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Sustainable Finance Action Council (SFAC) to help lead the Canadian financial sector towards integrating sustainable finance into standard industry practice. The SFAC is chaired by Kathy Bardswick and comprises 25 Canadian deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies and pensions funds, with combined assets of over $10 trillion.The SFAC’s Terms of Reference call on it to provide financial sector input to the Government of Canada on the development of foundational market infrastructure, including enhancing climate disclosure, defining green and transition investment, and improving climate data and analytics. More recently, in Budget 2022, the Government of Canada asked the SFAC to develop and report on strategies for aligning private sector capital with the net-zero transition, with support from the Canadian Climate Institute and in collaboration with the Net-Zero Advisory Body.The council’s early emphasis has been on enhancing climate-related financial disclosures in Canada’s private sector. The SFAC has also worked on taxonomy, and, late in 2022, submitted the Taxonomy Roadmap Report to the Government of Canada, with recommendations for advancing a Canadian taxonomy, or classification, to identify economic activities that the financial sector could label as “green” or “transition”, as well as SFAC’s advice on advancing climate-related disclosures in Canada.Building on SFAC’s Taxonomy Roadmap Report, the 2023 Fall Economic Statement announced that the Department of Finance; Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; and Environment and Climate Change Canada will develop options for making climate disclosures mandatory for private companies, to expand the coverage of mandatory climate disclosures. It also announced that the Department of Finance will work with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Natural Resources Canada to undertake next steps, in consultation with regulators, the financial sector, industry and independent experts, to develop a taxonomy that is aligned with reaching net-zero by 2050. This work will be supported by external technical experts. The 2023 Fall Economic Statement proposes to provide $1.5 million in 2024-25 to the Department of Finance to support this work.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteInstitutions financières
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 décembre 2023441-01794441-01794 (Affaires sociales et égalité)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC23 octobre 20236 décembre 202314 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE
  • La perte d’un jeune enfant est une expérience traumatisante pour les parents et les familles;
  • Le décès soudain d’un enfant peut imposer un fardeau financier imprévisible à la famille pendant qu’elle vit son deuil;
  • Des familles ont reçu accidentellement l’Allocation canadienne pour enfant, qui leur a ensuite été retirée par le gouvernement du Canada après le décès de leur enfant, ce qui leur a imposé un stress inutile et un fardeau financier.
PAR CONSÉQUENTNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de verser pendant deux mois supplémentaires l’Allocation canadienne pour enfant aux parents ayant perdu un enfant.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe loss of a child is an extremely sad and difficult time for families and the Government of Canada provides support to families caring for their sick or injured child, or who find themselves in this very tragic situation of having lost a child, through various programs. For example:
  • Employment Insurance (EI) family caregiver benefits for children provide up to 35 weeks of income support to workers who are unable to work to take care of a child who is critically ill or injured;
  • EI compassionate care benefits provide up to 26 weeks of income support to workers who are unable to work when they have to take care of a person who requires end-of-life care;
  • EI sickness benefits are available to eligible parents when they are unable to work due to emotional or psychological distress, including grieving, and is available for up to 26 weeks when they need time off work following the death of their child; and
  • EI maternity benefits continue to be payable following the loss of a child, as they are designed to support a birth mother’s physical and emotional recovery for up to 15 weeks surrounding childbirth.
The Government of Canada also provides support through the Canadian Benefit for Parents of Young Victims of Crime for parents or legal guardians who have taken time away from work and suffered a loss of income to cope with the death or disappearance of their child or children. The benefit provides eligible parents with payments of $500 per week, paid every 2 weeks, for a maximum of 35 weeks, which do not have to be consecutive, over a period of 3 years. 
Décès et funéraillesEnfantsPrestations pour enfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 décembre 2023441-01901441-01901 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON7 novembre 20235 décembre 202318 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 décembre 2023e-4330e-4330 (Animaux)TwylaFrancoisLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNPDON28 février 2023 à 13 h 23 (HAE)28 juin 2023 à 13 h 23 (HAE)6 novembre 20235 décembre 202310 juillet 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278899" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Défense nationale </Addressee>Attendu que :De jeunes cochons sont empoisonnés avec des armes chimiques, irradiés, poignardés, mutilés, éviscérés et tués dans le cadre de la formation en traumatologie des forces armées; Le ministère de la Défense nationale (MDN) continue d’utiliser des cochons même s’il admet qu’ils sont de mauvais modèle de l’anatomie humaine et pourraient en fait nuire à l’efficacité de la formation; La formation en traumatologie des forces armées, qui continue de recourir à des porcelets, met en fait la vie des soldats canadiens en danger, car elle emploie des méthodes d’enseignement désuètes et des modèles animaux inapplicables; Les forces armées de 23 des 30 pays membres de l’OTAN n’utilisent plus d’animaux pour leur formation en traumatologie; Depuis 10 ans, le MDN a dépensé plus d'un million de dollars de l’argent des contribuables pour acheter des cochons pour sa formation en traumatologie; Les simulateurs de patients humains, qui imitent avec exactitude l’anatomie et la physiologie humaines, sont des modèles plus applicables et constituent des outils de formation efficients pour enseigner la traumatologie dans le contexte militaire. Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la ministre de la Défense nationale de mettre fin à l’utilisation d’animaux dans la formation en traumatologie des forces armées et de les remplacer par des simulateurs de patients humains plus avancés, plus conformes à l’anatomie et à la physiologie humaines et moins coûteux.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeNational Defence uses advanced simulations with life-like mannequins, known as human patient simulators for the majority of its medical training. Live tissue training on an anesthetized pig is used only in circumstances where simulations alone are not feasible, as is the case of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training for medical providers. In these cases, simulators cannot replace the precision and experience gained with live tissue.During live tissue training, National Defence strictly adheres to the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) (https://ccac.ca/) which establishes the ethical use and care of animals. Further, the use of animals is governed by Defence Administrative Orders and Directive (DAOD) 8014-0 Animal Use in Research and Training and DAOD 8014-1 Management of Animal Use in Research, Teaching and Testing.  This is in line with CCAC standards as well as assessments and certifications to ensure consistent application of the standards across Canada.  National Defence actively seeks to refine, reduce and where appropriate replace the use of live animals for research by using alternative experimental techniques. For example, in 2022, National Defence invested approximately $129,000 in an advanced simulation mannequin or high-fidelity patient simulator, to evaluate its utility to augment medical training provided to CAF members.The approach of using advanced simulation for the majority of training and live tissue training sparingly offers military medical trainees with the highest calibre medical training possible with the goal of providing premium medical care to CAF members and those they protect, at home or abroad.
Exercice militairePorcinsProtection des animaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 décembre 2023441-01888441-01888 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON6 novembre 20235 décembre 20235 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01793441-01793 (Droits de la personne)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK20 octobre 20234 décembre 202311 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l'attention de la Chambre des communes : ATTENDU QUE :La liberté de choix en matière de soins de santé devient de plus en plus restreinte et menacée par la législation et les dispositions légales du gouvernement du Canada; C’est un droit fondamental des individus de pouvoir choisir le moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens veulent être libres de décider du moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens sont aptes à prendre leurs propres décisions en matière de santé sans l’ingérence de l’État.Par conséquent : les signataires de la pétition demandent au Parlement de garantir à chaque Canadien le droit à la liberté de choix en santé en édictant la Charte de la liberté de choix en santé rédigée pour l’Association de protection des produits de santé naturels le 4 septembre 2008.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Droits de la personneSanté
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01792441-01792 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK20 octobre 20234 décembre 202324 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01791441-01791 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC20 octobre 20234 décembre 202317 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :
  • Nous vivons une situation d'urgence climatique. Les températures que l’on observe ici augmentent plus rapidement que les températures mondiales générales. Des phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes, notamment des sécheresses, des ouragans, des inondations et des incendies sans précédent, détruisent des vies, des maisons, des collectivités et des forêts. 120 000 Canadiens ont dû quitter leur foyer;
  • Les jeunes sont en deuil; ils se sentent désespérés et inquiets face à un avenir effrayant. Ils se sentent abandonnés par un gouvernement qui échoue à prendre des mesures énergiques pour contrecarrer l'aggravation de la catastrophe climatique;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral a pris de nombreux engagements climatiques sur la scène internationale, mais aucune mesure efficace de réduction des gaz à effet de serre et de réglementation de l'industrie fossile ne donne de résultats. Pour tout dire, le Canada est le seul pays du G7 dont les émissions sont bien au-dessus des niveaux de 1990 et continuent d'augmenter;
  • Le secteur de l’extraction pétrolière et gazière est celui qui produit le plus de gaz à effet de serre (GES) au Canada. Entre 1990 et 2021, le Canada a augmenté ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre du Canada de 88 %, et ce, sans que le gouvernement se préoccupe de freiner les émissions. En 2023, les cinq plus grandes sociétés pétrolières et gazières du Canada ont réalisé 38,3 milliards de dollars de profits;
  • En dépit des profits records réalisés par le secteur des combustibles fossiles, le gouvernement fédéral du Canada lui fournit toujours des subventions et des allègements fiscaux injustifiés. Entre 2019 et 2021, il a versé 4,3 milliards de dollars canadiens afin d’aider directement les sociétés pétrolières et le gazières.
Par conséquent : Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada et à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d'assumer d'urgence sa responsabilité de protéger notre territoire et ses citoyens, maintenant et au cours des années à venir. Nous vous prions de légiférer d'urgence et de mettre en œuvre rapidement et un plan économiquement prudent de réduction des émissions de pétrole et de gaz, qui permettrait de réduire les émissions du secteur pétrolier et gazier de 40 à 45 % par rapport aux niveaux de 2005 d'ici 2030. Nous recommandons :
  • d’imposer un plafond d'émissions réglementé et contrôlé à l’ensemble des installations de production gazière et pétrolière. Des plafonds d'émissions doivent permettre de fournir des réductions réelles d’émissions qui comprennent le méthane;
  • d’abroger les exonérations fiscales financées par des fonds publics en faveur du secteur du pétrole et du gaz;
  • d’éliminer toutes les subventions inefficaces aux combustibles fossiles d'ici le 1er janvier 2024 et de les réorienter vers l’élaboration urgente d'une solution éprouvée en matière d’énergie propre;
  • de cesser toute prise en charge des transferts de risques ainsi que de la fourniture de biens et de services aux entreprises qui produisent des combustibles fossiles;
  • d’interdire à ces sociétés d'utiliser des crédits ou une exemption sur les combustibles exportés.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOver the past six years, the Government of Canada has demonstrated leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. It understands that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Canada has invested more than $100 billion to address climate change since 2015 and has recently announced $9.1 billion in new investments.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment.On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (ERP)in Parliament and released the plan. The 2030 Plan is the Government’s next major step in taking action to Canada’s climate objectives and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Carbon Neutrality Advisory Group.The 2030 ERP builds on the significant progress Canada had already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, released in 2020. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking additional actions, including:
  • Working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop a cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector;
  • Developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • Investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • Working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a Clean Electricity Standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • Helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions; and
  • Ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of Sustainable Jobs and Skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be an evergreen roadmap to guide emissions reduction efforts. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Capping and cutting oil and gas sector emissions, with milestones set at a pace that aligns with achieving Canada’s 2030 and net-zero by 2050 climate change objectives will send a clear, long-term policy signal to invest in clean technology, low-emissions energy assets, and supporting infrastructure while avoiding investments in oil and gas production that do not incorporate best-in-class technologies.In 2022, the Government published a discussion paper titled Options to cap and cut oil and gas sector greenhouse gas emissions to achieve 2030 goals and net-zero by 2050, which sought input on two potential regulatory approaches to implement the cap: the development of a new cap-and-trade system under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999; and the modification of existing carbon pollution pricing systems under the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act. The Government plans to release further details before the end of 2023.The oil and gas emissions cap will build on other measures in place to reduce emissions from the sector, including carbon pollution pricing, Clean Fuel Regulations and methane regulations.On July 24, 2023, the Government of Canada released the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self-Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, which were jointly developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Finance Canada. The Guidelines apply to all federal departments and agencies. The Framework and Guidelines fulfill Canada’s domestic, G7 and G20 commitments to phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. Canada is the first country to release a rigorous analytical guide that both fulfills this commitment and transparently supports action. The Guidelines will also be used to prevent the creation of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in the future.
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01790441-01790 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB20 octobre 20234 décembre 202317 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023e-4292e-4292 (Santé)EthanEdstromLisa MarieBarronNanaimo—LadysmithNPDBC16 mars 2023 à 10 h 27 (HAE)14 juillet 2023 à 10 h 27 (HAE)20 octobre 20234 décembre 202314 juillet 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : Entre juillet 2016 et janvier 2021, les surdoses d’opioïdes ont été à l’origine de plus de 24 626 décès, 90 % de ces décès étant dus à l’utilisation d’opioïdes non pharmaceutiques;Dans les deux semaines suivant la libération, le risque d’overdose d’une personne incarcérée est 56 fois plus élevé que celui de la population générale;Les quartiers à faible revenu ont présenté plus de décès liés aux opioïdes, d’admissions à l’hôpital, de visites aux services d’urgence et de syndrome d’abstinence néonatale. Les taux de dommages liés aux opioïdes dans le quintile de revenu le plus bas étaient au moins le double de ceux du quintile de revenu le plus élevé dans toutes ces catégories;Il y a jusqu’à 5 fois plus d’hospitalisations liées aux opioïdes chez les Autochtones que chez les non-Autochtones; Les dirigeants fédéraux, provinciaux et municipaux de tout le Canada réclament une action urgente, notamment une réforme de la politique en matière de drogues et un financement accru pour les mesures de soutien globales.Nous, soussignés, résidents et citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Peaufiner l’approche nationale du traitement des troubles liés à l’utilisation de substances afin de mettre l’accent sur des stratégies de réduction des méfaits fondées sur des données probantes, comme les sites de consommation sécuritaire, l’approvisionnement sécuritaire et les services de vérification des drogues;2. Fournir un financement conditionnel supplémentaire aux provinces pour la mise en œuvre et l’expansion de ces programmes afin d’en faciliter l’accès;3. Incorporer la décriminalisation de la simple possession de substances dans la stratégie nationale sur les surdoses afin de permettre que les troubles liés à l’utilisation de substances soient traités comme un problème médical et social plutôt que comme un problème criminel.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. While there are a number of complex factors that contribute to the high rates of overdoses that we are seeing today, a major driver is the increasingly toxic and unpredictable illegal drug supply, where fentanyl remains widespread and we have observed the rise or emergence of other substances, including stronger opioids, stimulants, and sedatives. In 2022, approximately four out of every five deaths involved fentanyl. The cost of substance use-related harms is not limited to the loss of lives alone and, more broadly, impacts health, social well-being, and public safety.The Government of Canada takes this crisis very seriously and is committed to working together with all orders of government, Indigenous Peoples and communities, partners from law enforcement, criminal justice, health and social systems, and people with lived and living experience and other key stakeholders, to take urgent action and leverage every available tool to save lives and work towards an end to this national public health crisis.Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. This includes the power to declare a public health emergency which allows a provincial or territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary powers in response to a significant increase in opioid-related deaths as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta in May 2017. More recently, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency in January 2022. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some Indigenous communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths.The Government of Canada has publicly recognized the overdose crisis is a public health crisis. Canada is committed to continued action using the broad range of powers at its disposal and to take steps to end overdose deaths and substance-use related harms. Canada’s approach to addressing the overdose crisis and substance use-related harms is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada and keep our communities safe. Recognizing the need for comprehensive approaches to save lives, our government supports a full range of integrated, evidence-based services and supports, including improving access to treatment and harm reduction; increasing awareness, prevention and stigma reduction activities; further building the evidence base; and strengthening enforcement to address illegal drug production and trafficking.Since 2017, the federal government has made commitments of more than $1 billion and has taken significant action to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. This includes a Budget 2023 commitment of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing, to support a renewed CDSS which will continue to guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians by :
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
These investments have made a difference in reducing overdose deaths and harms. For example, since 2017, through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), Health Canada has provided over $500 million to support more than 380 community-based projects focused on innovative treatment, harm reduction, prevention and stigma reduction activities. More than $26 million of this funding was dedicated to expanding Naloxone awareness, training and distribution across Canada. We also invested $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternatives to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of June 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.These investments have also improved access to treatment. For example, provinces and territories have used federal investments provided through Budget 2018 for the Emergency Treatment Fund to expand existing treatment approaches such as services to support youth with substance use disorder, withdrawal management services appropriate for people who use methamphetamine, Rapid Access Addictions Medicine clinics, and access to opioid dependence treatments, and culturally-appropriate care for Indigenous communities. Funds have also been used to implement innovative approaches to treatment, including ‘wrap-around’ care and the development of telehealth infrastructure to connect clients in remote and rural settings.In addition to these investments, the Government of Canada has supported the expansion of supervised consumption services (SCS) across Canada and also proactively issued exemptions that allow provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved SCS has grown from one to 40. Since 2017, they have received over 4.3 million visits, responded to almost 50,000 overdoses, and made 257,000 referrals to health and social services [as of October 2023].Federal funds are enabling new drug checking technologies to be used at SCS and other associated services to provide people who use drugs and health workers with information on the contents of toxic street drugs, including whether they contain deadly fentanyl, benzodiazepines or other toxic substances. This gives people who use drugs the opportunity to make informed decisions that may reduce their risk of overdose. As of November 2023, there are 30 federally authorized SCS that are authorized to conduct drug checking in Canada, and 5 federally authorized sites that offer stand-alone drug checking services. In addition, the Government of Canada held a Drug Checking Technology Challenge (October 2018 to July 2021), that provided a total of $1,724,500 million to nine participants to catalyze innovation in drug checking technologies. Through the renewed CDSS, we will streamline authorizations for SCS, urgent public health need sites and drug checking services with clear public health and public safety requirements for organizations seeking to provide these evidence-based life saving services to Canadians.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to respond to this crisis and to keep communities safe. Our government works closely with domestic and international partners to address the toxic illegal drug supply that is driving substance use harms and overdose deaths. We continue to equip border agents with the tools necessary to intercept controlled substances. For example, we have made it harder to access chemicals used to make fentanyl by scheduling them under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and have also amended legislation to allow border officers to open mail of any weight, in order to stop drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from entering Canada illegally through the mail system. Our government also works with private sector partners to address money laundering of the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking in an effort to dismantle the organized crime groups involved in the supply of these toxic illegal drugs.With respect to the call for immediate collaboration with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada continues to lead efforts to facilitate opportunities for collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, community-based organizations, and other partners and stakeholders to reduce the harms associated with substance use and support efforts to provide a full range of culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed health and social services and supports to meet the diverse needs of people who use drugs.On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by nearly $200 billion over 10 years, in order to improve Canada’s health care system. This investment includes $25 billion for shared health priorities, including increasing access to mental health and substance use services and supports. These commitments are in addition to existing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories for health priorities, including mental health and substance use, that were put in place in 2017. These investments will set the foundation for long-term, integrated and sustained health care system change that builds on existing, targeted actions to address mental health and substance use challenges.We have also established federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the FPT Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the FPT Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners. In addition, discussions are held with provinces and territories at the Deputy Minister and Ministerial level through meetings of the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health and the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Health Minister’s Meetings.To inform the federal approach, our government also regularly consults with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. Health Canada established the People with Lived and Living Experience Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We recognize that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments so that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.Our government is committed to working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In addition, in May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, a time-limited exemption was granted under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, individuals will be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they can also receive assistance to connect with those services. This exemption, which is in effect from January 31, 2023, to January 31, 2026, is part of a much broader strategy British Columbia and this Government are taking to help people who use drugs access supports and services, rather than face criminal charges. This time-limited exemption is being supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes and inform implementation.Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The items above are some examples of concrete actions taken by the federal government to address the overdose crisis, please visit the following website for a comprehensive list of all the actions taken to date.The Government of Canada remains committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to this tragic and complex public health crisis to help reduce harms and save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01788441-01788 (Justice)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB20 octobre 20234 décembre 202312 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement et au ministre de la Justice Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Whereas:
  • Dans le contexte de l’augmentation des divorces et de l’évolution rapide des unions conjugales dans notre pays, il est évident qu’un examen de la Loi sur le divorce s’impose;
  • Parmi les pays du G7, c’est le Canada qui présente aujourd’hui le taux d’unions de fait le plus élevé, celui-ci étant passé de 6 % en 1981 à 23 % en 2021;
  • Près de 4 enfants sur 10 vivent avec un parent seul, des beaux-parents ou des parents en union de fait ou dans une autre union non traditionnelle;
  • Plus du quart des adultes en couple en sont à leur deuxième mariage ou union de fait, et ce ménage dure souvent plus d’une décennie et produit des enfants;
  • Cependant, malgré l’évolution de la nature des unions conjugales dans notre pays, les Lignes directrices fédérales sur les pensions alimentaires pour enfants créées dans le cadre de la Loi sur le divorce ne reflètent pas la diversité et la complexité des unions conjugales en 2013;
  • Les parents canadiens, et particulièrement les pères qui sont responsables de près de 97 % des pensions alimentaires pour enfants, ont de la difficulté à appliquer les lignes directrices qui, compliquées, ne tiennent pas compte des choix de vie des ex-conjoints qui se sont remis en couple et des changements de situation familiale, par exemple lorsqu’un nouvel enfant naît dans une famille reconstituée.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Justice de demander l’examen législatif de la Loi sur le divorce, et particulièrement des Lignes directrices fédérales sur les pensions alimentaires pour enfants, afin qu’elles tiennent compte de l’évolution de la réalité des familles reconstituées et des fluctuations du revenu au fil du temps et qu’elles répondent mieux aux besoins des enfants en garde partagée.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyFamily law is an area of shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. The Divorce Act and Federal Child Support Guidelines (Federal Guidelines) apply when people divorce or are divorced. Provincial and territorial family laws and child support guidelines apply when unmarried couples separate (common law partners) or when married couples separate but do not divorce. Federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together on an ongoing basis to monitor the application of the law and to improve the family justice system responses to the many complex issues that may arise during separation and divorce.Child support is the right of the child. The Federal Guidelines, a set of rules and tables, have the following goals: establish a fair standard of support for children so that they continue to benefit from both parents’ incomes after separation; reduce conflict between parents by making the calculation of child support more objective; ensure that parents and children in similar situations are treated the same; and make the legal process more efficient and encourage settlements.The guiding principle of the Federal Guidelines is that both parents share the responsibility to financially support their children based on their ability to do so. This responsibility continues even if parents remarry or have another relationship. Children should continue to benefit from both parents’ financial means after separation or divorce, just as they would if the family were still together.The way child support is calculated under the Federal Guidelines depends on the parenting time arrangement. In shared parenting time arrangements, the situation can vary significantly from one family to another. As a result, the method to calculate support in shared parenting time cases is discretionary. Child support is determined on a case-by-case basis by considering the following factors: (1) the amount in the tables that each parent would pay, based on each parent’s income; (2) the increased costs of shared parenting time; (3) the condition, means, needs and other circumstances of each parent and child.The Federal Guidelines recognize that in some cases, a child support amount, combined with other circumstances, could create undue hardship for a parent or child. Such circumstances could include the obligation to support children from another relationship. If an undue hardship claim is successful, a court may order a different child support amount.Child support is based on income. As income can vary overtime, so should child support amounts. Provincial child support services are administrative services that can calculate or recalculate child support amounts. These services can adjust child support amounts, either up or down, to reflect updated income information.The Government is committed to making the family justice system as fair as possible for all Canadians and to strengthening the family justice system. For example, Divorce Act amendments came into force in 2021 with the goal of promoting children’s best interests, addressing family violence, helping reduce poverty, and improving the efficiency and accessibility of the family justice system. In addition, work continues on various topics relating to Canadian families. The Department of Justice Canada recently undertook research on international child support models, including as it relates to shared parenting time, as well as on the experience of divorced and separated parents with child support and related issues. Information is published on the Department’s website. It is important for the Government of Canada to be aware of Canadians’ concerns about the family justice system so that work can continue with provincial and territorial governments to find ways to improve it.
Examen législatifLoi sur le divorceMariage et divorcePension alimentaire pour enfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023e-4511e-4511 (Citoyenneté et immigration)AndrewGriffithTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB12 juillet 2023 à 15 h 03 (HAE)10 octobre 2023 à 15 h 03 (HAE)20 octobre 20234 décembre 202311 octobre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278908" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté</Addressee>Attendu que : Le gouvernement a publié un avis dans la Gazette du Canada dans l’intention de permettre l’auto-administration du serment de citoyenneté;L’affirmation solennelle de citoyenneté en présence d'autres Néo-Canadiens était ce que souhaitait le Parlement lorsqu’il a adopté la version originale de la Loi sur la citoyenneté en 1947 et constitue depuis un élément central de la citoyenneté canadienne;Un des objectifs fondamentaux du programme de citoyenneté est d’« enrichir la signification de la citoyenneté en tant que lien unissant les Canadiens »;Les cérémonies de citoyenneté marquent la fin d’un processus d’immigration souvent long et laborieux et procurent aux Canadiens et aux Néo-Canadiens un moment unique pour célébrer;Les cérémonies devraient se tenir la plupart du temps en personne plutôt que par voie numérique pour en maximiser l’incidence sur les Néo-Canadiens;Les économies de coûts et de temps indiquées dans l’avis ne se réaliseront probablement pas et leur importance est minime par rapport au délai total de traitement des demandes et au coût de l’ensemble du programme de citoyenneté;Les deux tiers des mémoires s’opposent à la modification proposée.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté : 1. De renoncer à permettre l’auto-administration du serment de citoyenneté;2. De rétablir la primauté des cérémonies en personne et de réduire à 10 % la proportion des cérémonies virtuelles;3. De renforcer l’efficacité du traitement des demandes et des procédures administratives qui précèdent les cérémonies de citoyenneté et qui occasionnent la plupart des frustrations; 4. D’étudier la possibilité de tenir des cérémonies le week-end et en soirée pour accroître l’accessibilité et assouplir la gestion des horaires.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to explore the use of an online tool that could enable the self-administration of the Oath of Citizenship (the Oath) in some circumstances. Extensive analysis is underway to assess various options for implementation, particularly surrounding the client experience journey, measures related to the integrity of the process and an ongoing commitment that citizenship ceremonies remain an important part of Canadian tradition. Additionally, the Department continues to reflect on the feedback received from Canadians, which will be incorporated into the assessment of options and decisions on a way forward.The Department introduced video ceremonies in April 2020 as a means of adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic in order to enable the Department to allow the flexibility for clients to take the oath in a safe and secure environment. Video ceremonies continue as a stream of service delivery and have proven to be an important tool for reducing processing times for applicants and increasing the number of candidates that can take the Oath each month. As we have learned: video ceremonies can also accommodate both larger groups of individuals per ceremony than in-person events; allow for participation of applicants from rural areas; and, bring together new Canadians from across the country for their citizenship ceremony. From January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023, the Department has held on average 50 in-person ceremonies and 224 video ceremonies per month with an average of 79 and 135 invited participants per event, respectively. This has resulted in 276,540  new citizens, exceeding pre-COVID levels.A number of factors are considered when scheduling ceremonies, including operational demands, the availability of presiding officials and appropriate venues. While citizenship ceremonies are primarily scheduled on weekdays and during working hours, the Department will occasionally schedule after regular business hours or on weekends and public holidays. The Department does hold ceremonies outside of core operational hours, but these events are considered on a case-by-case basis for significance, public interest and operational capacity. For example, the Department hosted several citizenship ceremonies across the country on Canada Day.While the Department has made strides in returning to the 12 month service standard for the granting of citizenship, further modernization efforts will enable faster processing times as well as improved client service. In 2023, IRCC launched a review of Canada’s immigration system, and has spent the last few months meeting with stakeholders and receiving feedback from people who use the immigration and citizenship system, and others who have creative ideas on how to improve it. In hearing the strengths and challenges of current immigration and citizenship programs, policies and services has helped to inform where we need to go in the future and the steps we will need to take to get there.New capabilities are planned via a modernized operating platform—such as an online single window portal into immigration programs, enhanced automation and digital self-service—and will transform the way we do business up to and including in the citizenship process. It will speed up processing and improve program integrity, while making the immigration to citizenship journey clearer and more human-focused for clients. Additionally, the portal will allow applicants to access all of IRCC’s programs and services and to interact with the Department. It will offer a more positive and personalized experience to those looking for information, applying for programs and services, and checking for updates on the status of their application(s).            Although the new platform and portal will bring rapid and real enhancements, we have not been waiting on them to improve on what we do; we have made strides since 2020 with the introduction of electronic citizenship applications (e-applications), online citizenship tests, online application tracker to monitor progress, electronic certificates (e-certificates) of Canadian citizenship, and video citizenship ceremonies. These advancements have shown results. In July 2022, the Department had a citizenship grant inventory of 381,859 applications and a processing time, from application received to the client taking the Oath of Citizenship, of 26 months. By September 2023, the grant inventory had been reduced to 247,931 applications, and the processing time had improved, lowering to 17 months.Canadian citizenship is a valuable status and the Department will ensure the Citizenship Program continues to modernize the process.
Citoyenneté et identitéSerment
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01786441-01786 (Transport)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC20 octobre 20234 décembre 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Attendu que :
  • Le plan de transports de 10 ans du gouvernement prendra fin en 2027;
  • Prendre des mesures en faveur du transport public, c’est d’agir sur le changement climatique, car les transports sont responsables d’environ 25 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre du Canada;
  • Selon la Fédération des municipalités canadiennes, une transition vers un transport public à zéro émission peut aider le Canada à atteindre ses engagements de l’Accord de Paris sur le climat de 2030.
Nous, soussignés, les citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • mettre en place un mécanisme permanent de financement fédéral du transport public qui va au-delà du plan de 10 ans se terminant en 2027;
  • collaborer avec tous les ordres de gouvernement afin de fournir un financement durable, prévisible, à long terme et adéquat;
  • mettre en place des mesures de responsabilisation afin que tous les gouvernements travaillent ensemble pour améliorer l’accès au transport public.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleCanada’s public transit systems provide an essential service to millions of people, generating billions of dollars in economic benefits, and helping Canadians meet its climate targets. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has made the most significant public transit investments in Canada’s history, delivering federal investments of more than ten times of what was provided in the decade prior.The Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program is one way the Government of Canada is delivering funding to communities through the Investing in Canada Plan. Under the program, over $33-billion in funding is being delivered through bilateral agreements between Infrastructure Canada and each of the provinces and territories. The program provides long-term, stable funding delivered by Infrastructure Canada to: help communities reduce air and water pollution, provide clean water, increase resilience to climate change; build strong, dynamic and inclusive communities; and ensure Canadian families have access to modern, reliable services that improve their quality of life. Building on the Investing in Canada Plan, in 2021, the Government introduced the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund, and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund. These dedicated transit programs, which will deliver funding until 2025-2026, aim to accelerate the shift towards clean, sustainable transportation modes across the country and facilitated federal funding for key public transit projects.In addition to our ongoing investments, the Government of Canada concluded engagement on the federal vision for permanent public transit funding in October 2022. The consultation will set out how we can work together to make the most out of the creation of the first national permanent public transit fund which will provide an average of $3 billion per year, beginning in 2026-27. This ongoing funding will deliver stability required for long-term planning and collaboration across orders of government while allowing flexibility to address regional needs and considerations. Permanent federal funding for public transit and active transportation presents an opportunity to work with provinces, territories, municipalities, transit agencies, Indigenous peoples and other partners to align investment priorities and address shared objectives, including driving economic, environmental and social outcomes, and improving housing supply and affordability in communities of all sizes across Canada. 
Relations fédérales-provinciales-territorialesTransport en commun
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023e-4405e-4405 (Congés et commémorations)LouisAndersonMichaelMcLeodTerritoires du Nord-OuestLibéralNT6 juin 2023 à 15 h 10 (HAE)4 octobre 2023 à 15 h 10 (HAE)20 octobre 20234 décembre 20235 octobre 2023Pétition au<Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">ministre des Transports</Addressee>Attendu que :L’exploitation sécuritaire des aéronefs dans l’espace aérien du Canada dépend de personnes hautement qualifiées et dévouées pour l’entretien de ces machines complexes;La sécurité des passagers, des membres d’équipage et des cargaisons est cruciale;La responsabilité de maintenir la navigabilité de tous les aéronefs au Canada et des aéronefs canadiens à l’étranger incombe entièrement aux techniciens d’entretien d’aéronef du Canada;Ces personnes dévouées doivent satisfaire à des normes de qualification rigoureuses pour obtenir et conserver leur licence de technicien d’entretien d’aéronef en plus de devoir suivre des formations périodiques sur des sujets tels que la réglementation et la technologie aéronautique en évolution constante;Les techniciens d’entretien d’aéronef du Canada travaillent sans relâche, souvent dans des conditions météorologiques défavorables et selon des échéanciers serrés, pour assurer la navigabilité de chaque aéronef avant chaque vol; Il y a actuellement une pénurie de jeunes personnes qui choisissent ce parcours de carrière, et il faut promouvoir ce choix de carrière stimulant, passionnant et enrichissant auprès des jeunes Canadiens. Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, en appui aux techniciens d’entretien d’aéronef du Canada, prions le ministre des Transports de demander au gouvernement du Canada d’établir une journée annuelle de reconnaissance (Journée des techniciens d’entretien d’aéronef) qui sera célébrée le 20 avril de chaque année en reconnaissance des techniciens d’entretien d’aéronef du Canada, qui, peu importe les conditions météorologiques, s’assurent que les aéronefs de tous types et de toutes tailles soient maintenus dans un état sécuritaire partout au Canada. Le 20 avril est une date importante pour les techniciens d’entretien d’aéronef au Canada, car c’était lors de cette journée, en 1920, que la toute première licence de mécanicien d’aéronef du Canada (prédécesseure de la licence de technicien d’entretien d’aéronef) a été délivrée à M. Robert McCombie de Regina, Sask.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe safe operation of aircraft in Canada’s airspace is of utmost importance to Transport Canada, and one of its main priorities. Transport Canada recognizes the value and impact that those working in the aviation industry have on aviation safety in Canada on a daily basis. While the aviation industry faces its share of challenges, such as shortages of young people choosing aviation as a profession, it is especially important to ensure that the valuable work performed by individuals in the aviation industry, at all levels, is recognized. Aircraft maintenance engineers, for instance, ensure that the public as well as anyone else who travels by air can do so in confidence and safely.   On February 23, Canadians celebrate Canada’s air transportation safety, strength, and success, much of which is due to the dedication of all those who work in the industry. National Aviation Day celebrates over 100 years of Canadian aviation, and all the air operators, aerospace engineers, aircraft maintenance engineers, pilots, flight attendants, airport personnel, air traffic controllers, air operations specialists, Transport Canada employees, and all those in the aviation community who share the credit for Canada's aviation safety, strength, and success. On a larger scale, International Aviation Day helps generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States. Many Canadians working in the aviation industry contribute daily to air transportation safety, and collectively contribute to making Canadian aviation one of the most secure in the world. It is therefore Transport Canada’s recommendation that such efforts and successes continue to be recognized during National Aviation Day on February 23 and during International Civil Aviation Day on December 7, to ensure that the dedication and contributions of those working in aviation in Canada are evenly recognized.  
Entretien et réparation d’aéronefsJournée des techniciens d'entretien d'aéronefs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01784441-01784 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 octobre 20234 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement libéral se mêle de décisions qui relèvent des parents et des provinces;Le chef conservateur, Pierre Poilievre, a critiqué ces tentatives d’ingérence du gouvernement libéral lorsqu’il a dit à Justin Trudeau de « ne pas se mêler » de la politique 713 du premier ministre du Nouveau-Brunswick, Blaine Higgs. Cette politique exige des écoles qu’elles obtiennent le consentement des parents avant de changer, dans les documents officiels, les noms et pronoms des élèves de moins de 16 ans;Dans la grande majorité des cas, les parents tiennent au bien-être de leurs enfants et les aiment beaucoup plus que ne le peut un établissement de l’État. Le rôle du gouvernement est de soutenir les familles et de respecter les parents, et non de leur dicter les décisions qu’ils doivent prendre à propos de leurs enfants.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de cesser de se mêler de ce qui ne le regarde pas et de laisser les parents élever leurs enfants.
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerEquality rights are at the core of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and are intended to ensure that everyone of every age is treated with the same respect, dignity, and consideration, regardless of personal characteristics such as race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, mental or physical disability, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, and gender identities and expressions, from coast, to coast to coast.Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression continue to be a reality in Canada, and it must be eliminated. It is important that parents be involved in the lives of their children, and that should be balanced with the importance of protecting vulnerable young people.The Government of Canada is committed to promoting 2SLGBTQI+ equality, protecting 2SLGBTQI+ rights, and addressing discrimination against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both past and current.The Government has taken several actions to end discrimination against transgender and gender diverse people in Canada. Some highlights:• A new Action Plan to Combat Hate that will also address hate faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities, including trans people (See Budget 2023, chapter 4)• 2022: Government of Canada criminalized conversion therapies, see Statement• 2017: Canadian Human Rights Act amended to protect gender identity and gender expression• 2022: Launch of Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action PlanThe first Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan enables the federal government to help advance rights and equality for 2SLGBTQI+ people of every age in Canada. It also seeks to address and prevent discrimination and stigma based on sexual orientation, sex characteristics, gender identity and expression for future 2SLGBTQI+ generations.The Action Plan achieves these objectives by prioritizing community action and by coordinating work to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues across the federal government, recognizing the types of inequities facing communities. The plan is supported by an investment of $100 million, which will help create a more equitable Canada for 2SLGBTQI+ communities, both present and future generations. In doing so it builds upon work the Government of Canada has done to address persisting disparities faced by 2SLGBTQI+ communities and to build a safer, more inclusive country.
ÉcolesEnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genre
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01783441-01783 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 octobre 20234 décembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • La demande pour les refuges pour femmes est malheureusement en croissance;
  • En raison du coût élevé de la vie et de la crise du logement, il est plus difficile pour les femmes et les enfants vivant de la violence domestique de s’enfuir et de trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre;
  • Alors que ce gouvernement libéral augmente considérablement les dépenses pour la bureaucratie et les consultants, il coupe 145 millions de dollars pour le financement des refuges pour femmes.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir le financement pour les refuges pour femmes.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home. Providing a safe and secure space for persons fleeing domestic violence is a priority for our government. Launched in 2017, the National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $82-billion plan giving more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum while prioritizing populations most in need, including women and their children. The federal government aims to put 33% of the strategy’s investments, with a minimum of 25%, toward serving the unique needs of women and their children.NHS programs and initiatives support the creation of shelters, such as the $13.2 billion National Housing Co-Investment Fund which aims to create 2,000 new shelter spaces and repair 2,000 shelters for survivors of family violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed to creating 1,241 new shelter spaces or transitional housing units available for survivors of gender-based violence, and to repair/renew a further 302 units.  The Government recognizes that Indigenous women and children face unique challenges and barriers to housing. For those who experience violence, a shelter is often a first step to rebuilding their lives and protecting them from further violence. The NHS includes programming and funding exclusively for shelters in Indigenous communities and in the North. This includes $420 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative to build a minimum of 38 shelters and 50 new transitional homes for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping gender-based violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed $76 million toward the construction of 11 shelters and 18 transitional homes through this program.In May 2020, our government committed $44.8 million to build a total of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping family violence. These Indigenous-led shelters will provide vital refuge and culturally appropriate critical supports and services to help survivors of family violence recover from the trauma of their experiences, access support programming and create a stable environment where they can begin to regain an independent life. This is also a crucial element of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an important contribution to the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. 
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerIn response to unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada provided approximately $300 million in emergency funding to over 1,400 organizations such as women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations that provide critical supports and services to those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence.Along with other temporary COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by the federal government since 2020, this measure is coming to an end.  Despite this, the Government of Canada continues to support critical services for individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Most notably, on November 9, 2022, Women and Gender Equality Canada launched a historic National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This provides an investment of $539.3 million over five years, committed in Budget 2022, which is being implemented through bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories to support their efforts to address and end gender-based violence. These agreements, along with the respective provincial/territorial implementation plans, will be posted on Women and Gender Equality Canada’s website. This historic funding builds on additional Government of Canada investments to address gender-based violence since 2021-22:  
FemmesMaisons de refuge
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01782441-01782 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB19 octobre 20234 décembre 202322 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La commission américaine des libertés religieuses internationales a signalé que divers acteurs en Inde ont préconisé, institué et appliqué des politiques sectaires visant à établir l’Inde à titre d’état ouvertement hindou, à l’encontre de la fondation séculaire et pluraliste de l’Inde, ce qui pose un grave danger aux minorités religieuses de l’Inde;
  • Les chrétiens en Inde font l’objet d’attaques ciblées de la part d’extrémistes, avec 486 incidents d’attaques anti-chrétiennes en 2021 selon le United Christian Forum, et plus de 300 attaques en date de juillet 2022, en plus de cas bien documentés de vandalisme dans les églises, d’agressions contre des personnes travaillant pour des églises et de menaces et d’humiliations à l’encontre de congrégations chrétiennes;
  • Selon un rapport de 2021 du Bureau indien d’information sur les crimes, on signale toutes les heures des crimes contre des groupes dalits, y compris contre des femmes et des filles dalits, les cas étant passés de 50 291 en 2020 à 50 900 en 2021;
  • Les musulmans indiens sont à risque de génocide selon l’ONG Genocide Watch, qui a documenté des « signes et des processus » de génocide en Inde, ce que confirment d’autres rapports crédibles selon lesquels de plus en plus de minorités musulmanes sont victimes de menaces, d’agressions, de violence sexuelle et d’assassinats, le tout de manière organisée et ciblée.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. Veiller officiellement à ce que tous les accords commerciaux avec l’Inde, dont l’Accord commercial des premiers progrès (ACPP), l’Accord de partenariat économique global (APEG) et l’Accord sur la promotion et la protection des investissements étrangers (APIE), contiennent des dispositions obligatoires sur le respect des droits de la personne;2. Imposer des sanctions ciblées contre les extrémistes reconnus coupables d’incitation à la violence contre les minorités religieuses en Inde;3. Promouvoir un dialogue mutuellement respectueux et mutuellement avantageux sur les droits de la personne entre le Canada et l’Inde.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to creating economic opportunities through initiatives such as trade agreements so that more Canadians can engage in, and benefit from, trade, while at the same time advancing broader social, labour, and environmental priorities in Canada, such as inclusive growth and the promotion of human rights. Fostering greater engagement and closer ties with countries through trade agreements is also an effective way of promoting Canadian values, such as human rights, democracy, openness, respect for the rule of law, and rules-based international trade. With respect to trade agreement negotiations, the Government of Canada has paused negotiations with India to further review and reflect. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting exporters to find opportunities to expand into international markets, including in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific Region.The promotion and protection of human rights has long been an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada believes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. Canada’s autonomous sanctions regime is one of many tools that support this important work. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights, such as freedom of religion or belief and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups around the world, on an ongoing basis. Canada is also committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally and at home, working with partners to create a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity and against the persecution of minorities on the grounds of religion or belief. No person or group should face restrictions on the freedom to practise their faith or belief, whether in the form of laws, policies, or actions or through harassment or violence. It causes suffering and division and leads to a climate of fear, intolerance, and stigmatization. Canada will continue to stand up for this freedom while promoting diversity and inclusion for all.
Commerce internationalDroits de la personneIndeMinorités religieuses
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01781441-01781 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB19 octobre 20234 décembre 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01780441-01780 (Sécurité publique)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC19 octobre 20234 décembre 202317 octobre 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique Attendu que :
  • Les urgences sur la plage Long sont prises en charge par Parcs Canada en collaboration avec la Garde côtière canadienne, la Westcoast Inland Search and Rescue Society, le Emergency Response Group de la Colombie Britannique et la Gendarmerie royale du Canada; cependant, les sauvetages relèvent d’abord des surfeurs, des amateurs de plage et des écoles de surf qui travaillent dans le parc; Le 10 février 2018, le doctorant Nijin John est mort près du rocher Lovekin à la plage Long Beach dans la Réserve de parc national Pacific Rim; Vincent Mallaley, un passant, a effectué des manœuvres de réanimation, mais Nijin John est finalement décédé sur place;
  • Le 20 mai 2018, Ann Wittenberg est morte des suites d’un accident dans l’eau près du rocher Lovekin à la plage Long Beach dans la Réserve de parc national Pacific Rim; des surfeurs et des passants l’ont sortie de l’eau et ont effectué des manœuvres de réanimation, mais elle est morte sur place quelques heures avant le mariage de sa fille (Victoria Orr);
  • Le 26 mars 2019, quatre personnes sont restées bloquées pendant deux heures sur le rocher Lovekin avant d’être rescapées, saines et sauves, par un hélicoptère; un citoyen inquiet a appelé le 9-1-1 vers 16 heures, et le Centre conjoint de coordination des opérations de sauvetage de Victoria a par la suite demandé l’intervention d’un hélicoptère Cormorant de l’Aviation royale canadienne (en provenance de la Base des Forces canadiennes Comox) et de la Garde côtière canadienne;
  • Le 7 août 2021, une autre personne s’est noyée à la plage Long, dans la Réserve de parc national Pacific Rim;
  • Selon Parcs Canada, plus d’un million de personnes visitent la Réserve de parc national Pacific Rim, ce qui en fait le troisième parc national le plus visité au Canada;
  • Des sauveteurs ont surveillé la plage dans le cadre du programme de sauveteur de la Réserve de parc national Pacific Rim pendant 40 ans, jusqu’à ce que le gouvernement fédéral conservateur abolisse le programme en 2012.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de la Colombie-Britannique et visiteurs de la Réserve de parc naturel Pacific Rim, prions le ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique de rétablir les tours et les services de sauvetage, et de prolonger la durée du programme de sauveteur afin de répondre au nombre croissant de situations d’urgence et de visiteurs à la plage Long, dans la Réserve de parc national Pacific Rim.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSafety is one of Parks Canada’s top priorities. As our country's largest natural and cultural tourism provider, Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with safe and meaningful experiences. When it comes to water safety, Parks Canada recognizes that a regional, multi-faceted approach is required. To achieve this, Parks Canada collaborates with the Districts of Ucluelet and Tofino to raise awareness of water hazards through the CoastSmart program, a regional coastal safety campaign that focuses on prevention messaging for all unsupervised beaches in the region. Parks Canada is committed to collaborating further with stakeholders in the surf community.A meeting was held recently with the Minister and the Member of Parliament from Courtenay--Alberni. As discussed there, the Minister is open to having Parks Canada taking surf safety multi-partner approach to the next phase, exploring the potential for a third-party organization to lead the education of visitors and local water users about the risks of the ocean. Working together with local partners will follow the successes and best practices of other recreation safety organizations and can help ensure a more thorough and tailored approach to messaging for users across the region. As this multi-partner work proceeds, the Minister is committed to another call with the Member of Parliament from Courtenay—Alberni.The Surf Guard program concluded in 2012 as it was no longer aligned with evolving surf and water recreation practices in the region:
  • The Surf Guard program only monitored one section of Long Beach for a few months during the peak summer season. There are 16 kilometres of beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s Long Beach Unit alone.
  • Water activity now takes place year-round in the region, stretching across a broad network of beaches, with activities ranging from surfing, to stand up paddle boarding, storm watching, and more.
  • In recent years, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve has experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors.
  • Pacific Rim National Park Reserve aligns with all surf beaches on the Pacific Coast of Canada from Sombrio Beach on southern Vancouver Island to North Beach on Haida Gwaii, which are not supervised. It is the responsibility of visitors to assess risks and make informed decisions.
Parks Canada does not intend to reinstate the surf guard program and is working to reduce the risk by addressing risk factors identified by the International Life Saving Federation.The CoastSmart program’s public awareness campaign shares the key risks of recreating on or near water, whether surfing, beach walking, or engaging in many other coastal activities. Education is one of the most effective ways to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve provides information to visitors through online platforms, signage, and the Coastal Stewards stationed on Long Beach during the summer. Together, these initiatives help visitors learn about ocean hazards and make informed decisions before and during their visit to the coast.Parks Canada continues to focus efforts on visitor education and incident prevention in collaboration with other organizations, with the intention of broadening the reach of the program and seeking new opportunities to collaborate and amplify the messaging.     
Pacific Rim réserve de parc national du canadaSauveteurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01779441-01779 (Animaux)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservateurSK19 octobre 20234 décembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition à l’honorable PattyHajdu, ministre de la SantéAttendu que :Les populations incontrôlées de spermophiles de Richardson pourraient exposer les Canadiens à des risques de dommages ou de blessures dans les régions rurales;Les populations incontrôlées de spermophiles de Richardson peuvent représenter une menace sérieuse pour le secteur agricole canadien et causer des blessures graves au bétail;La strychnine, lorsqu’elle est utilisée comme il se doit, constitue le moyen le plus efficace et le plus rentable de contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson;Il n’y a actuellement aucune option autre que la strychnine pour contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson;La décision de Santé Canada d’interdire l’utilisation de la strychnine aura des conséquences préjudiciables non désirées sur l’économie canadienne et en particulier sur l’économie des provinces des Prairies; Les gouvernements de la Saskatchewan et de l’Alberta ont déclaré qu’elles s’opposent à la décision de Santé Canada, invoquant les effets environnementaux limités de la strychnine lorsqu’elle est utilisée comme il se doit.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à Santé Canada et à l’honorable Patty Hajdu, ministre de la Santé, de revenir sur leur décision d’interdire la vente et l’utilisation de la strychnine sous le régime de la Loi sur les produits antiparasitaires, et de mener des recherches pour étudier d’éventuelles solutions de rechange à la strychnine qui permettraient contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson et seraient comparables à la strychnine pour ce qui est de l’efficacité, de la rentabilité et des coûts.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandIn Canada, the regulation of pesticides is shared among all levels of government. Federally, pesticides are regulated under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The Agency’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when pesticides are used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from numerous scientific studies (in some cases hundreds of studies) are reviewed to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people, animals (including birds, beneficial insects such as pollinators, mammals, and other wildlife), or plants, including organisms in the soil and water. This assessment also takes into consideration sensitive populations, such as pregnant and nursing women, infants, children and seniors.Health Canada also periodically re-evaluates pesticides that are on the market to determine whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards and hence whether they should continue to be registered and permitted for use in Canada.As outlined in Re-evaluation Decision RVD2020-06, Strychnine and Its Associated End-use Products (Richardson’s Ground Squirrels) published on March 4, 2020, Health Canada concluded that the environmental risks associated with the use of strychnine for the control of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (RGS) (also known as gophers) were not shown to be acceptable when used according to label directions and that no further feasible mitigation measures could be implemented by users of the product. Consequently, the registration of products containing strychnine used to control RGS was cancelled with a 3-year phase-out period, which ended on March 4, 2023.In its decision, Health Canada recognized the value of strychnine because it is easy to use, cost effective and manages RGS in a single feeding. However, there are alternatives to strychnine registered to control RGS available to users: chlorophacinone, diphacinone, zinc phosphide, and aluminum phosphide. While these alternatives may have some limitations compared to strychnine, they were found to be efficacious against the target pest during the scientific review that led to their registration.Efforts to identify new products and to conduct additional research into RGS control should involve grower groups, registrants and manufacturers of potential alternative products, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and/or provincial representatives. Health Canada will continue to be available to provide information and guidance regarding the registration process, and information on currently registered alternative products.
Loi sur les produits antiparasitairesPesticidesRecherche et chercheursSpermophiles de RichardsonStrychnine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01778441-01778 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC19 octobre 20234 décembre 202312 octobre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • Le Rapport spécial sur les conséquences d’un réchauffement planétaire de 1,5 °C, du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat des Nations Unies, établit clairement que l’avenir de l’humanité repose sur l’adoption de changements « rapides et vastes » pour limiter le réchauffement à 1,5 °C au cours des 11 prochaines années et atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050;
  • Le Canada est en voie de dépasser considérablement le plafond d’émissions fixé par l’Accord de Paris pour 2030 (Rapport du vérificateur général de 2018), les émissions liées au pétrole et au gaz et au transport ne cessant d’augmenter (Gouvernement du Canada);
  • L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé a été claire : « le changement climatique est la plus grande menace mondiale du XXIe siècle pour la santé »;
  • Les effets du changement climatique sur la santé, notamment les maladies pulmonaires, les maladies liées à la chaleur, la propagation de maladies infectieuses, les déplacements, la famine, la sécheresse et les effets sur la santé mentale, se font sentir au Canada et à l’étranger et devraient s’accélérer sur notre planète à un rythme sans précédent, menaçant « les vies humaines et la viabilité des systèmes de santé nationaux dont ils dépendent » (Lancet Countdown 2018 Report : Briefing for Canadian Policymakers).
Nous, soussignées, membres de Physician Mothers of Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • de donner suite au rapport de l’Association canadienne des médecins pour l’environnement, intitulé « Appel à l’action sur les changements climatiques et la santé » (5 février 2019), où elle énonce clairement des mesures précises pour mettre fin aux émissions;
  • de faire de l’élimination des émissions et de la préservation d’un environnement sain les hautes priorités pour tous les portefeuilles et dans toutes les décisions prises par les parties fédérales et provinciales;
  • de mettre en œuvre une stratégie nationale de tarification du carbone;
  • de s’engager à éliminer rapidement les carburants fossiles et le charbon de notre économie;
  • de s’engager à intégrer rapidement les énergies vertes et une infrastructure à zéro émission à l’échelle du pays;
  • d’éliminer les produits de plastique à usage unique.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come, Canada must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020 to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve its national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price rose to $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Meeting Canada’s G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023, and committing to develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing the Canadian Center for Climate Services, which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is implementing an ambitious, comprehensive, and circular economy approach to reduce plastic waste, increase the value retention and recovery of plastics, and tackle plastic pollution through a range of complementary solutions spanning the plastics lifecycle. By reducing plastic pollution and improving how plastic is made, used, and managed, the Government of Canada can strengthen sustainable economies, grow jobs, help fight climate change, and protect biodiversity and the environment.Actions such as these, as well as ongoing efforts with provinces and territories to ensure that producers are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, will help address the issue of plastic pollution from single-use plastics.The Government of Canada also recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to adapt to the impacts of climate change including higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. Working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners and stakeholders, the federal government is implementing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This Strategy has a shared vision for climate resilience and provides a blueprint for whole-of-society action to help communities and residents of Canada better adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change.These and other historic commitments aim to increase Canada’s climate and environmental ambition, and to help people living in Canada be more resilient to climate impacts. These commitments will benefit all Canadians, in particular those groups that are disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change including children, low-income communities, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.   
Association canadienne des médecins pour l'environnementCombustibles fossilesÉnergie et combustibles renouvelablesGaz à effet de serrePlastiquesTarification du carbone
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01777441-01777 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB19 octobre 20234 décembre 20231 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023e-4519e-4519 (Affaires sociales et égalité)BrennaWilsonBonitaZarrilloPort Moody—CoquitlamNPDBC17 juillet 2023 à 8 h 04 (HAE)15 octobre 2023 à 8 h 04 (HAE)19 octobre 20234 décembre 202316 octobre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :En raison du processus réglementaire, on prévoit un délai de 18 mois avant que la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées commence à être versée;L’insuffisance du soutien offert dans le cadre des programmes d’invalidité fédéraux et provinciaux actuels représente un risque pour la vie des prestataires;Les prestations nettement inférieures au seuil de la pauvreté, la crise du coût de la vie et le phénomène grandissant de l’itinérance causent de grandes difficultés aux Canadiens ayant un handicap qui touchent des prestations d’invalidité provinciales et fédérales; Plus de la moitié des personnes sans abri ont une ou plusieurs incapacités. Les prestations sont souvent loin d’être suffisantes pour couvrir le loyer, et de nombreux programmes municipaux et provinciaux de loyer fondé sur le revenu n’accordent pas la priorité aux personnes ayant un handicap;Certaines personnes, poussées par le désespoir économique qui aggravait leurs problèmes de santé existants, constamment en mode de survie, obligées de faire des choix impossibles et de demander la charité pour arriver à joindre les deux bouts, se sont résolues à recourir à l’aide médicale à mourir;D’autres ont fini par se suicider; Les gens attendent désespérément la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées, mais le fait de devoir attendre un an et demi de plus sans soutien aura de graves conséquences.Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté des Canadiens ayant un handicap, prions la Chambre des communes : 1. D'envisager de mettre en place une prestation complémentaire temporaire, une prestation d’urgence pour les personnes handicapées, ou PUPH, qui serait fournie immédiatement afin d’aider les prestataires actuels d’un programme de prestations d’invalidité en attendant que la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées commence à être versée;2. D'envisager de verser la PUPH afin de combler les lacunes et d’améliorer le sort des nombreuses personnes qui ont désespérément besoin de soutien dès maintenant.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiThe Government is committed to reducing poverty and supporting the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities. Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, was introduced in the House of Commons on June 2, 2022, and received Royal Assent on June 22, 2023.The Act is framework legislation, establishing the Benefit and providing the legal authorities to detail the Benefit’s design in future regulations. Regulations made under the Act will prescribe the Benefit amounts, eligibility criteria and other design and administrative elements. This approach, in the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” will allow the Government to continue to engage with Canadians with disabilities, other stakeholders and provincial and territorial governments to inform the Benefit’s design. Support for the approach of focusing on a long-term sustainable solution was voiced by a number of witnesses to the parliamentary study of Bill C-22. They mentioned that the use of framework legislation deeply aligned with the principle of “Nothing Without Us,” by providing persons with disabilities inclusive and accessible opportunities to participate in the design and detail of a benefit specifically targeted to them.The Government is very aware of the fact that many Canadians with disabilities need the additional financial support that the Canada Disability Benefit will provide. The intent, therefore, is to move forward quickly with the regulatory development process. To that end, the 2023 federal budget committed $21.5 million in 2023-24 to continue work on the future delivery of the benefit, including engagement on the regulations. This work will build on engagement activities, including roundtables and an on-line public survey, that took place in 2021 and 2022, as well as community-led consultations which continue into 2023. Since August 2023, the Government has started a new phase of engagement with persons with disabilities and stakeholder organizations excited to provide input to the development of the Benefit’s regulations. This new engagement has been through roundtables, bilateral meetings and the future launch of an online engagement tool which will provide every Canadian an opportunity to comment and provide feedback on the regulations. As well, engagement will continue with the provinces and territories, who play a central role in providing supports and services for persons with disabilities.An interim measure would require a new program to be established including potential additional legislation to be passed by Parliament, as well as the establishment of a new regime of administrative processes and procedures. Given limited resources, this could have the effect of delaying the development and implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit. The Government is focusing its resources on implementing the Benefit as soon as possible, while ensuring the meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities in the development of the regulations.
Personnes ayant des limitations fonctionnellesPrestations d'invalidité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 décembre 2023441-01775441-01775 (Droits de la personne)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK19 octobre 20234 décembre 202311 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l'attention de la Chambre des communes : ATTENDU QUE :La liberté de choix en matière de soins de santé devient de plus en plus restreinte et menacée par la législation et les dispositions légales du gouvernement du Canada; C’est un droit fondamental des individus de pouvoir choisir le moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens veulent être libres de décider du moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens sont aptes à prendre leurs propres décisions en matière de santé sans l’ingérence de l’État.Par conséquent : les signataires de la pétition demandent au Parlement de garantir à chaque Canadien le droit à la liberté de choix en santé en édictant la Charte de la liberté de choix en santé rédigée pour l’Association de protection des produits de santé naturels le 4 septembre 2008.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Droits de la personneSanté
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 décembre 2023441-01774441-01774 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.DavidMcGuintyOttawa-SudLibéralON18 octobre 20231 décembre 20233 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE
  • Le Royaume-Uni (R.-U.) est le seul pays membre de l’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques qui fait de la discrimination fondée sur le pays de résidence en ce qui concerne l’indexation de la pension de l’État. Selon le pays où ils habitent, certains bénéficiaires du régime de pension du Royaume-Uni reçoivent des prestations indexées tous les ans, tandis que d’autres bénéficiaires reçoivent des prestations dont le montant est « gelé » à son niveau initial (c’est-à-dire que leur pension n’est jamais indexée sur l’indice du coût de la vie);
  • Le R.-U. applique sa politique de façon arbitraire. Par exemple, les prestations des 127 000 bénéficiaires du régime de pension du R.-U. qui habitent au Canada sont « gelées » tandis que celles des 128 000 bénéficiaires qui habitent aux États-Unis sont indexées chaque année, comme c’est aussi le cas pour les bénéficiaires qui vivent en Turquie, en Israël, aux Philippines et dans tous les pays de l’Union européenne;
  • À l’inverse, les prestations du Régime des pensions du Canada sont toutes indexées sur l’inflation, quel que soit le pays où habitent les bénéficiaires du Régime;
  • Plus de 91 % des pensionnés dont les prestations sont « gelées » habitent dans un pays du Commonwealth. Le Canada est l’un des pays fondateurs du Commonwealth, et les chartes des droits du Canada et du Commonwealth mettent toutes deux de l’avant l’égalité et la non-discrimination;
  • On estime que la politique du R.-U. coûte au Canada environ 490 millions de dollars par année et fait que beaucoup de pensionnés au Canada vivent dans la pauvreté;
  • Le R.-U. a rejeté de nombreuses demandes présentées par le Canada afin d’élaborer une nouvelle convention sur la sécurité sociale qui aborderait l’indexation des pensions. Le R.-U. a rejeté sept de ces demandes au cours des trois dernières années et n’a donné aucune indication qu’il était prêt à changer d’avis;
  • Le R.-U. a signé un protocole de coordination des systèmes de sécurité sociale dans le cadre de l’accord de commerce et de coopération conclu entre l’Union européenne et le Royaume-Uni à la suite du Brexit. Le Canada et le R.-U. ont entamé des négociations pour conclure un accord de commerce. Durant les pourparlers, le Canada a soulevé la question de l’indexation des pensions à deux reprises, mais s’est aussitôt heurté à un refus dans les deux cas.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de faire en sorte que les négociations actuelles en vue de conclure un accord entre le Canada et le R.-U. se soldent par le « dégel » des prestations versées aux bénéficiaires du régime de pension du R.-U. qui habitent au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada.The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada.In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK. UK officials declined the request, but noted they would continue to consider this matter carefully.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions. This showcases the continued support to resolve this long-standing issue.In June 2021, the Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. No response was received from the UK Government.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live. The British High Commissioner re-confirmed that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions. The UK Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion responded to the letter of June 2022, re-confirming that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy. No response was received from the UK Government to the letter of October 2022.In April 2023, the Minister of Labour, met with the UK Minister for Employment. The Minister of Labour raised the issue of the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada. The UK Minister for Employment noted the concern of the Minister, however, he re-confirmed that the UK Government has no plans to change its current policy.Also in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, requesting her assistance in encouraging the UK government to resolve this issue. To date, no response has been received from the UK Government.Negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-UK Free Trade Agreement are focused on advancing specific trade-related issues. Canada’s negotiating objectives were tabled in Parliament in 2022 and were informed by extensive public consultations across Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada.The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada.In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK. UK officials declined the request, but noted they would continue to consider this matter carefully.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions. This showcases the continued support to resolve this long-standing issue.In June 2021, the Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. No response was received from the UK Government.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live. The British High Commissioner re-confirmed that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions. The UK Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion responded to the letter of June 2022, re-confirming that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy. No response was received from the UK Government to the letter of October 2022.In April 2023, the Minister of Labour, met with the UK Minister for Employment. The Minister of Labour raised the issue of the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada. The UK Minister for Employment noted the concern of the Minister, however, he re-confirmed that the UK Government has no plans to change its current policy.Also in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, requesting her assistance in encouraging the UK government to resolve this issue. To date, no response has been received from the UK Government.Negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-UK Free Trade Agreement are focused on advancing specific trade-related issues. Canada’s negotiating objectives were tabled in Parliament in 2022 and were informed by extensive public consultations across Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate.
Accords réciproques sur la sécurité socialeIndexation des pensionsRelations internationalesRoyaume-Uni
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 décembre 2023441-01773441-01773 (Droits de la personne)L’hon.DavidMcGuintyOttawa-SudLibéralON18 octobre 20231 décembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Depuis leur arrivée en tant qu’immigrants en 1750, les Canadiens allemands et autrichiens ont contribué de manière significative au développement du Canada;
  • Ils ont aidé la Grande-Bretagne à conquérir la Nouvelle-France, et sur les 30 000 soldats allemands recrutés par la Grande-Bretagne pour aider à réprimer la Révolution américaine, plus de 2 000 sont restés au Canada;
  • Des immigrants allemands et autrichiens ont fondé Lunenburg, Moncton et la vallée de l’Annapolis en Nouvelle-Écosse, et ont contribué à la fondation de York (aujourd’hui Toronto) et de Berlin (aujourd’hui Kitchener) en Ontario;
  • Trois Canadiens d’origine allemande – Charles Fisher (Fischer), William Henry Steeves (Stieff) et Sir Charles Tupper – faisaient partie des Pères de la Confédération;
  • Deux Canadiens d’origine allemande ont été premier ministre du Canada : Sir Charles Tupper (6e) et John Diefenbaker (13e);
  • Pendant les deux guerres mondiales, d’innocents Canadiens allemands et autrichiens ont été internés au Canada avec des combattants ennemis, sans qu’on tienne compte de leur loyauté envers le Canada;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada a présenté ses excuses aux communautés ukrainienne, japonaise et italienne du Canada pour l’internement injustifié de leurs membres.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de s’excuser pour l’internement injustifié de Canadiens d’origine allemande et autrichienne pendant les deux guerres mondiales, et de s’engager à ne plus jamais détenir, emprisonner ou interner des Canadiens innocents en raison uniquement de leur origine ethnique.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for their request that calls upon the Government of Canada to “apologize for the wrongful internment of German and Austrian Canadians during World Wars I and II”; and “commit to never again hold, imprison, or intern innocent Canadians based solely on their ethnic origin.”The Government of Canada believes in the importance of learning from the past, including the more difficult moments in our history.During both the First and Second World Wars, under the authority of the War Measures Act, the Government of Canada interned or restricted freedoms of people originating from countries with which Canada was at war, and anyone who was deemed to be a security risk. These measures have left an indelible mark on our country’s history and caused pain to the families and descendants of those interned, including members of the German and Austrian communities. The measures that were taken are inconsistent with Canadian values. In 1988, the Government of Canada repealed the War Measures Act. Canada has since chosen to put in place several legal measures that safeguard human rights and recognize the multicultural nature of Canada’s population. These include the Canadian Bill of Rights (1960), the Canadian Human Rights Act (1977), the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988) which enshrined into law the federal government’s commitment to promoting and maintaining a diverse, multicultural society.The Government recognizes the importance of sharing this history in order to learn from it, and also acknowledges the importance of recognizing the contributions that the German and Austrian communities have and continue to make to the development of Canada, as well as those from other communities such as Italian, Ukrainian and others that were impacted by the internment.In 2008, under the now sunset Community Historical Recognition Program, a $10-million endowment was made to the Shevchenko Foundation to establish the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund. The Fund supports projects that commemorate and recognize the experiences of all of the communities affected by the internment operations of the First World War. It enables them to tell their stories and educate Canadians about the past and the contributions they have made to building Canada.Through National Historical Recognition Program funding, Parks Canada has created an exhibit to increase awareness about Canada's First World War internment operations. The Exhibit is located in Banff National Park where one of the former internment camps was located.A number of Museums have educational information on their websites related to the internment operations. These include the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier21, and the Canadian Museum of History. Others have screened films or held exhibits on this subject in the past.In 2016, Parliament passed a motion to establish the month of October as German Heritage Month. It provides an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize the German community’s contributions to Canada’s success, with their heritage shaping our social and economic fabric.The Government of Canada is deeply committed to building an inclusive country that we can all be proud of. This tragic episode in our shared history reminds us of the importance of defending our values of openness and inclusion, and the impacts that can result from xenophobia, racism, discrimination, and hate.
Canadiens d'origine allemandeCanadiens d'origine autrichienneExcuses officiellesInternement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 décembre 2023441-01772441-01772 (Justice)TakoVan PoptaLangley—AldergroveConservateurBC18 octobre 20231 décembre 202316 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du gouvernement du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Il n’y a pas de consensus chez les spécialistes de la santé concernant ce qui constitue l’irrémédiabilité d’une maladie mentale;Le gouvernement canadien est tenu, aux termes de la Charte des droits et libertés, de favoriser et de protéger la vie, la liberté et la sécurité de ses citoyens;Le Parlement juge prioritaire de s’assurer que des mesures de soutien adéquates sont en place pour la santé mentale des Canadiens;Le Parlement considère que les Canadiens vulnérables devraient avoir accès à du counseling en prévention du suicide plutôt que d’avoir accès à l’aide médicale à mourir.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à :
  • Soutenir publiquement et sans équivoque le projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire C-314, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (aide médicale à mourir).
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal and complex choice that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives. Our Government is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, protect those who may be vulnerable, and support autonomy and freedom of choice.Bill C-314, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on October 18, 2023. That same day, the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying was re-established, in accordance with Recommendation 13 of that Committee’s second report, in order to verify the degree of preparedness attained for a safe and adequate application of MAID in cases where a mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. The Committee will be submitting a final report no later than January 31, 2024.Our Government continues to work with all partners to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable populations on this deeply personal issue is prioritized.
Aide médicale à mourirC-314, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (aide médicale à mourir)Santé mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 décembre 2023441-01771441-01771 (Justice)TakoVan PoptaLangley—AldergroveConservateurBC18 octobre 20231 décembre 202317 octobre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du gouvernement du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Il n’y a pas de consensus chez les spécialistes de la santé concernant ce qui constitue l’irrémédiabilité d’une maladie mentale;Le gouvernement canadien est tenu, aux termes de la Charte des droits et libertés, de favoriser et de protéger la vie, la liberté et la sécurité de ses citoyens;Le Parlement juge prioritaire de s’assurer que des mesures de soutien adéquates sont en place pour la santé mentale des Canadiens;Le Parlement considère que les Canadiens vulnérables devraient avoir accès à du counseling en prévention du suicide plutôt que d’avoir accès à l’aide médicale à mourir.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à :
  • Soutenir publiquement et sans équivoque le projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire C-314, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (aide médicale à mourir).
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal and complex choice that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives. Our Government is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, protect those who may be vulnerable, and support autonomy and freedom of choice.Bill C-314, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying) was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on October 18, 2023. That same day, the Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying was re-established, in accordance with Recommendation 13 of that Committee’s second report, in order to verify the degree of preparedness attained for a safe and adequate application of MAID in cases where a mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition. The Committee will be submitting a final report no later than January 31, 2024.Our Government continues to work with all partners to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable populations on this deeply personal issue is prioritized.
Aide médicale à mourirC-314, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (aide médicale à mourir)Santé mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 décembre 2023441-01770441-01770 (Environnement)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON18 octobre 20231 décembre 202315 septembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE :La canalisation 5 d’Enbridge est en service depuis 70 ans, et qu’au cours de cette période, elle a déversé à plusieurs reprises du pétrole dans le Wisconsin et le Michigan et a contribué à faire de Sarnia (Ontario) l’endroit le plus pollué d’Amérique du Nord; La poursuite de l’exploitation de ce pipeline de sables bitumineux vétuste constitue une menace imminente pour la réserve de Bad River et le lac Supérieur, car l’érosion rapide d’un méandre rend la réserve vulnérable face à un éventuel déversement; La rupture d’un pipeline à cet endroit détruirait les marécages de Kakagon et de Bad River, qui abritent des rizières sauvages, fondement physique, culturel et spirituel des peuples chippewas du lac Supérieur; La poursuite de l’exploitation de la canalisation 5 aggraverait encore la dégradation du climat mondial, de la biodiversité, des écosystèmes et des cultures du bassin versant des Grands Lacs et menacerait gravement 21 % de l’eau douce mondiale et l’eau potable qui approvisionne 40 millions de personnes; Enbridge n’a plus l’autorisation légale d’exploiter la canalisation 5 dans la réserve de Bad River ou dans le détroit de Mackinac, puisque la bande de Bad River des Chippewas du lac Supérieur et l’État du Michigan ont révoqué leurs servitudes en 2013 et en 2020, respectivement; La communauté indienne de Bay Mills a publié un document intitulé « Banishment of Enbridge Energy, Inc. Line 5 Dual Pipelines from the 1836 Treaty of Washington Ceded Territory, Waters of the Great Lakes, and the Straits of Mackinac »; L'instance permanente des Nations Unies sur les questions autochtones a demandé la mise hors service de la canalisation 5;L’accord entre le gouvernement du Canada et le gouvernement des États-Unis d’Amérique concernant les pipelines de transit (ci-après dénommé « l’accord de 1977 ») prévoit que la protection de l’environnement prime sur les pipelines; Les traités conclus avec les États-Unis autorisent les Chippewas du lac Supérieur à empêcher le détournement et le prolongement de la canalisation 5 dans le Wisconsin et le creusement d’un tunnel pour la canalisation 5 dans le Michigan, comme l’a proposé Enbridge; L’Agence internationale de l’énergie et le Secrétaire général des Nations Unies s’opposent à la construction de toute nouvelle infrastructure d’énergie fossile, telle que le détournement, la prolongation et la construction de tunnels susmentionnés; Le gouvernement du Canada n’a reconnu aucun des faits susmentionnés lorsqu’il a invoqué l’accord le 4 octobre 2021 et à nouveau le 29 août 2022 pour continuer à exploiter la canalisation 5; Près de 300 organisations et plus de 5 000 personnes ont signé une lettre demandant aux ministres du gouvernement de cesser d’invoquer l’accord de cette manière. NOUS, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, DEMANDONS AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA de renoncer à toute utilisation de l’accord de 1977 pour poursuivre l’exploitation de la canalisation 5 d’Enbridge.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam DanoffClimate change is an undeniable reality. That’s why the Government of Canada introduced Canada’s most comprehensive climate plan, making historic investments to build job-creating clean energy projects, and implementing a price on pollution which returns all proceeds to Canadians while significantly cutting pollution across the country. More than ever, the Government is firmly committed to ensuring Canada’s energy and economic security, while taking important steps to fight climate change and protect the environment for future generations.Canada has invoked the dispute settlement mechanism of the 1977 Transit Pipelines Treaty (the “Treaty”) twice concerning Line 5, first on October 4, 2021 on the pipeline segment in the Straits of Mackinac (Michigan), and again on August 29, 2022 on the pipeline segment on the Bad River Band Reservation (Wisconsin). This treaty ensures the uninterrupted transmission of hydrocarbons in transit—in the case of Line 5, light crude oil and natural gas liquids—from one place in Canada to another place in Canada, transiting through the United States.Line 5 not only helps provide energy that is essential for empowering a resilient Canadian economy, it also supplies energy to business owners and residents in the Midwestern United States, including Wisconsin. Canada and the United States share a vision for a sustainable and inclusive economic growth that strengthens the middle class, creates more opportunities for them, and ensures people have good jobs and careers on both sides of the border. Both Canadians and Americans expect their governments to strengthen Canada-U.S. supply chain security and work to reinforce this deeply interconnected and mutually beneficial economic relationship.The economic and energy disruption and damage to Canada and the U.S. from a Line 5 shutdown would be widespread and significant:
  • Line 5 is a key west-to-east outlet for Alberta and Saskatchewan production of light crude oil and natural gas liquids.
  • Line 5 supplies six refineries in Ontario and Quebec, including the refinery and petrochemical complex in Sarnia. In the U.S., Line 5 supplies four refineries in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. A 2021 third-party study of impacts in the U.S. Midwest indicated a shutdown would threaten more than 33,000 U.S. jobs and jeopardize US$20 billion in economic activity.
  • Line 5 also supplies three propane production facilities, in Wisconsin, Michigan and Sarnia (Ontario), which supply critical rural and agricultural needs in the Great Lakes region, on both sides of the border.
  • A Line 5 shutdown would also impact energy prices, such as propane for heating homes and the price of gas at the pump. As global market forces and inflation continue to hit Canadians, the Government must avoid putting additional pressure on the monthly budgets of Canadian families.
  • Furthermore, such a closure would directly impact the energy security of both Canada and the United States. At a time of heightened concern over energy security and supply, including during the energy transition, maintaining and protecting existing infrastructure should be a top priority. Canada has raised these concerns with the U.S. on numerous occasions.
Canada is committed to the process of reconciliation and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, including as recognized in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This includes respecting the rights of the Bad River Band, such as in relation to governance of its Reservation.Alongside many U.S.-based local, state, and national organizations, Canada strongly supports the proposed replacement infrastructure solution, which would re-route Line 5 outside the Bad River Band Reservation and is currently undergoing state and federal permitting review.In the case of the Line 5 segment in the Straits of Mackinac, Canada, along with many U.S.-based partners, supports the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. This solution, also undergoing state and federal permitting reviews, will replace the existing Line 5 segment in the Straits by placing it within a tunnel under the Straits.These infrastructure solutions will keep Line 5 operating, further protect the environment including the iconic waters of the Great Lakes, meet critical energy needs in both Canada and the U.S. as we fight climate change and build net-zero economies, while responding to concerns expressed by Indigenous peoples, and fulfilling the Bad River Band’s desire to remove the pipeline segment from its Reservation.
Pétrole et gazProtection de l'environnementTransport par pipeline
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 novembre 2023441-01769441-01769 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON17 octobre 202330 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
 
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 novembre 2023441-01768441-01768 (Affaires sociales et égalité)KarenVecchioElgin—Middlesex—LondonConservateurON17 octobre 202330 novembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • La demande pour les refuges pour femmes est malheureusement en croissance;
  • En raison du coût élevé de la vie et de la crise du logement, il est plus difficile pour les femmes et les enfants vivant de la violence domestique de s’enfuir et de trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre;
  • Alors que ce gouvernement libéral augmente considérablement les dépenses pour la bureaucratie et les consultants, il coupe 145 millions de dollars pour le financement des refuges pour femmes.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir le financement pour les refuges pour femmes.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home. Providing a safe and secure space for persons fleeing domestic violence is a priority for our government. Launched in 2017, the National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $82-billion plan giving more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum while prioritizing populations most in need, including women and their children. The federal government aims to put 33% of the strategy’s investments, with a minimum of 25%, toward serving the unique needs of women and their children.NHS programs and initiatives support the creation of shelters, such as the $13.2 billion National Housing Co-Investment Fund which aims to create 2,000 new shelter spaces and repair 2,000 shelters for survivors of family violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed to creating 1,241 new shelter spaces or transitional housing units available for survivors of gender-based violence, and to repair/renew a further 302 units.  The Government recognizes that Indigenous women and children face unique challenges and barriers to housing. For those who experience violence, a shelter is often a first step to rebuilding their lives and protecting them from further violence. The NHS includes programming and funding exclusively for shelters in Indigenous communities and in the North. This includes $420 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative to build a minimum of 38 shelters and 50 new transitional homes for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping gender-based violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed $76 million toward the construction of 11 shelters and 18 transitional homes through this program.In May 2020, our government committed $44.8 million to build a total of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping family violence. These Indigenous-led shelters will provide vital refuge and culturally appropriate critical supports and services to help survivors of family violence recover from the trauma of their experiences, access support programming and create a stable environment where they can begin to regain an independent life. This is also a crucial element of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an important contribution to the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. 
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerIn response to unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada provided approximately $300 million in emergency funding to over 1,400 organizations such as women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations that provide critical supports and services to those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence.Along with other temporary COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by the federal government since 2020, this measure is coming to an end.  Despite this, the Government of Canada continues to support critical services for individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Most notably, on November 9, 2022, Women and Gender Equality Canada launched a historic National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This provides an investment of $539.3 million over five years, committed in Budget 2022, which is being implemented through bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories to support their efforts to address and end gender-based violence. These agreements, along with the respective provincial/territorial implementation plans, will be posted on Women and Gender Equality Canada’s website. This historic funding builds on additional Government of Canada investments to address gender-based violence since 2021-22:
FemmesMaisons de refuge
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée30 novembre 2023441-01767441-01767 (Travail et emploi)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC17 octobre 202330 novembre 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • Le Canada a signé l’Accord de Paris, qui inclut dans son libellé le principe de transition équitable;
  • Il est de la responsabilité du gouvernement de garantir un traitement équitable aux travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière, qui, sans que ce soit leur faute, perdent leurs emplois au fur et à mesure que l’économie canadienne se tourne vers les énergies renouvelables;
  • Les compétences des travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière peuvent facilement se transférer à des emplois dans les énergies renouvelables, si on y affecte les ressources nécessaires;
  • Le taux d’emploi dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables dépasse déjà celui de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière et continue de croître.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • Créer, en consultation avec les travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière, un plan de transition équitable pour les travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière du Canada en y intégrant les 10 recommandations formulées par le Groupe de travail sur la transition équitable pour les collectivités et les travailleurs des centrales au charbon canadiennes.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reduction targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seize the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonization technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our global partners need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government released policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures that deliver on Canada’s commitment at COP26. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector. This commitment was reiterated and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, outlines the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world rapidly shifting to a net-zero economy.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding to establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, among other things.As committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023. The legislation proposes establishing a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill would also require the Government to:
  • establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures;
  • create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and
  • release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025.
These legislated mechanisms would guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a low-carbon economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables) are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables are helping to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for implementing joint strategies to leverage energy and resource opportunities to realize each region of Canada’s comparative advantage in a net-zero emissions economy.To date, the federal government has jointly launched nine Regional Tables across the country, with British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and the four Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador) as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Most recently, the Government of Canada and British Columbia, in collaboration with First Nation partners, released the foundational British Columbia Regional Energy and Resource Table Collaboration Framework, which sets the stage for a shared longer-term vision. On the other side of the country, plans for a similar framework with Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario are not far behind. Other participating provinces and territories are collaborating to finalize proposed priorities, while discussion to establish a Regional Table or other collaboration mechanism continues in the remaining jurisdictions.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Diversification économiqueÉnergie et combustibles renouvelablesMain-d'œuvrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023e-4550e-4550 (Justice)PeterVlaarMikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON13 septembre 2023 à 13 h 27 (HAE)13 octobre 2023 à 13 h 27 (HAE)16 octobre 202329 novembre 202316 octobre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : Les citoyens canadiens ne bénéficient pas d’un accès égal aux soins et soutiens nécessaires pour répondre à leurs besoins physiques et mentaux, vu l’inégalité des conditions économiques et sociales qui règnent dans notre pays; Le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à rendre l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) accessible aux personnes dont la maladie mentale est le seul trouble médical invoqué, avant de combler les lacunes évidentes en matière de soutien à ce secteur vulnérable de la population; Les citoyens canadiens qui demandent l’AMM doivent pouvoir donner leur consentement éclairé, ce qui implique notamment d’être informés des autres options en matière de soins, mais le gouvernement n’est pas tenu de rendre ces soins accessibles, opportuns et abordables; En l’absence d’un véritable accès aux nécessités de subsistance et aux aides en matière de santé mentale, le gouvernement ne peut pas étendre l’AMM aux personnes dont la seule condition médicale est une maladie mentale sans créer un contexte social dans lequel il est impossible pour elles de consentir à l’AMM de manière tout à fait libre et volontaire; Le gouvernement du Canada a le devoir envers ses citoyens non seulement de donner la priorité à leur droit à l’autodétermination, mais aussi de créer des conditions sociales dans lesquelles ce droit peut être exercé librement et équitablement par tous les citoyens, en particulier les plus vulnérables; Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Renoncer à l’élargissement de l’AMM prévoyant d’inclure les personnes dont la seule condition sous-jacente est un trouble mental;2. Fournir un engagement fédéral complet en matière de soins de santé mentale; 3. Soutenir les aides qui répondent aux besoins fondamentaux de la vie, y compris le logement, l’aide au revenu, la couverture des médicaments d’ordonnance et les soins de santé mentale.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleInfrastructure CanadaHomelessness is a complex issue, and the Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work with partners and communities to move towards the goal of eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada by 2030. The Government of Canada is investing nearly $4 billion over nine years to address homelessness through Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy. Launched in 2019, this community-based program supports Designated Communities (urban centres), Indigenous communities, territorial communities, and rural and remote communities across Canada to prevent and reduce homelessness.Reaching Home provides crucial funding to support services in activity areas such as: Basic Needs Services, Emergency Housing Funding, Prevention and Shelter Diversion. This funding can also support access to health and social services and improve overall wellbeing of those experiencing or at-risk of homelessness through the delivery of harm reduction activities and navigating access to clinical, health and treatment services (including mental health and addictions supports) through case management. Between April 1, 2019, and September 7, 2023, Reaching Home funding supported more than 6,700 projects to assist people experiencing and at risk of homelessness. Through these projects, 122,472 people received homelessness prevention support in rental assistance and landlord/family mediation, while 69,846 people have been placed in more stable housing. Canada Mortgage and Housing CorporationOur government believes that all people living in Canada should have access to safe and affordable housing. Launched in 2017, the National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $82-billion plan to give more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS recognizes the distinct housing barriers faced by vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities and those dealing with mental health and addictions issues. The NHS consists of complementary initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum, prioritizing populations most in need. This includes the Rapid Housing Initiative and National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which provides funding for the creation, repair and renewal of affordable housing, transitional housing, and shelters, and the Canada Housing Benefit, which is delivered by the provinces and territories and provides funding directly to households in need to help them with their housing costs. The NHS is providing funding to protect and expand the community housing sector, which is home to many low-income and vulnerable tenants.  
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek Kusmierczyk3. Bolster supports that provide for the basic necessities of life, including housing, income assistance, prescription drug coverage, and mental health care.Income security is a shared responsibility across different orders of government. As such, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of working with the provinces and territories to find solutions to common challenges.The Government of Canada has many programs in place that help individuals and families meet their basic needs. These include the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, and, the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. In addition, existing programs, such as the Canada Workers Benefit and Employment Insurance, provide income supports for low-income individuals with labour market attachment or those with insurable employment. These programs exist alongside provincial and territorial social assistance programs. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal and complex choice that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives. Our Government is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, protect those who may be vulnerable, and support autonomy and freedom of choice.In June 2021, when former Bill C-7 expanded eligibility for MAID to persons whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable, it also temporarily excluded from eligibility for MAID persons whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness for two years, until March 17, 2023. This was done in recognition that these requests are complex and require additional study. During this time, an independent expert review on MAID and mental illness was conducted by the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness. Its final report was tabled in May 2022. A study of the Criminal Code MAID provisions and other related issues, including mental illness, was also conducted in Parliament during this time by the Special Joint Committee on MAID. Its interim and final reports were tabled in June 2022 and February 2023, respectively.In March 2023, former Bill C-39 extended the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID of persons suffering solely from a mental illness by one year, until March 17, 2024. The extension allowed additional time for the dissemination and uptake of key resources by the medical and nursing communities to ensure healthcare system readiness. The extension also provided more time to consider the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s interim and final reports.On March 27, 2023, the Government released the Model Practice Standard for MAID to provide clear guidance to clinicians and health professional regulators to help protect those who may be vulnerable, including those whose sole underlying medical condition is a mental disorder. Additionally, a Canadian MAID curriculum was developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers with the support of Health Canada and was launched in September 2023.On October 18, 2023, the Special Joint Committee on MAID was re-established to assess healthcare system readiness, in accordance with Recommendation 13 of that Committee’s final report. It must submit a final report no later than January 31, 2024.Our Government continues to work with all partners, including the provinces and territories, as well as stakeholders, to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable populations on this deeply personal issue is prioritized. 
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01765441-01765 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 octobre 202329 novembre 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01764441-01764 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 octobre 202329 novembre 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01763441-01763 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 octobre 202329 novembre 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01762441-01762 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK16 octobre 202329 novembre 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01761441-01761 (Citoyenneté et immigration)BradRedekoppSaskatoon-OuestConservateurSK16 octobre 202329 novembre 202316 octobre 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la CitoyennetéATTENDU QUE :
  • Les étudiants bangladais qui font une demande de permis d’étude sont souvent confrontés à de long délais d’attente et à un faible taux d’acceptation, ce qui nuit à leur capacité de terminer leurs études;
  • Les Canadiens et les étudiants d’origine bangladaise demandent l’ajout du Bangladesh au programme Volet direct pour les études (VDE), auquel ont accès des étudiants d’autres pays situés dans la même région;
  • L’Opposition officielle a vivement réclamé à la Chambre des communes l’ajout du Bangladesh au programme VDE;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada avait amorcé des évaluations à l’interne concernant l’inclusion du Bangladesh au VDE et prévu de fournir une réponse à l’automne 2022;
  • Les étudiants bangladais attendent cette réponse depuis des années.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de :
  • faire le point sur l’état d’avancement de l’évaluation du Bangladesh comme pays à ajouter au programme VDE;
  • ajouter rapidement le Bangladesh au programme VDE.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is comprehensively reviewing the International Student Program in order to provide equitable access to students and strengthen program integrity.One of the elements of this program reform is to implement a Recognized Institution Framework, which will result in faster processing for prospective students applying to Designated Learning Institutions that are meeting a higher bar with regards to sustainable student recruitment, student support and housing, student equity and diversity, and student outcomes. This faster processing would be based on the Designated Learning Institutions meeting this higher bar, rather than the country from which the prospective international student is applying for a study permit. In the future, prospective students applying from Bangladesh to recognized institutions will have the opportunity to access expedited processing.IRCC strives to deliver client service excellence in all programs, including the International Student Program. The Student Direct Stream (SDS) is a program to expedite processing; it does not give international students better access to Canadian schools or programs. All students, whether or not they are applying through the SDS, are required to meet the regular study permit requirements. The SDS does not change the fundamental eligibility criteria for a study permit.IRCC continues to work towards delivering faster and more efficient processing for all of its clients, including international students.
BangladeshÉtudiants étrangers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01760441-01760 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 202310 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La commission américaine des libertés religieuses internationales a signalé que divers acteurs en Inde ont préconisé, institué et appliqué des politiques sectaires visant à établir l’Inde à titre d’état ouvertement hindou, à l’encontre de la fondation séculaire et pluraliste de l’Inde, ce qui pose un grave danger aux minorités religieuses de l’Inde;
  • Les chrétiens en Inde font l’objet d’attaques ciblées de la part d’extrémistes, avec 486 incidents d’attaques anti-chrétiennes en 2021 selon le United Christian Forum, et plus de 300 attaques en date de juillet 2022, en plus de cas bien documentés de vandalisme dans les églises, d’agressions contre des personnes travaillant pour des églises et de menaces et d’humiliations à l’encontre de congrégations chrétiennes;
  • Selon un rapport de 2021 du Bureau indien d’information sur les crimes, on signale toutes les heures des crimes contre des groupes dalits, y compris contre des femmes et des filles dalits, les cas étant passés de 50 291 en 2020 à 50 900 en 2021;
  • Les musulmans indiens sont à risque de génocide selon l’ONG Genocide Watch, qui a documenté des « signes et des processus » de génocide en Inde, ce que confirment d’autres rapports crédibles selon lesquels de plus en plus de minorités musulmanes sont victimes de menaces, d’agressions, de violence sexuelle et d’assassinats, le tout de manière organisée et ciblée.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. Veiller officiellement à ce que tous les accords commerciaux avec l’Inde, dont l’Accord commercial des premiers progrès (ACPP), l’Accord de partenariat économique global (APEG) et l’Accord sur la promotion et la protection des investissements étrangers (APIE), contiennent des dispositions obligatoires sur le respect des droits de la personne;2. Imposer des sanctions ciblées contre les extrémistes reconnus coupables d’incitation à la violence contre les minorités religieuses en Inde;3. Promouvoir un dialogue mutuellement respectueux et mutuellement avantageux sur les droits de la personne entre le Canada et l’Inde.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to creating economic opportunities through initiatives such as trade agreements so that more Canadians can engage in, and benefit from, trade, while at the same time advancing broader social, labour, and environmental priorities in Canada, such as inclusive growth and the promotion of human rights. Fostering greater engagement and closer ties with countries through trade agreements is also an effective way of promoting Canadian values, such as human rights, democracy, openness, respect for the rule of law, and rules-based international trade. With respect to trade agreement negotiations, the Government of Canada has paused negotiations with India to further review and reflect. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting exporters to find opportunities to expand into international markets, including in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific Region.The promotion and protection of human rights has long been an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada believes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. Canada’s autonomous sanctions regime is one of many tools that support this important work. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights, such as freedom of religion or belief and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups around the world, on an ongoing basis. Canada is also committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally and at home, working with partners to create a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity and against the persecution of minorities on the grounds of religion or belief. No person or group should face restrictions on the freedom to practise their faith or belief, whether in the form of laws, policies, or actions or through harassment or violence. It causes suffering and division and leads to a climate of fear, intolerance, and stigmatization. Canada will continue to stand up for this freedom while promoting diversity and inclusion for all.
Commerce internationalDroits de la personneIndeMinorités religieuses
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01759441-01759 (Santé)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 202314 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, RÉSIDENTS DU CANADA, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les jeunes peuvent facilement avoir accès sur Internet à du matériel sexuellement explicite – y compris à du matériel dégradant et du matériel qui montre de la violence sexuelle;Attendu qu'une part importante du matériel sexuellement explicite accessible en ligne est rendu disponible sur Internet à des fins commerciales et n’est protégé par aucune méthode efficace de vérification de l’âge;Attendu que la consommation de matériel sexuellement explicite par les jeunes est associée à une série de préjudices graves, comme le développement d’une dépendance à la pornographie, le renforcement de stéréotypes sexuels et le développement de comportements propices au harcèlement et à la violence – dont le harcèlement sexuel et la violence sexuelle – en particulier à l’égard des femmes;Attendu que le Parlement reconnaît que l’effet néfaste de l’augmentation de l’accessibilité au matériel sexuellement explicite en ligne pour les jeunes constitue un important problème de santé et de sécurité publiques;Attendu que la technologie de vérification de l’âge en ligne est de plus en plus sophistiquée et qu’elle permet maintenant de vérifier efficacement l’âge des utilisateurs sans violer leurs droits à la vie privée;Attendu que quiconque rend accessible sur Internet du matériel sexuellement explicite à des fins commerciales a la responsabilité de veiller à ce que les jeunes n’y aient pas accès;Attendu que la vérification de l’âge en ligne était la principale recommandation formulée par les intervenants lors d’une étude menée en 2017 par le Comité permanent de la santé.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi S-210, Loi sur la protection des jeunes contre l’exposition à la pornographie.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the protection of young people online, especially with regard to the consumption of sexually explicit material. This is a very important issue, and the Government is currently developing its approach to protecting children to ensure they can engage safely online.As stated in the 2021 mandate letters to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and the Minister of Justice, the Government is committed to developing and introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content to protect Canadians, and hold online platforms accountable for the content they host. The Government is working hard to meet these commitments and aims to introduce legislation as soon as possible. The Government has conducted extensive consultations with experts, citizens, civil society, and other stakeholders to this end. It has heard from a diverse set of views and intends to draw on those insights when drafting legislation. It has heard a strong consensus for protecting children and youth from harm online– and that this needs to be balanced against other priorities, like protections for freedom of expression and privacy rights. The Government has also heard support for a risk-based approach to online safety; the need to hold online platforms accountable to a standard for responsible action; the need for more transparency; and the need for better tools to empower users on these platforms. Finally, it has heard that there is a need to confront child sexual abuse material content, and to mitigate the risks associated with exposing children and youth to such content.                                                                                                                                                                                                  The Government has also been looking at efforts in other jurisdictions to protect children from explicit sexual content and other harmful content online. It has reviewed the United Kingdom’s 'Age-Appropriate Design Code' that requires regulated services to develop age assurance tools and other measures to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content by children. And it has watched with interest as Australia has indicated it will prioritize industry codes over mandatory age verification to address children’s access to online pornography.Lessons learned from other jurisdictions as well as the advice received from each stream of engagement are contributing to the development online safety legislation in Canada. Summaries for consultations can be found online https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/harmful-online-content.html Overall, the Government is committed to putting in place a legislative and regulatory framework that will hold large online platforms accountable for protecting their users, including children and youth, from the risk of exposure to a range of harmful content. People in Canada, especially children and youth, deserve safer and more inclusive online experiences.   
Âge légalInternetJeunes gensPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01758441-01758 (Sécurité publique)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01757441-01757 (Droits de la personne)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 202323 juin 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Un examen effectué par le Comité consultatif national de l’immunisation n’a permis de trouver aucune information concernant la transmission de la COVID-19 à bord d’avions;
  • Selon la première médecin en chef de Westjet, la Dre Tammy McKnight, en date du 23 avril 2021, il n’y avait aucun cas connu de transmission de la COVID-19 à bord d’un avion canadien;
  • Une étude menée en 2020 par l’Association du transport aérien international a révélé que sur 1,2 milliard de passagers dans le monde, seulement 44 cas de COVID-19 ont été signalés comme des cas de transmission liés à un vol;
  • D’autres pays ont aboli les obligations et restrictions en matière de vaccins;
  • La restriction imposée aux Canadiens qui prennent des vols, des trains et des traversiers intérieurs représente une atteinte déraisonnable à leurs droits et libertés, dont la justification ne peut être démontrée dans une société libre et démocratique.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre des Transports :1) d’abolir l’obligation de présenter un passeport vaccinal pour les citoyens canadiens et les résidents permanents qui prennent des vols intérieurs;2) de mettre fin à toutes les obligations et restrictions vaccinales sous réglementation fédérale liées à la COVID-19.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezAs of June 20, 2022, the Government suspended vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, the federally regulated transportation sector, and federal government employees. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for travel within Canada or for those working in the federally regulated transportation sector; accommodations for remote communities are also no longer necessary.Other public health measures, under the authority of the Public Health Agency of Canada such as border entry restrictions, passenger testing, masking, quarantine and isolation requirements were also lifted on October 1, 2022.  
COVID-19ImmunisationPandémiesRestrictions concernant les voyages
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01756441-01756 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 202328 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01755441-01755 (Santé)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 202311 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Les libéraux menacent l’accès aux produits de santé naturels par de nouvelles règles qui se traduiront par des coûts plus élevés et moins de produits disponibles sur les tablettes des magasins;
  • Les nouvelles dispositions dites de « recouvrement des coûts » imposeraient des coûts massifs à tous les consommateurs de produits de santé naturels et mineraient l’accès des Canadiens qui dépendent de ces produits;
  • Les dispositions du dernier budget omnibus libéral ont donné au gouvernement de nouveaux pouvoirs arbitraires importants en matière de réglementation des produits de santé naturels.
Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’annuler les changements apportés dans le dernier budget libéral en ce qui concerne les produits de santé naturels.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01754441-01754 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 202313 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants : Attendu que :
  • La demande pour les refuges pour femmes est malheureusement en croissance;
  • En raison du coût élevé de la vie et de la crise du logement, il est plus difficile pour les femmes et les enfants vivant de la violence domestique de s’enfuir et de trouver un endroit sécuritaire où vivre;
  • Alors que ce gouvernement libéral augmente considérablement les dépenses pour la bureaucratie et les consultants, il coupe 145 millions de dollars pour le financement des refuges pour femmes.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de rétablir le financement pour les refuges pour femmes.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home. Providing a safe and secure space for persons fleeing domestic violence is a priority for our government. Launched in 2017, the National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $82-billion plan giving more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum while prioritizing populations most in need, including women and their children. The federal government aims to put 33% of the strategy’s investments, with a minimum of 25%, toward serving the unique needs of women and their children.NHS programs and initiatives support the creation of shelters, such as the $13.2 billion National Housing Co-Investment Fund which aims to create 2,000 new shelter spaces and repair 2,000 shelters for survivors of family violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed to creating 1,241 new shelter spaces or transitional housing units available for survivors of gender-based violence, and to repair/renew a further 302 units.  The Government recognizes that Indigenous women and children face unique challenges and barriers to housing. For those who experience violence, a shelter is often a first step to rebuilding their lives and protecting them from further violence. The NHS includes programming and funding exclusively for shelters in Indigenous communities and in the North. This includes $420 million through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative to build a minimum of 38 shelters and 50 new transitional homes for Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping gender-based violence. As of June 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed $76 million toward the construction of 11 shelters and 18 transitional homes through this program.In May 2020, our government committed $44.8 million to build a total of 12 new shelters across Canada for Indigenous women, children, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people escaping family violence. These Indigenous-led shelters will provide vital refuge and culturally appropriate critical supports and services to help survivors of family violence recover from the trauma of their experiences, access support programming and create a stable environment where they can begin to regain an independent life. This is also a crucial element of the Federal Pathway to Address Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, the Government of Canada’s response to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and an important contribution to the National Action Plan to end violence against Indigenous women, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. 
Response by the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and YouthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Lisa HepfnerIn response to unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada provided approximately $300 million in emergency funding to over 1,400 organizations such as women’s shelters, sexual assault centres, and other organizations that provide critical supports and services to those experiencing gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence.Along with other temporary COVID-19 emergency measures introduced by the federal government since 2020, this measure is coming to an end.  Despite this, the Government of Canada continues to support critical services for individuals experiencing gender-based violence. Most notably, on November 9, 2022, Women and Gender Equality Canada launched a historic National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. This provides an investment of $539.3 million over five years, committed in Budget 2022, which is being implemented through bilateral agreements with the provinces and territories to support their efforts to address and end gender-based violence. These agreements, along with the respective provincial/territorial implementation plans, will be posted on Women and Gender Equality Canada’s website. This historic funding builds on additional Government of Canada investments to address gender-based violence since 2021-22:  
FemmesMaisons de refuge
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée29 novembre 2023441-01753441-01753 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB16 octobre 202329 novembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée23 novembre 2023e-4395e-4395 (Droits de la personne)LIWANGChandraAryaNepeanLibéralON14 avril 2023 à 9 h 54 (HAE)13 juillet 2023 à 9 h 54 (HAE)16 octobre 202323 novembre 202314 juillet 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada à reconsidérer le registre proposé visant la transparence en matière d’influence étrangère.Si les lois actuelles ne sont pas adéquates pour contrer l’intimidation de la part d’acteurs étrangers, le gouvernement devrait plutôt envisager de renforcer ces lois. Nous ne croyons toutefois pas qu’un registre des influences étrangères permettra véritablement de contrer l’intimidation subie par les Canadiens, ou tout autre type d’ingérence étrangère. Un registre est une façon trompeuse de cerner des sources d’influence étrangère. Il est difficile de faire la distinction entre une influence étrangère positive et malveillante, qui va bien au-delà des agents qui agissent pour le compte de gouvernements étrangers. De plus, un registre des influences étrangères représente un risque d’harcèlement et de stigmatisation important pour les communautés racialisées. Une définition vaste de l’influence étrangère pourrait enfreindre des droits reconnus par la Charte, en plus de contribuer à un relâchement des liens d’affaires et des liens de la société civile internationaux qui sont bénéfiques pour le Canada. Cela pourrait également créer un climat de méfiance au sein de communautés vulnérables, ce qui pourrait pousser leurs membres à se retirer de l’engagement civique et de la fonction publique, ce qui pourrait se traduire par une marginalisation accrue. Toutefois, si un registre s’avère nécessaire, il devrait s’appliquer à tous les pays de façon égale et reposer sur des modalités précises comme des paiements monétaires entre des personnes ou des organisations et un État étranger, plutôt que sur des modalités hypothétiques ou présumées. L’inscription devrait uniquement s’appliquer aux fonctionnaires et politiciens qui font du lobbying, et non pas aux activités privées ou aux communications générales. Le registre ne devrait pas être basé sur le pays d’origine, l’ethnicité, les affiliations avec le milieu des affaires et la société civile, et, surtout, sur les opinions d’une personne.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Foreign governments have legal, established, and legitimate channels of engagement with the Government of Canada. These include diplomatic and lobbying efforts, as well as economic engagement involving entities that are owned in whole or in part by a foreign state. However, some foreign governments cross the line from standard, legitimate diplomatic activities and lobbying into foreign interference when they seek to exert influence in non-transparent ways. This concept is known as malign foreign influence. When not addressed, these activities can have serious implications for Canadian interests, national security and democratic processes and institutions.A Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would not tackle all forms of foreign interference, such as transnational repression. However, by creating a registration obligation and making its information public, a registry would generate transparency, deter malign and covert influence activity, and foster societal resilience by encouraging individuals to undertake due diligence when entering into a relationship with, or conducting activities on behalf of, foreign organizations. A registry is not a blacklist, nor does registration mean that an individual is engaged in undesirable or unlawful activity. Through a registration requirement, a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry would help identify who is undertaking influence activities in Canada on behalf of foreign states or their proxies. In doing so, a registry would reveal the interests behind activities directed at influencing the Canadian government or political processes in Canada. These interests and activities may be legitimate but, as an open democracy, it is important Canadians are aware of the underlying connection to a foreign principal. Unclear labelling of state-backed communications can produce public or media messaging that reinforces interests of other states and circulates propaganda or disinformation that could either misdirect citizens or pollute the general media and information environment. The registry would apply to all countries equally.The Government of Canada is committed to the protection of individuals and communities in Canada, as well as our democratic institutions and processes. So far, the feedback Public Safety Canada received from Canadians and a diverse range of stakeholders, including racialized communities, during public consultations has indicated that there is broad support for a registry. Since the close of online consultations, Public Safety Canada has continued engaging with stakeholders to make sure the various perspectives are meaningfully considered in the design of a proposal. A registry would not singularly address the complex issue of foreign interference. Rather, it would serve as an important tool to enhance Canada’s counter-foreign interference toolkit. In addition to a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, the government is actively considering other legislative tools and approaches to address other aspects of foreign interference.
Droits de la personneRegistre visant la transparence en matière d'influence étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4528e-4528 (Santé)DavidGebhartDanAlbasCentral Okanagan—Similkameen—NicolaConservateurBC18 juillet 2023 à 9 h 56 (HAE)16 septembre 2023 à 9 h 56 (HAE)6 octobre 202320 novembre 202318 septembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :plus de 100 000 personnes vivent avec la maladie de Parkinson et que 30 autres apprennent chaque jour qu’ils en sont atteints;sans traitement, les symptômes de la maladie de Parkinson rendent les tâches quotidiennes difficiles, voire impossibles à accomplir;les tremblements, la raideur et la difficulté à avaler font partie des nombreux symptômes de cette maladie;les médicaments contre la maladie de Parkinson s’attaquent au complexe équilibre chimique cérébral et doivent être pris plusieurs fois par jour;les distributeurs des deux principaux médicaments de dépannage contre la maladie de Parkinson, soit le Movapo et le Kynmobi, ont décidé de les retirer du marché;les longues listes d’attente pour voir un spécialiste des troubles moteurs, qui peut aller de 6 à 24 mois, empêchent les patients d’obtenir des soins optimaux.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de : 1. faire le nécessaire, en collaboration avec les entreprises qui distribuent le Movapo et le Kynmobi au Canada, à savoir Palladin et Sunovion, et en consultation avec Parkinson Canada, pour garder ces deux médicaments sur le marché;2. prendre acte que le Canada a un urgent besoin de spécialistes de la maladie de Parkinson.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes the importance of ensuring that patients have access to potentially life-saving drugs. As the regulatory authority responsible for authorizing new prescription pharmaceutical drugs, the Health Product and Food Branch (HPFB)’s Pharmaceutical Drugs Directorate’s work in the area of Parkinson’s Disease has involved reviewing submissions for new drugs or clinical trials and in providing advice to various stakeholders regarding what is generally required to support an authorization.Health Canada is aware that Kynmobi (marketed by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.) was discontinued on September 29, 2023 and that Movapo (marketed by Paladin Labs Inc.) will be discontinued on October 31, 2023. The Department is also aware that existing supplies of Kynmobi in Canada are expected to last for months beyond the discontinuation date. In both cases the decision to withdraw the products from the market was made by the market authorization holders. Unless there are safety or efficacy reasons to withdraw a product, the decision to maintain market authorization of a product in Canada rests with the market authorization holder. Ensuring Canadians can get the medicines they need is one of Health Canada’s top priorities. The Food and Drug Regulations require manufacturers of prescription drugs to report and discontinuances within specified timeframes on www.drugshortagescanada.ca. Reporting of discontinuations provides timely, comprehensive and reliable information essential for drug manufacturers, provincial and territorial governments, drug supply stakeholders, health care professionals and patients to prevent or manage the adverse health effects of drug discontinuations, helping to protect the health and safety of Canadians.In the absence of an application from a company, Health Canada cannot authorize the marketing of a pharmaceutical drug, regardless of whether the product is authorized elsewhere. Drugs that have not received marketing approval in Canada are typically only available for research purposes, clinical trials, or through the Department’s Special Access Programme (SAP). Health Canada regularly engages with stakeholders to better understand concerns and values the input of all actors within the health system, including health practitioners and patient groups. The Department understands there is a need for healthcare professionals specializing in Parkinson’s Disease. The Government of Canada oversees the delivery of healthcare professional training and it has set aside $25 billion dedicated to the signing of bilateral agreements with the Provinces and Territories to invest in four key shared health priorities, one of which is supporting health workers.While the provinces and territories are responsible for the delivery of treatment services, the Federal Government plays a role in making sure appropriate and evidence-based treatment options are available for those who need them. HPFB is ready to work with any manufacturer to support an authorization for apomorphine. The Department provides sponsors with an opportunity for early advice on their submissions, including a pre-submission meeting, which typically occurs when they are ready to file. Health Canada also collaborates with the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies (CADTH) in Health such that, at the sponsor’s discretion, reviews can happen concurrently by both agencies, with the intent of shortening time to market by advancing reimbursement recommendation decision times. Lastly, the Department also offers advanced consideration and priority review pathways, which reduce review timelines from 300 days to less than 200 days, depending on the pathway.As part of its national surveillance mandate, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) works with all provinces and territories through the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS) to collect data on diagnosed parkinsonism, including Parkinson Disease, and twenty other chronic conditions. The CCDSS enhances the scope of data on chronic diseases in Canada and supports the planning of health resources and the development of public health policies and programs. Data on diagnosed parkinsonism, including Parkinson Disease, are routinely collected to better understand its prevalence, incidence and all-cause mortality by age group, sex, province and territory, and over time.Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Government of Canada is supporting research on Parkinson’s disease, including studies on the underlying mechanisms of the disease, prevention, diagnostics, and the discovery of novel treatment approaches. Between 2016-17 and 2020-21, CIHR invested approximately $72.7 million in Parkinson’s research at Canadian universities and research institutions, including $16.9 million in 2020-21 alone.
Maladie de ParkinsonMédicamentsSoignants et professionnels de la santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01750441-01750 (Affaires autochtones)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON6 octobre 202320 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :
  • Le Canada a causé du tort aux peuples et communautés autochtones dans le cadre d’un génocide historique qui perdure;
  • Les gouvernements canadiens n’ont donné suite qu’à 8 des 94 appels à l’action de la Commission de vérité et réconciliation de 2015 (CVR);
  • L’appel à l’action 18 demande de reconnaître que la situation actuelle sur le plan de la santé des Autochtones au Canada est le résultat direct des politiques des précédents gouvernements canadiens, y compris en ce qui touche les pensionnats, et de reconnaître et de mettre en application les droits des Autochtones en matière de soins de santé tels qu’ils sont prévus par le droit international et le droit constitutionnel, de même que par les traités;
  • L’appel à l’action 19 fait état de la nécessité d’établir, en consultation avec les peuples autochtones, des objectifs quantifiables pour cerner et combler les écarts dans les résultats en matière de santé entre les collectivités autochtones et les collectivités non autochtones, en plus de publier des rapports d’étape annuels et d’évaluer les tendances à long terme à cet égard;
  • Les efforts ainsi requis doivent s’orienter autour des indicateurs énumérés par la CVR;
  • L’appel à l’action 20 vise à régler les conflits liés à la compétence en ce qui a trait aux Autochtones vivant à l’extérieur des réserves, demande de reconnaître les besoins distincts en matière de santé des Métis, des Inuits et des Autochtones hors réserve, de respecter ces besoins et d’y répondre;
  • L’appel à l’action 21 recommande de fournir un financement à long terme pour les besoins des centres autochtones, nouveaux et de plus longue date, voués au traitement de problèmes de santé physique, mentale, émotionnelle et spirituelle avec lesquels doivent composer les Autochtones et qui découlent de leur expérience dans les pensionnats, et de veiller à accorder la priorité au financement de tels centres de traitement au Nunavut et dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest;
  • La pandémie de COVID-19 a accentué les écarts dans les résultats en matière de santé entre les populations autochtones et les populations non autochtones au Canada.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de faire de la mise en œuvre des 94 appels à l’action de la CVR la priorité de son programme politique, en commençant par les appels à l’action 18 à 21.
Response by the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern OntarioSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENICA ATWINThe Government of Canada acknowledges that the current state of Indigenous health is the result of shameful colonial activities and policies whose impacts are still felt today. The federal government remains committed to advancing reconciliation and partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, and that includes implementing and delivering on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. For example, the following are recent actions undertaken by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) to fully respond to and implement Calls to Action (CTA) #18 through #21.Regarding Call to Action #18, Indigenous Services Canada is working to address the harmful legacy of past policies by providing and/or funding a range of programs and services, including:
  • Community-based health promotion and disease prevention programs in First Nations and Inuit communities in areas such as children and youth, mental health and addictions, and chronic disease and injury prevention;
  • Primary care services on-reserve in remote and isolated areas where provincial services are not readily available and home and community care services in all First Nation and Inuit communities;
  • Programs to control communicable diseases and address environmental health issues in First Nations and Inuit communities outside the Territories, and initiatives related to environmental health risk assessment and contamination;
  • Non-Insured Health Benefits which provide a range of medically necessary goods and services to status First Nations and eligible Inuit regardless of where they live that supplement benefits provided by private or provincial/territorial programs; and
  • Jordan’s Principle and Inuit Child First Initiative which ensures that First Nations and Inuit children can access the products, services and supports they need, while the federal government works with First Nations and Inuit partners, provinces and territories to develop long-term approaches to help better address the unique needs of First Nations children.
Budget 2022 provided $4 billion over 6 years to ensure First Nations children continue to receive the support they need through Jordan's Principle, and Budget 2023 provided an additional $171 million to ensure that this commitment is fully funded. Jordan's Principle provided more than 2.69 million approved products and services for First Nations children, and the Inuit Child First Initiative has provided 85,280 products and services for Inuit children covered under this initiative. Budget 2023 also reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to invest $2 billion over 10 years through a new Indigenous Health Equity Fund, which will work to achieve and work through the challenges associated with quality and culturally safe health care services for Indigenous people. The recently released Action Plan for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDA) is a starting point for ongoing collaborative work with Indigenous Peoples on UN Declaration implementation. All measures contained in the Action Plan are to be implemented in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, with approximately 25% of measures specifically committed to implementation through co-development with Indigenous Peoples. To support Indigenous Peoples’ participation in this work, Budget 2022 provided $37 million in funding over five years to support the core capacity of Indigenous governments, organizations and groups to continue to contribute meaningfully to UNDA implementation. The implementation of the Action Plan will also be supported by a distinctions-based Advisory Committee involving First Nations, Inuit and Métis experts that will be established in the short term, as committed in the Action Plan.ISC engaged with, and received 42 engagement reports from, First Nations, Inuit, Métis and Intersectional partners to understand the potential role federal Indigenous health legislation could have in addressing ongoing health inequities created by settler colonialism. Through this engagement process a national summary report was published What We Heard: Visions for Distinctions-based Indigenous Health Legislation, which, in combination with individual engagement reports received by partners, will provide a basis for the co-development of legislative options or for other new approaches to improve Indigenous health outcomes.Regarding Call to Action #19, ISC is currently collaborating with multiple other government departments and Indigenous partners on developing relevant indicators. A joint initiative between the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network, Statistics Canada, and the Canadian Institute for Health Information resulted in the development of a health inequalities data tool to measure inequalities between distinctions groups. This tool includes 81 new and updated indicators for health outcomes and determinants of health. A report and a supplementary data tool are also being developed by PHAC and the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC) on the topic of social determinants of mental health inequities in Canada. Additionally, a report and a suite of complementary assessments on mental wellness inequalities are being developed by ISC, PHAC and FNIGC, and are expected to be completed by 2025. To aid in the development of this report, PHAC has provided $200,000 to the FNIGC.Call to Action #20 – During engagements with Indigenous partners on Indigenous health legislation, partners highlighted jurisdictional issues with living on reserve, the disadvantages associated with accessing health programs and services for on-reserve populations, and the need for government accountability and responsibility to on-status and off-reserve populations. These issues raised by partners will be explored further in the ongoing and future distinctions-based, co-development of legislative options with Indigenous partners. The Indigenous Community Support Fund provided approximately $2.1 billion to Indigenous communities and organizations to address the COVID-19 pandemic, $1.2 billion in direct allocations to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and $851 million in needs-based funding. Of the $851 million in need-based funding, $450 million was provided to urban and off-reserve Indigenous communities and organizations through a call for requests related to the COVID-19 response. Additionally, the Government of Canada invested $1.67 billion in COVID-19 Public Health Funding to First Nations communities and organizations that delivered public health services since the start of the pandemic. Also, funding for Jordan’s Principle, the Inuit Child First Initiative and the Indigenous Health Equity Fund has, and will continue to be, provided to address the concerns and recognize the distinct needs outlined in Call to Action #20.Regarding Call to Action #21, ISC continues to be actively involved with the Government of Nunavut and Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated in the construction and ongoing operations of the Nunavut Recovery Centre. To date, approximately $2 million has been provided to the Government of Nunavut to support the design and construction of this facility. The Minister of ISC attended the ‘tundra-turning’ ceremony with Inuit and territorial partners. Construction on the centre is expected to be completed in August 2025.In partnership with the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, ISC has worked to develop and open the Woodland Wellness Centre, which had its grand opening in June 2022 and continues to provide Indigenous-led health and wellness services to Indigenous people in Saskatchewan. ISC has also invested $6.5 million into the construction of the Isuarsivik Regional Recovery Centre, which will provide culturally appropriate substance use treatment services once open. This healing centre, located in Kuujjuaq, Nunavik is scheduled to open in 2023, despite having been delayed because of the pandemic.After Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation announced that ground-penetrating radar had detected remains of 215 children who died at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School, the Government of Canada announced that Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation would receive $12.5 million in federal funding for the construction of a new healing centre for the community.  ISC continues to work with Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation and the First Nations Health Authority to ensure the facility and services reflect the vision of the community.Similarly, to support those impacted by the mass stabbing that took place in Saskatchewan in September 2022, the Prime Minister of Canada announced a $42.5 million over 6 years and $4.5 million ongoing to construct a new wellness centre in James Smith Cree Nation, refurbish the existing treatment centre, and fund wraparound services and transitional supports. ISC continues to work collaboratively with James Smith Cree Nation on this project to ensure that programs best serve the needs of the community.In addition to the funding provided for construction and infrastructure projects, Budget 2021 provided $597.6 million over 3 years to support distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategies (including Trauma-Informed Health and Cultural Support Programs), and Budget 2022 provided $227.6 million over 2 years, to maintain expanded access to trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, Indigenous-led services to improve and support distinctions-based mental wellness.
Commission de vérité et réconciliation du CanadaPolitique autochtoneQualité des services de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01749441-01749 (Protection des consommateurs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB6 octobre 202320 novembre 202325 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants :Attendu que :Le Centre antifraude du Canada signale une augmentation du blanchiment d’argent et de la fraude avec la mise en place de faux comptes bancaires, dans lesquels l’argent des comptes d’épargne de personnes âgées trompées est déposé, potentiellement dans le but de financer le terrorisme;Le gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique évalue que 46,7 milliards de dollars ont été blanchis dans l’économie canadienne en 2018;Le CANAFE (Centre d’analyse des opérations et déclarations financières du Canada) affirme que les exigences ne sont pas suffisantes pour empêcher les fraudeurs de transférer illégalement de l’argent, sous prétexte de légitimité, par le système de virement télégraphique au Canada;Notre population canadienne croissante de retraités est de plus en plus la cible de fraudeurs en raison de la richesse qu’ils ont accumulée au cours de toute leur vie pour les aider à financer leur retraite et en raison de leur vulnérabilité causée par un manque de mesures de contrôle et de protection quant au transfert d’argent dans le système bancaire canadien;Des aînés voient leurs économies accumulées sur plusieurs années disparaître en raison de la sophistication des fraudeurs professionnels et des subterfuges que ces derniers utilisent pour exploiter les aînés ainsi que le système bancaire canadien actuel.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’entreprendre un examen en profondeur et exhaustif du système de transfert actuel de l’argent des citoyens canadiens dans l’objectif de mettre en place des procédures, des protocoles et des garde-fous plus stricts afin de protéger les personnes âgées, en particulier, contre la perte causée par la fraude de leurs économies et de leur richesse accumulées au cours de toute leur vie.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada is committed to a strong and comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime. The government continually reviews the Regime to ensure that it is responsive to evolving risks. Since 2019, the government has made investments of over $319.9 million and a number of legislative and regulatory changes to enhance the effectiveness of the Regime.Budget 2023 made legislative amendments to strengthen the investigative, enforcement, and information sharing tools of Canada’s AML/ATF Regime. These amendments complement the government’s Budget 2022 commitment to establish a new Canada Financial Crimes Agency to become the lead enforcement agency against financial crime.On June 6, 2023, a public consultation was launched that will examine ways to improve Canada's AML/ATF Regime, as well as examine how different orders of government can collaborate more closely. This consultation will support the parliamentary review required under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Details of these consultations can be found here: Consultation on Strengthening Canada's Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime - Canada.ca.Illicit funds laundered by criminal actors are often generated illegally through fraud, including fraud that targets seniors. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadians from these types of crimes. One major way it does so is through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is the central repository for fraud information and intelligence in Canada, and is jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau of Canada. As a National Police Service function, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre gathers intelligence on fraud affecting Canadians, and assists all law enforcement agencies across Canada with fraud prevention and enforcement.The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a Senior Support Unit entirely supported by volunteers who are dedicated to reducing the impact of fraud across Canada. The Senior Support Unit is a critical component of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, providing advice, education and reassurance to vulnerable Canadians targeted by fraudsters. The Senior Support Unit receives reports referred by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s Intake Unit, after identifying that further assistance for a senior or vulnerable individual is needed.
Banques et services bancairesPersonnes âgéesSécurité électronique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01748441-01748 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC6 octobre 202320 novembre 202322 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • les peuples autochtones ont des droits et des titres sur leurs territoires traditionnels et sont les gardiens de ces terres depuis des temps immémoriaux;
  • la crise climatique exige l’intervention de tous les ordres du gouvernement et de l’industrie;
  • les forêts anciennes présentent des avantages incalculables, notamment pour la séquestration du carbone, la biodiversité, la culture, les loisirs, l’alimentation et plus;
  • les écosystèmes anciens de fond de vallée à forte productivité en Colombie-Britannique sont en danger;
  • sur les 2,7 % de forêts anciennes originales à forte productivité qui restent en Colombie-Britannique, 75 % sont censés faire l’objet de coupes;
  • il reste aujourd’hui seulement 9 % des 360 000 hectares originaux de forêts anciennes de fond de vallée à forte productivité sur l’île de Vancouver, et 2,6 % seulement de ces forêts sont protégés dans des parcs;
  • la dernière vallée ancienne intacte non protégée dans le Sud de l’île de Vancouver, Fairy Creek, est censée faire l’objet de coupes, de même que la vallée de la haute-Walbran et d’autres parcelles de forêts anciennes;
  • la plupart des Canadiens soutiennent l’exploitation durable de forêts de deuxième et troisième venues, mais sont contre l’abattage d’arbres anciens ou la destruction de leurs écosystèmes environnants.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons instamment au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • 1. Travailler avec les provinces et les Premières Nations pour mettre fin immédiatement à l’exploitation d’écosystèmes anciens en danger;
  • 2. Financer la protection à long terme d’écosystèmes anciens à titre de priorité dans le plan d’action climatique du Canada et de geste de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones;
  • 3. Appuyer les initiatives forestières à valeur ajoutée en partenariat avec les Premières Nations afin que l’industrie forestière du Canada soit durable et fondée sur l’exploitation de forêts de deuxième et de troisième venues;
  • 4. Interdire l’exportation de billes brutes et maximiser l’utilisation des ressources pour les emplois locaux;
  • 5. Interdire l’utilisation d’arbres entiers pour la production de granulés de bois.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada’s forests provide a wealth of environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadians. The forestry sector in Canada is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies. Through careful monitoring and planning, Canada’s forest sector manages the long-term health of its forests, both safeguarding these benefits in the face of challenges and finding new opportunities in a changing world.Finding solutions also means working with Indigenous communities and leaders so that forest management and conservation practices are informed by Indigenous knowledge systems. Through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is providing financial support to Indigenous-led projects and Indigenous-identified priorities in the forest sector. The IFI was recently renewed until 2024-2025 with a $10M contributions budget and a new $3M grants stream. During the renewal process, IFI heard communities’ call for change to support broader priorities in the sector and to support projects that accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership. With the new grants stream, Indigenous communities can access financial support to prepare for and participate in engagement and consultation activities, such as sustainable forest management planning with industry and government. Other eligible projects that support the sustainability of Canada’s forest industry include gathering, developing, using, and protecting Indigenous knowledge and science, Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship and economic development opportunities. Since 2017, the program has supported 133 Indigenous-led, forest-based economic development projects, invested almost $17M in capital, and helped to create more than 625 jobs and 54 new or expanded businesses.British Columbia’s iconic old growth forests have deep-rooted cultural significance to Indigenous communities and are important to all British Columbians. They are also critical habitats for dozens of species at risk and migratory birds and are important natural stores of carbon.The British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund established by the Departments of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and NRCan commits $50 million to advance shared objectives regarding urgent protection of vital ecosystems, wildlife habitats and species at risk while also protecting carbon stores in old growth forests. The Old Growth Nature Fund has been established in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous and local communities.This collaborative work to protect communities and diverse natural habitats, including by advancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts, is also crucial to securing a cleaner, healthier, and greener future for Canadians. The Old Growth Nature Fund further complements the Enhanced Nature Legacy announced in 2021, and the Natural Climate Solutions Fund announced in 2020.Canada boasts the most forest area certified by internationally recognized, third-party systems as being managed in a sustainable way, respecting ecological values and Indigenous rights. Three quarters of Canada’s managed public forests are certified to one or more of three sustainable forest management certification systems: the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Forest Stewardship Council, and the Canadian Standards Association. As with all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies that are the basis for sustainable forest management and include protections for old growth forests. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures ensure that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably.Canadian wood pellets are primarily made from sawmill residues that are by-products of wood product manufacturing. The industry also uses branches and treetops from harvest operations, logs damaged by natural disturbances, or trees that are cut to manage long-term ecological values in the forest. If not used, these additional sources of wood fibre are typically left to decompose into the atmosphere or may be burned onsite.Supporting markets for all material harvested, as part of a sustainable forest management plan, ensures that no part of the harvested tree is wasted, and delivers economic benefits to Canadians.Finally, as part of Budget 2023, Canada announced $368.4 million over three years, starting in 2023-2024 to NRCan to renew and update forest sector support, including for Indigenous leadership in the sector.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuForests provide a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits for people and communities across Canada. They are a major source of income and employment for 300 communities across the country, directly employing 205,000 workers, including over 11,500 Indigenous workers. Canada is committed to Indigenous reconciliation and recognize the importance of natural resources to Indigenous Peoples.With respect to the proposal to ban the export of raw logs, logs are integral to the domestic manufacturing industry for a wide range of forest products including softwood lumber and other products like high value finished veneer panels. Domestic and international trade in logs is important for log harvesters and Canadian trade. The policy and process governing the export of logs harvested in British Columbia contained in Global Affairs Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102 form an important part of the Government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and domestic policy objectives.The Government regularly reviews policies to ensure that Canada’s domestic policy objectives and trade opportunities are maximized and welcomes all ideas and proposals related to its policies, including those associated with the export of raw logs. The Government is committed to continuing to work and collaborate closely with Indigenous Peoples and all stakeholders and partners on this issue to achieve the best possible results for Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada is home to ecosystems that are globally significant in their capacity to absorb carbon, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect biodiversity. This includes 24% of the world’s wetlands, 25% of temperate rainforest areas and 28% of remaining boreal forests. In this context, the Government of Canada understands that the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are connected and need to be tackled together.That said, conservation and protection of Canada’s forests, including old growth forests and ecosystems, is a shared responsibility. The vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia (B.C.), approximately 96% of forests are on provincial Crown land, where, under the Constitution Act, 1867, forest management is the jurisdiction of the provincial government. As such, forest management on those lands is within the jurisdiction of the B.C. government. At the same time, there is an important federal role to conserve migratory bird habitat, protect critical habitat of federally listed species at risk, and mitigate climate change.With this in mind, the mandate letters of the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change and Natural Resources include a commitment to help protect old growth forests, notably in B.C., by reaching a Nature Agreement with B.C., establishing a $50 million B.C. Old Growth Nature Fund, and ensuring First Nations, local communities and workers are partners in shaping the path forward for nature protection. This $50 million investment was made through Budget 2022, and a contribution agreement was signed with B.C. in March 2023.The Old Growth Nature Fund will deliver on the Ministers’ mandate letters by providing $50 million to the Government of B.C., to be matched by B.C., to permanently protect and conserve old growth forests in the province. The Fund focuses on protecting at-risk high productivity old growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding supports planning and collaboration with B.C. and Indigenous communities, and provides incentives for third-party funders to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. For example, the 58,000-hectare Incomappleux Valley Conservancy in the B.C. interior was created, in-part, thanks to investments under the Old Growth Nature Fund.The Old Growth Nature Fund will be a key component of the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation, which was signed on November 3, 2023 in Vancouver between Canada, B.C and the First Nations Leadership Council. The Framework Agreement presents a unique opportunity to collaboratively advance nature conservation, species at risk and climate mitigation objectives in collaboration with provincial and Indigenous partners. With regard to old growth specifically, work together under the Framework Agreement will include efforts to protect the habitat of old growth-associated species such as Marbled Murrelet. In so doing, the Agreement will build on recent announcements from the Government of B.C. concerning moratoria on old growth forest harvesting, and to launch a provincial Conservation Finance Mechanism to protect ecosystems including forests.The Government of Canada appreciates that, in addition to their habitat functions, forests are key to the health of the climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old growth forests, like those in B.C., also function as important carbon reservoirs.Appreciating the significance of forests to biodiversity conservation and climate, the federal government has contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 hectares of forest habitat in B.C. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Ecological Gifts Program, and others.Alongside this work, the federal government has made forests a central part of Canada’s plan to tackle climate change. The Old Growth Nature Fund in particular is expected to contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieve Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of B.C. are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada.Complementing this effort on a broader scale, the Government of Canada has also announced a series of funding initiatives of significance to forest ecosystems and forestry in Canada:
  • Natural Climate Solutions is investing more than $5 billion over ten years to restore, better manage, and conserve Canada’s natural and managed ecosystems. This initiative includes three complementary programs:
    • 2 Billion Trees program, led by Natural Resources Canada;
    • Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), led by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); and
    • The Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program, led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
  • The NSCSF is a $1.4 billion 10-year (2021-2031) fund to reduce 5-7 megatons of GHG emissions annually. Up to $36.9 million in funding has been allocated to support Indigenous communities to deliver projects that build capacity and advance Indigenous-led efforts on natural climate solutions, with a focus on improved management, conservation, and restoration of wetlands, grasslands and forests that result in reduced and captured GHG emissions.
  • Enhanced Nature Legacy provides $2.3 billion in new funding over five years (2021-2026) that will further contribute to the implementation of conservation measures for Canada’s land and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. This includes the establishment of new federal, provincial and territorial protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measures, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, and additional habitat restoration. It also included the announcement of further investments through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, a $2 billion fund that could, amongst other things, incent provinces to leave timber standing (for example, by creating other revenue streams for forests).
The broader significance of Canada’s forests is also recognized in the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada where forests are identified as a priority sector. Development of a conservation action plan for species at risk is currently underway in collaboration with forest sector partners and stakeholders to advance the protection and recovery of species at risk and enhance sector sustainability.With respect to support for Indigenous community involvement in ecosystem protection and climate action, including in forests and more broadly, it should be noted that under the NSCSF, described above, an Indigenous Partnership (NSCSF-IP) stream was established to provide targeted funding to enable Indigenous peoples to play a meaningful leadership role in natural climate solutions as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation. Through the NSCSF-IP, ECCC supports Indigenous organizations and communities to undertake Indigenous-led capacity building activities and on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration, improved land management, and conservation of wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands and forests that result in reduced GHG emissions, and that maximize co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency, and human well-being.Beyond this, ECCC has also funded approximately 115 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Guardians initiatives since 2017 with investments totaling over $46 million. Indigenous Guardians initiatives support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems including old-growth forests, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between the Canadian landscape and Indigenous culture. Indigenous Guardians are Indigenous peoples exercising their cultural responsibilities through on-the-ground stewardship of traditional lands, waters, air, and ice. They act as the “eyes and ears on the ground”.  Indigenous Guardians funding supports on-the-ground activities such as ecological and cultural resource monitoring, restoration, and visitor experience activities, contribution to cultural continuity (e.g., intergenerational knowledge transmission) and implementation of Indigenous conservation practices and Indigenous knowledge.   
Politique autochtonePolitique forestièreProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4469e-4469 (Santé)LeahTemperJohnAldagCloverdale—Langley CityLibéralBC31 mai 2023 à 14 h 34 (HAE)28 septembre 2023 à 14 h 34 (HAE)6 octobre 202320 novembre 202329 septembre 2023Pétition au<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1"> gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que :Les changements climatiques représentent une menace existentielle sans précédent pour la population du Canada et du monde entier;Le gouvernement canadien a pris des engagements internationaux en matière de climat consistant à réduire considérablement la consommation de combustibles fossiles et à atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050, ce qui nécessite l’élimination progressive des combustibles fossiles;En 1989, en réponse à la crise de santé publique causée par le tabagisme, le Canada a imposé des restrictions à la publicité et aux commandites associées aux produits du tabac afin de réduire l’usage de ces produits. Le gouvernent limite également la publicité pour les jeux de hasard, l’alcool et les produits pharmaceutiques, parce qu’il reconnaît leurs effets néfastes;À l’instar du tabagisme, la production et la consommation de combustibles fossiles ont provoqué une crise nationale de santé publique extrêmement préoccupante et urgente;La pollution atmosphérique attribuable aux combustibles fossiles entraîne chaque année jusqu’à 34 000 décès prématurés au Canada et plus de 8 millions dans le monde. Elle est une cause majeure de cancer, de maladies respiratoires, d’issues défavorables de la grossesse, de maladies infantiles et de symptômes cardiovasculaires;Les conséquences mortelles d’événements météorologiques extrêmes tels que le dôme de chaleur qui a touché la Colombie-Britannique en 2021 entraînent déjà des pertes de vie au Canada et, selon Santé Canada, leur fréquence et leur ampleur augmenteront en raison des changements climatiques; La publicité sur les combustibles fossiles utilise des techniques d’écoblanchiment qui induisent sciemment le public en erreur et ne divulguent pas les effets néfastes sur la santé et l’environnement associés à leur utilisation. Ces tactiques empêchent les consommateurs de prendre des décisions éclairées, minent le soutien du public en faveur d’une action climatique efficace et retardent la transition vers des sources d’énergie plus sécuritaires et plus propres.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’adopter une loi interdisant toute forme de publicité, de commandite et de promotion concernant des entreprises, des produits et des services liés aux combustibles fossiles (y compris l’essence, les services publics de gaz et les véhicules à moteur à combustion interne) afin de protéger la santé publique.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Minister of the Environment and Climate Change recognizes the importance of providing environmental information that promotes and encourages practices and conduct that help to preserve the environment. Environmental literacy is critical to tackling the environmental challenges Canada is facing today and will face tomorrow.By better understanding environmental issues and the solutions that exist, Canadians can make better informed choices that will help reduce their carbon footprint. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) engages with Canadians in promoting sustainable actions and explaining the science of climate change, among many things. ECCC also works with federal partners to ensure sustained public communications about the various programs and incentives available to Canadians to support their environmental actions.The Government of Canada recognizes that the oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. That is why the Government continues to engage with oil and gas companies, provinces and territories, Indigenous organizations, and other stakeholders to develop an emissions cap that will ensure the oil and gas sector's emissions decline on a trajectory needed to meet the shared goal of net zero by 2050.The Government’s plan includes a projected contribution for the oil and gas sector of a 31 per cent reduction from 2005 levels, which is equivalent to 42 per cent from 2019 levels and will guide the Government’s work to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. The Government has also invested more than $2.9 billion in charging infrastructure, providing financial support to make buying zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) more affordable, supporting clean medium- and heavy-duty transportation projects, and developing a regulated sales mandate so that 100 per cent of new passenger vehicles sold in Canada will be zero emission by 2035, with interim targets of at least 20 per cent by 2026, and at least 60 per cent by 2030.Obtaining impactful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions will inevitably require large-scale systems changesthat influence, for example, where Canadian energy comes from, how Canadians transport and feed themselves, and how Canadians consume and produce waste. These changes will require widespread adoption of new practices among various actors, both large and small, in addition to the development of new clean technologies. As part of its mandate to engage with Canadians to better communicate the impact of climate changes, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has developed and implemented a number of paid advertising campaigns to increase awareness of actions, programs and incentives among Canadians audiences in an effort to encourage pro-climate behaviour. The Our Healthy Environment & Economy (OHEE) advertising campaign ran from 2021-22, informing Canadians of existing efforts that were underway in the fight against climate change, as well as Government of Canada programs, incentives, and efforts available to accelerate the fight against climate change and further encourage climate action.  The Nature-based Climate Solutions (NBCS) campaign launched in February 2023 focused on increasing awareness and understanding of nature’s role in adapting to and mitigating climate change. ECCC is currently developing a third large-scale advertising campaign that will work toward increasing Canadians’ understanding of climate action, specifically by addressing known barriers and leveraging motivators of pro-climate attitudes and behaviour to ultimately move motivated Canadians from intention to action.   
Combustibles fossilesInterdictionPublicité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01746441-01746 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC6 octobre 202320 novembre 202320 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01745441-01745 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC6 octobre 202320 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01744441-01744 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC6 octobre 202320 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01743441-01743 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC6 octobre 202320 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01742441-01742 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 octobre 202320 novembre 202330 janvier 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01741441-01741 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 octobre 202320 novembre 202314 septembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01740441-01740 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 octobre 202320 novembre 20239 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01739441-01739 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 octobre 202320 novembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01738441-01738 (Affaires sociales et égalité)L’hon.BardishChaggerWaterlooLibéralON5 octobre 202320 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • En novembre 2020, le rapport final du Comité spécial de l’Île du Prince Édouard sur la pauvreté à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard a recommandé que le gouvernement de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard entame immédiatement des négociations avec le gouvernement du Canada en vue d’élaborer et de mettre en œuvre un Programme de démonstration du revenu de base garanti pour l’Île du Prince Édouard;
  • Ce rapport est soutenu par tous les partis politiques de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard;
  • Ce Programme de démonstration bénéficiera à l’ensemble du Canada, étant donné que la pauvreté est le principal déterminant social de la santé et qu’il faut adopter des approches audacieuses et créatives afin de comprendre ses causes profondes et ses conséquences au Canada et s’y attaquer.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à amorcer immédiatement des négociations avec le gouvernement de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard afin de concevoir et de mettre en œuvre un Programme de démonstration du revenu de base garanti dans la province de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, qui sera administré, surveillé et évalué pendant au moins cinq ans.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is taking crucial steps to help make life more affordable for more Canadians, while investing to grow the economy and create jobs.  Income security is a shared responsibility across all orders of government. The federal Government recognizes the importance of working with provinces and territories to address issues regarding affordability for Canadians.This petition calls for the Government of Canada to negotiate with the Government of Prince Edward Island to develop and implement a Basic Income Guarantee demonstration program for Prince Edward Island. If the province of Prince Edward Island decides to proceed with a basic income pilot, the Government of Canada would be pleased to collaborate and could potentially share federal-level administrative, survey, and tax data that could support program design and evaluation.The Government of Canada has already implemented programs that address some elements of a partial basic income, such as the Canada Child Benefit for families with children, and the Old Age Security pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement for seniors. These and other initiatives have contributed to progress on lifting Canadians out of poverty. These programs complement provincial and territorial programs, including those that deliver social assistance.In addition, recent budgets introduced several measures that will help to reduce poverty and inequality. For example, Budget 2023 made significant investments to build a healthier Canada and deliver affordable dental care, including $13 billion over five years, and $4.4 billion ongoing, to implement the Canada Dental Care Plan.  The Government is also working with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners to build a Canada-wide, community-based early learning child care system. The federal government is providing provinces and territories with significant funding to support substantial reductions to families for the cost of regulated child care spaces.The Government of Canada also undertakes research and analysis on potential basic income programs and other approaches that could positively impact Canada’s economy and society, as part of its efforts to tackle poverty and to ensure that all Canadians have a real and fair opportunity to succeed.
Île-du-Prince-ÉdouardRevenu annuel garanti
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01737441-01737 (Animaux)LindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNPDON5 octobre 202320 novembre 202315 septembre 2023 Pétition au ministre de la Défense nationale Attendu que :
  • Dans le cadre des exercices d’entraînement du ministère fédéral de la Défense, plus de mille huit cents porcelets ont été tués après avoir été poignardés, mutilés et exposés à des radiations et à des agents chimiques neurotoxiques;
  • Des porcelets sous sédation insuffisante se sont ranimés au cours des cinq heures d’entraînement, parmi eux, un « émettant de forts grognements » et un autre « tentant de sauter de la table (d’opération) »;
  • Depuis 2005, les personnes chargées de veiller à ce que ces porcelets ne souffrent pas étaient conscientes que les porcelets se ranimaient, mais ont caché cette information au gouvernement et aux Canadiens en modifiant des documents et en dissimulant ce qui se passait réellement;
  • Selon un sondage réalisé par Abacus en janvier 2023, seul un Canadien sur dix est favorable à l’utilisation de porcelets pour l’entraînement militaire en traumatologie;
  • 77 % des pays de l’OTAN n’utilisent plus d’animaux pour l’entraînement médical militaire.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Défense nationale de mettre fin à l’utilisation d’animaux aux fins de la formation médicale militaire.
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeNational Defence uses advanced simulations with life-like mannequins, known as human patient simulators for the majority of its medical training. Live tissue training on an anesthetized pig is used only in circumstances where simulations alone are not feasible, as is the case of Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training for medical providers. In these cases, simulators cannot replace the precision and experience gained with live tissue.During live tissue training, National Defence strictly adheres to the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) (https://ccac.ca/) which establishes the ethical use and care of animals. Further, the use of animals is governed by Defence Administrative Orders and Directive (DAOD) 8014-0 Animal Use in Research and Training and DAOD 8014-1 Management of Animal Use in Research, Teaching and Testing.  This is in line with CCAC standards as well as assessments and certifications to ensure consistent application of the standards across Canada.  National Defence actively seeks to refine, reduce and where appropriate replace the use of live animals for research by using alternative experimental techniques. For example, in 2022, National Defence invested approximately $129,000 in an advanced simulation mannequin or high-fidelity patient simulator, to evaluate its utility to augment medical training provided to CAF members.The approach of using advanced simulation for the majority of training and live tissue training sparingly offers military medical trainees with the highest calibre medical training possible with the goal of providing premium medical care to CAF members and those they protect, at home or abroad.
Exercice militairePorcinsProtection des animaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4312e-4312 (Animaux)Émilie-LuneSauvéElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC15 février 2023 à 12 h 25 (HAE)16 mai 2023 à 12 h 25 (HAE)5 octobre 202320 novembre 202317 mai 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1"> gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Des entreprises partout dans le monde ont commencé à établir des élevages de céphalopodes commerciaux de grande envergure où des dizaines de milliers de pieuvres ou de calmars sont reproduits, élevés et abattus pour la consommation humaine; Les pieuvres sont des êtres très intelligents, curieux et complexes qui, malgré leur physiologie distincte, ressentent la douleur et y réagissent de la même façon que les mammifères; Les pieuvres sont des créatures solitaires et sauvages qui sont particulièrement mal adaptées à l’élevage en captivité et souffriraient grandement dans les fermes industrielles; Il n’existe à l’heure actuelle aucune loi qui protège le bien-être des céphalopodes dans les pays où l’élevage des pieuvres s’implante; L’élevage de pieuvres soulève des préoccupations environnementales considérables en raison des nouveaux affluents qui en découlent et qui sont par la suite déversés dans les écosystèmes avoisinants; Les pieuvres qui s’échappent des fermes d’élevage représentent également un risque grave pour les habitats et les populations d’animaux sauvages locaux auxquels elles pourraient transmettre des maladies acquises dans les fermes; L’augmentation considérable de l’utilisation de farines de poisson et de produits d’huile de poisson pour alimenter les carnivores que sont les pieuvres d’élevage ne pourra qu’accroître davantage les pressions insoutenables exercées sur les populations de poissons sauvages; L’élevage de pieuvres pose également un risque sérieux pour la santé humaine étant donné que les céphalopodes captifs pourraient être des vecteurs de multiples pathogènes inconnus et de zoonoses comme le choléra; Les fermes aquatiques de grande envergure sont un terreau fertile pour les bactéries pathogènes et peuvent donc contribuer à l’utilisation abusive d’antibiotiques et à la création dangereuse de bactéries multirésistantes. Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada et partisans d’Animal Justice, de Humane Canada, de Last Chance for Animals, de la SPCA de la Colombie-Britannique, de la Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals, de la SPCA de Montréal, de la Vancouver Humane Society et de la Winnipeg Humane Society, prions le gouvernement du Canada : 1. d’interdire l’importation de produits de céphalopodes d’élevage au Canada; 2. d’interdire la reproduction ou l’élevage de céphalopodes en captivité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, PC, MPThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy.All imported foods, including molluscan shellfish products such as cephalopods sold in Canada, must comply with Canada’s food safety and animal health regulations. The CFIA has controls in place to help ensure that imported products do not pose risks to humans or animals. For example, shellfish can only be imported from countries that Canada considers to have an equivalent system of food safety. Under the legislative authority of the Health of Animals Act and Regulations, the CFIA regulates the import and domestic movements of finfish, molluscs and crustaceans to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated aquatic animal diseases to protect Canada’s wild and farmed aquatic animal resources.In terms of domestic culture, there are no federally licensed farmed cephalopod operations in Canada. As it relates to the protection of Canada’s aquatic animal resources, the CFIA implements controls, such as domestic movement permits, to contain certain aquatic animal reportable diseases within areas of Canada where they are known to occur. A permit may be required to move susceptible species of live or raw, fresh or frozen molluscs for various end uses, including culture.Although cephalopods are molluscs, there are currently no species of cephalopods that are on the CFIA’s list of susceptible species of aquatic animals (for more information, please refer to https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/aquatic-animals/diseases/declarations/eng/1450126558469/1450126559315).The humane transport of all animals is also under federal jurisdiction. Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations applies to the transport of all animals entering or leaving Canada or within Canada, including cephalopods, and must be complied with when transporting any animals. The following is a non-exhaustive list of a few examples of how the CFIA may verify compliance with the transport of animals, as specified in Part XII of the Health of Animals Regulations:
  • having the knowledge and skills to transport cephalopods,
  • assessing and monitoring the risk factors related to the transport,
  • animal handling that is appropriate to cephalopods,
  • ensuring protection from inadequate environmental conditions,
  • preventing the exposure to toxic or noxious things; and,
  • appropriate container design and construction.
AquacultureCéphalopodesImportations
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4376e-4376 (Transport)GaborLukacsTaylorBachrachSkeena—Bulkley ValleyNPDBC31 mars 2023 à 15 h 21 (HAE)29 juillet 2023 à 15 h 21 (HAE)5 octobre 202320 novembre 20232 août 2023Pétition adressée au<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Le régime de protection des passagers aériens du Canada continue de ne pas être à la hauteur des normes établies dans d’autres administrations, par exemple dans l’Union européenne;En date du 20 mars 2023, l’Office des transports du Canada a un arriéré croissant de plus de 42 000 plaintes de passagers aériens;Le ministre des Transports reconnaît que le Règlement sur la protection des passagers aériens ne contribue pas à protéger suffisamment les passagers aériens canadiens;On a rédigé le projet de loi C-327 en collaboration avec les membres de groupes phares de défense des consommateurs, en tenant compte de leurs principales recommandations législatives visant à protéger les passagers aériens canadiens;Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’adopter immédiatement un projet de loi du gouvernement reflétant l’ensemble du projet de loi C-327, la Loi visant à accroître la protection des passagers aériens, et d’accorder la priorité à son adoption rapide.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe creation of the Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR), which fully came into force in December 2019, provided an important framework of rights for Canadians when air travel does not go as planned, clarifying minimum standards of treatment and compensation that must be provided to passengers based on the level of control an airline has over a flight disruption.These regulations were immediately and severely tested by extraordinary circumstances that occurred because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including a sudden rapid recovery of demand. The lack of clarity in the framework led to a significant and growing backlog of complaints with the Canadian Transportation Agency (Agency) and the lessons learned throughout these events provided the Government of Canada with valuable insight, including areas of the regulatory framework that needed to be strengthened.   As a result, legislative amendments were introduced in the Budget Implementation Act, 2023, No.1, which received Royal Assent on June 22, 2023, to strengthen Canada’s air passenger rights regime. This places the onus on air carriers where it is presumed that compensation is payable unless they can demonstrate otherwise, streamlining the processes for administering air travel complaints before the Agency, increasing air carriers’ accountability, and providing the Agency with enhanced enforcement authorities for APPR-related non-compliance.Following these recent legislative amendments to the Canada Transportation Act, the Agency has implemented a more streamlined process for resolving air travel complaints, which took effect on September 30, 2023, and has been designed to increase the Agency’s ability to provide timely dispute resolution services to Canadians for both new and existing complaints in the backlog.The Agency has also undertaken a regulatory process to update the APPR, which includes consultations with Canadians, passenger rights representatives, and air industry stakeholders to inform upcoming changes. The updated regulations are expected to be in place at the earliest opportunity and are intended to ensure that travellers are fairly compensated in all cases where disruptions occur, except in exceptional circumstances that will be specifically defined in regulations.The Government is confident that the recent legislative amendments, as well as the upcoming regulatory changes, will address the issues identified in Bill C-327 and go even beyond by streamlining the processes for administering air travel complaints before the Agency, increasing air carriers’ accountability, and requiring the air carriers to pay the costs of assessing eligible complaints that will be referred to the Agency.Understanding the importance of fair and timely compensation, the legislative amendments to the Act also require airlines to establish a process to deal with passenger complaints within 30 days of receiving them. These changes are a continuation of the Government’s commitment to strengthen air passenger rights. They align with Transport Canada’s core responsibility and commitment to foster an efficient and essential transportation system and implement rules and policies that promote choice and improved service to Canadian travellers. 
C-327, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les transports au Canada (protection des passagers aériens)Consommateurs et protection des consommateursPassagers de l'air
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01734441-01734 (Droits de la personne)DaveEppChatham-Kent—LeamingtonConservateurON5 octobre 202320 novembre 20233 octobre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l'attention de la Chambre des communes : ATTENDU QUE :La liberté de choix en matière de soins de santé devient de plus en plus restreinte et menacée par la législation et les dispositions légales du gouvernement du Canada; C’est un droit fondamental des individus de pouvoir choisir le moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens veulent être libres de décider du moyen de prévenir la maladie ou de traiter une maladie ou une blessure dans leur propre corps;Les Canadiens sont aptes à prendre leurs propres décisions en matière de santé sans l’ingérence de l’État.Par conséquent : les signataires de la pétition demandent au Parlement de garantir à chaque Canadien le droit à la liberté de choix en santé en édictant la Charte de la liberté de choix en santé rédigée pour l’Association de protection des produits de santé naturels le 4 septembre 2008.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Droits de la personneSanté
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01733441-01733 (Culture et patrimoine)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC5 octobre 202320 novembre 20239 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • En 2018, on a modifié l’hymne national pour lui donner une forme non genrée par souci d’équité et d’inclusion;
  • Les peuples autochtones ne sont pas représentés dans les symboles les plus forts du Canada (son drapeau et son hymne national);
  • Les premiers contacts entre les peuples autochtones et non autochtones étaient amicaux, ces derniers ayant appris à survivre grâce aux Autochtones;
  • Plusieurs peuples autochtones se sont battus aux côtés des Britanniques durant la guerre de Sept Ans et étaient de proches alliés de la Grande-Bretagne avant et après la Révolution américaine;
  • Ce n’est qu’après que leurs droits territoriaux aient été trahis par les Britanniques que cette alliance s’est dégradée;
  • Ils n'étaient ni les premiers ni les derniers à avoir été trompés, dupés et contraints à signer des traités frauduleux;
  • Les traités affirmaient que les relations entre Autochtones et non-Autochtones étaient fondées sur la paix, l’amitié, la moralité et le respect de la souveraineté de chacun;
  • La doctrine de la découverte niait la souveraineté des peuples autochtones et accordait aux chrétiens le pouvoir d’imposer leurs idéologies tout en exploitant et en saisissant les terres des peuples autochtones;
  • Les colonisateurs ont qualifié le territoire de terra nullius (territoire sans maître) pour y établir le contrôle de l’État et s’en déclarer les maîtres;
  • Les peuples autochtones avaient accepté de partager, et non de céder, leurs terres, et s’attendaient à ce que les colons partagent leurs ressources et ne prennent que ce dont ils avaient besoin;
  • La relation des peuples autochtones avec la terre diffère de la relation des personnes qui la réclament aujourd’hui;
  • Dans le cadre de cette relation, les peuples autochtones ne se considèrent pas comme des propriétaires, mais comme des gardiens de la terre;
  • La terre est un don sacré du Créateur, et les peuples autochtones ont juré de la protéger;
  • Les récits, l’identité, les communautés, le savoir traditionnel, la culture, la spiritualité et le droit des Autochtones illustrent la relation avec la terre;
  • La terre est une source de subsistance et d’abri pour les peuples autochtones depuis la nuit des temps, qui la révèrent comme une source de vie pour les plantes, les animaux et les êtres humains;
  • Pour maintenir l’abondance des ressources, les peuples autochtones entretiennent une relation de réciprocité avec la terre qui se caractérise par la responsabilité, l’équilibre et l’interaction;
  • Les expulsions et les interdictions de tenir des cérémonies ont causé des ruptures du lien des peuples autochtones avec la terre, l’eau et le ciel qui ont causé des torts spirituels, physiques et psychologiques aux Autochtones;
  • L’extraction et l’exploitation ininterrompues des ressources de la terre ont mené à la crise climatique que vous vivons aujourd’hui;
  • Le manque de ressources crée des conflits entre les peuples, avec un effet disproportionné sur les personnes marginalisées;
  • La relation des peuples Autochtones avec la terre est reconnue par la Constitution.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de remplacer, en signe de répudiation de la doctrine de la découverte et du principe de terra nullius, les paroles anglaises « Our home and Native land » par les paroles « Our home on Native land » dans l’hymne national du Canada. Le gouvernement ferait ainsi un pas symbolique vers la réparation et vers la mise en œuvre promise du 45e appel à l’action, dans lequel la Commission de vérité et réconciliation demande aux gouvernements de reconnaître que les peuples autochtones ont occupé et cultivé ces terres et y ont prospéré avant l’arrivée des Européens.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Taleeb NoormohamedThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their concerns regarding the words to the national anthem of Canada.O Canada” became Canada’s national anthem by virtue of the National Anthem Act, which was passed in 1980.The French words of the anthem were composed in 1880 by Adolphe-Basile Routhier, and have remained unchanged since then.The English lyrics are based on those penned by Robert Stanley Weir in 1908, and subsequently modified by a special joint parliamentary committee on the National and Royal Anthems in 1967-1968. These amended lyrics were the ones adopted in 1980.The English lyrics of the national anthem were further modified to make the lyrics gender neutral, by way of a private member’s bill in the House of Commons, which received royal assent on February 07, 2018.By virtue of the Department of Canadian Heritage Act, Section 4 (1) and Section 4 (2) (h), the Minister of Canadian Heritage has jurisdiction “relating to Canadian identity and values, cultural development and heritage” and “state ceremonial and Canadian symbols”.Thus, the showcasing of emblems such as the national anthem and the National Flag of Canada fall within the purview of the Minister of Canadian Heritage.However, as the lyrics to the national anthem are consigned in law by virtue of the National Anthem Act, any changes or amendments to this Act must result from parliamentary legislation, as was the case when the English lyrics were amended in 2018.The Petition calls on the Government of Canada to modify the English lyrics of “O Canada” specifically as a way to denounce the Doctrine of Discovery and the notion of Indigenous land in Canada as Terra Nullius, and thus fulfill its engagements to the TRC’s Call to Action #45.In December 2020, the government of Canada introduced Bill C-15, an Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The bill was passed by Parliament and received royal assent on June 21, 2021. This act repudiates concepts used to justify European sovereignty over Indigenous lands and peoples such as the Doctrine of Discovery and Terra Nullius.The preamble of the Act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples reads: “Whereas all doctrines, policies and practices based on or advocating the superiority of peoples or individuals on the basis of national origin or racial, religious, ethnic or cultural differences are racist, scientifically false, legally invalid, morally condemnable and socially unjust”.Additionally, the Vatican, and thus the Papacy and the Catholic Church, on whose authority the Doctrine of Discovery was initiated in the 15th century, also officially denounced the Doctrine of Discovery on March 30, 2023.Changing the English lyrics of “O Canada” would contribute to the fulfillment of part of Calls to Action #45 and #47, as the commitment to these Calls to Action is much broader.It should be noted that the Petition addresses solely the English lyrics of the national anthem of Canada. An equitable and inclusive review of the lyrics of the national anthem, should this come to pass, would do best to address the national anthem in Canada’s two official languages. 
Hymne nationalRéconciliation avec les peuples autochtones
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01732441-01732 (Droits de la personne)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB5 octobre 202320 novembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01731441-01731 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB4 octobre 202320 novembre 20237 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01730441-01730 (Sécurité publique)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB4 octobre 202320 novembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01729441-01729 (Transport)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB4 octobre 202320 novembre 20234 juin 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que les étudiants qui souhaitent obtenir leur licence de pilote professionnel sont incapables de terminer leur formation;Attendu que, depuis des mois, les bureaux de Transports Canada sont fermés, empêchant les étudiants de passer leurs examens et d’obtenir leur licence;Attendu que, à l’échelle du Canada, les écoles et d’autres immeubles sont ouverts et fonctionnent en appliquant les mesures de précaution pertinentes;Attendu que, Transports Canada n’a pas proposé de solution pour que ces étudiants puissent passer leurs examens écrits.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons que le gouvernement du Canada :1. ouvre les bureaux de Transports Canada de façon sécuritaire, ou désigne un autre lieu ou un mécanisme de rechange pour que les étudiants puissent passer leurs examens et obtenir leur licence de pilote professionnel.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezTransport Canada acknowledges the challenges faced by students studying for a commercial pilot license over the last few years. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the in-person examination offices had to temporarily pause examination invigilation, along with many public services which created a backlog.During the pandemic, Transport Canada adopted several temporary measures through exemptions to address medical renewals, extend licence privileges, and respond to the need for written examination for licences, instrument ratings, and flight instructor ratings. To familiarize themselves with these exemptions and other COVID-19 information, pilots and other aviation parties were advised to refer to the Transport Canada website where exemptions were published. For example, a temporary exemption was issued to allow candidates that have not yet written the requisite written examination for a commercial pilot licence, an instrument rating, or any of the flight instructor ratings, to be accepted to attempt the flight test required for the issuance of an instrument rating, any of the flight instructor ratings until August 31, 2022.Another temporary measure allowed all licensing applicants who have applied for a permit, licence, or rating after March 11, 2020, but no later than February 29, 2024, and who have successfully-completed the knowledge requirement, to extend the knowledge requirements by 10 months.Between July 2020 and December 2020, Transport Canada’s National Service Teams resumed examination invigilation in their offices. The resumption of examination invigilation aligned with the regional COVID-19 rules in place during that time. Transport Canada delivered examination on paper and sometimes used different facilities to accommodate a larger number of candidates while maintaining COVID-19 safety protocols, including social distancing. Many mass examination invigilation sessions were also organized, both on and off Transport Canada premises to address backlogs.In addition, Transport Canada expanded the Authorized Exam Invigilator program to include the addition of commercial pilot aeroplane examinations. This expansion was done to swiftly address examination backlog caused by the pandemic. It was implemented with schools that have an established Integrated Training Program as per the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR) 406.75 or, in certain geographical locations, have a Transport Canada accepted Quality Assurance System as per CAR 406.14. It should be noted that further expansion is currently on hold while mitigation efforts are implemented to ensure the security and validity of professional flight crew examinations.All Transport Canada Centres across Canada are currently scheduling examination invigilation by appointment only. Several examination sessions are being held per day/week to accommodate pilots, and there are ample openings in the current booking schedule to meet demand.Transport Canada acknowledges the challenges faced by students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to work with industry partners to facilitate the undertaking of written examinations by students. 
Formation au pilotagePermis et licencesPilotes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01728441-01728 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB4 octobre 202320 novembre 20231 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4332e-4332 (Affaires étrangères)shahinmoghaddamMelissaLantsmanThornhillConservateurON21 mars 2023 à 8 h 52 (HAE)20 avril 2023 à 8 h 52 (HAE)4 octobre 202320 novembre 202320 avril 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :Le 8 janvier 2020, le vol ukrainien de passagers PS752 a été brutalement abattu par deux missiles du corps des gardiens de la révolution islamique de l’Iran;Après avoir nié toute responsabilité pendant des jours, le gouvernement islamique a fini par accepter la responsabilité, rejetant la faute sur une erreur humaine;Le gouvernement islamique refuse de coopérer avec les enquêteurs et utilise des tactiques dilatoires pour dissimuler les faits entourant ce crime;On ne sait toujours pas pourquoi cet avion transportant des passagers a été abattu, ni qui a planifié et exécuté cet acte de terreur;Le 20 mai 2021, la Cour supérieure de justice de l’Ontario a établi que l’attaque visant ce vol était intentionnelle et constituait un acte de terrorisme;Le gouvernement du Canada n’a jamais admis que l’attentat horrible du vol PS752 était un crime terroriste intentionnel;Le 7 juillet 2021, la commissaire de la GRC Brenda Lucki a refusé officiellement d’ouvrir une enquête criminelle sur cette affaire;La GRC doit faire enquête lorsque des Canadiens perdent la vie, quel que soit l’endroit dans le monde, peu importent la situation et les circonstances;La GRC a dirigé l’enquête vers l’Ukraine, qui est assiégée par la Russie, et l’Ukraine a elle même présenté la demande à Cour supérieure de justice de l’Ontario;Une enquête de la GRC permettra de découvrir des détails concernant la manière dont l’attaque a été perpétrée et l’identité des responsables.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents préoccupés de toutes les régions du Canada , prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de soumettre la question de l’enquête sur l’attaque contre le vol de passagers ukrainien PS752 à l’attention de la GRC, et de demander immédiatement la tenue d’une enquête « criminelle » indépendante.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The downing of Flight PS752 was, and continues to be a national tragedy for Canada. Our top priorities remain transparency, accountability, and justice. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been engaged since the early stages of the international response, and continues to invest significant effort on a number of fronts, including deploying personnel to Ukraine in the early aftermath of the tragedy and continuing to engage with victims’ families in Canada.Prior to the Russia-Ukraine war, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine was leading a criminal investigation into this tragedy, which the RCMP supported through established international legal assistance mechanisms (Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLATs)). In addition to the investigative efforts being carried out in response to the Ukraine MLAT requests, the RCMP commenced in 2020 an investigation into the complaints of harassment, intimidation and foreign interference by Iran against the families of PS752 victims. This includes physical threats, intimidation by proxy and the potential surveillance of the families’ electronic equipment. The RCMP continues to investigate, respond to, and will level charges as appropriate against criminal instances of harassment, intimidation, and coercion from foreign actors.On May 11, 2021, the Ontario Superior Court (Zarei v Iran, 2021 ONSC 3377) found that, on a balance of probabilities, the missile attacks that downed Flight PS752 were intentional and constituted an act of terrorism. However, it is important to consider that there are significant differences in the standard of proof required for civil proceedings and criminal prosecutions.In May 2023, the RCMP held a call with personnel from Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) currently assigned to the criminal investigation. During that call, the RCMP requested that PGO revisit whether Ukraine legislation would allow for a joint investigation with Canada into the downing of PS752.  PGO indicated they would consider the legal issues and communicate with the RCMP whether there are any legal mechanisms that could be utilized for such joint efforts.To protect the independence and integrity of the investigative efforts underway, no further details can be provided at this time.
Accidents aériensEnquêtes criminelles et audiences d'investigationIranVol PS752 Ukraine International Airlines
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01726441-01726 (Affaires sociales et égalité)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK4 octobre 202320 novembre 202321 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementATTENDU QUE le Parti libéral s’est fait élire entre autres en promettant de révoquer le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie, dont les centres d’aide à la grossesse, qui conseillent de jeunes femmes et sauvent un nombre incalculable de vies chaque année ATTENDU QUE la révocation du statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie est une première étape vers des mesures encore plus tyranniques pour enrayer les valeurs et les principes des Canadiens de confession chrétienne, ce qui veut dire que les églises pourraient être la prochaine cible ATTENDU QUE la révocation du statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie provoquera une explosion du nombre d’avortements commis brutalement au Canada tous les ans, tuant des milliers de bébés innocents.PAR CONSÉQUENT, qu'il soit résolu que les soussignés exhortent, par la présente, les députés à faire tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour empêcher, bloquer, dénoncer et refuser tout effort fait par le gouvernement pour révoquer le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie au Canada.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right.
AvortementOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4423e-4423 (Justice)JeffDurhamCathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK3 mai 2023 à 9 h 43 (HAE)31 août 2023 à 9 h 43 (HAE)4 octobre 202320 novembre 20235 septembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :Il est bien attesté que les femmes enceintes sont exposées à un risque accru de violence;Actuellement, le Code criminel du Canada ne considère pas la grossesse de la femme comme un facteur aggravant aux fins de la détermination de la peine;Cette lacune de la loi doit être corrigée, car il est nécessaire, pour marquer notre condamnation de cette violence, que les peines infligées tiennent compte de la vulnérabilité des femmes enceintes; Il est essentiel d’imposer des peines suffisantes dans les cas de crimes violents contre des femmes enceintes pour protéger leur choix reproductif d’avoir un enfant. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d’inscrire dans le Code criminel que la violence contre une femme enceinte et l’infliction de préjudice à son enfant sont des facteurs aggravants aux fins de la détermination de la peine.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01724441-01724 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK4 octobre 202320 novembre 202315 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Le gouvernement a annoncé ses plans concernant le rachat obligatoire (ou la saisie) d’armes à feu qui ont été achetées légalement auprès de commerçants d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi au Canada;
  • De l’aveu même du premier ministre, les armes à feu « de type arme d’assaut » visées par cette mesure sont les fusils de chasse et les fusils à canon lisse;
  • Le programme de rachat s’en prend aux propriétaires d’armes à feu légales plutôt que de s’attaquer au trafic d’armes à la frontière canado-américaine ou de corriger les défauts d’un système qui remet systématiquement des récidivistes violents en liberté;
  • Ce n’est pas en saisissant la propriété des fermiers, des chasseurs et des Autochtones qui sont respectueux de la loi que nous ferons diminuer les crimes violents au Canada.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’annuler son projet de saisir les armes à feu des fermiers, des chasseurs et des Autochtones respectueux de la loi et de le remplacer par des politiques sensées qui mettront les armes à feu hors de la portée des criminels dangereux.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Too many Canadians have been affected by senseless acts of gun violence. Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities.To address this our Government is implementing a comprehensive approach to strengthen firearms control and tackle firearm-related violence across Canada, including comprehensive legislative reforms through Bill C-21, and over $1.3 billion in investments to strengthen community-based prevention and law enforcement capacity. This approach prioritizes public safety, reduces access to dangerous firearms, strengthens our border, and supports effective police work and community programming.  As part of this approach, on May 1, 2020, the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited, Restricted or Non-Restricted were amended to reclassify, and prohibit, approximately 1,500 models of firearms and their variants. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms.An Amnesty Order has been put in place to protect impacted owners from criminal liability, and to provide them with time to come into compliance with the law. Those who remain in possession of these firearms at the end of the amnesty period could be subject to criminal liability for unlawful possession.To support compliance with the law, the Government is committed to implementing a Firearms Buyback Program to ensure that the prohibited firearms are safely removed from our communities. The Government is designing a program that is user-friendly, safe, and efficient while also recognizing the interests of hunters, including Indigenous hunters. Canadians and businesses can expect fair compensation for participation in the Firearms Buyback Program, for use as they see fit, including buying other firearms. Impacted owners, especially Indigenous groups, will continue to be engaged to understand and appreciate their unique interests and ensure they are considered in the design and implementation of the Program.While the prohibition and the Firearms Buyback Program are key elements in the Government’s comprehensive approach, it is only one of a series of measures that the Government is taking to target firearms safety and reduce firearms violence and crime in this country.We are providing significant funding to help communities divert youth away from gang culture through the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), to date, the NCPS has invested approximately $565 million in support of 684crime prevention interventions. Through the NCPS, Public Safety Canada invests over $40 million annually in funding to community organizations to deliver culturally specific interventions that address the root causes of violence among youth and young people.Additionally, through the Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF)we have invested $122.7 million and have supported 47 gang prevention and diversion projects. Further, on March 16, 2022, the Government announced $250 million through the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) which provides direct funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities to strengthen local efforts to counter the social conditions that lead to criminal behaviour. This funding builds on the $358.8 million over five years, allocated by the Government in 2018 under the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence.In addition to providing funding to address the root causes of crime, the Government knows that the cross-border smuggling of firearms also poses a threat to the safety and security of Canadians.Through Budget 2021, our government invested  $656.1 million over five years for the CBSA to modernize our borders, including enhancing our ability to detect contraband and helping protect the integrity of our border infrastructure.In order to enhance our capabilities to trace crime guns we have made an investment of $15 million. This funding will support the RCMP in the development of a new national tracing database; increased outreach to law enforcement agencies on the strategic benefits of tracing to criminal investigation; and the establishment of a national network to detect straw purchasing and promote information sharing between law enforcement partners to counter firearms trafficking and smuggling.The RCMP has also introduced a new mandatory tracing policy that requires all RCMP seized guns to be submitted for tracing, and in March 2023 the CBSA and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows them to share information directly on files/intelligence development and actions/events occurring or expected to occur at the border, in support of efforts to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal efforts to smuggle firearms and their parts.It’s important to note that the cross-border smuggling of firearms are not the only source of firearms that are used for criminal activity. In 2020, 73% of firearms traced by the Canadian Firearms Program recovered in crime scenes or seized by police were deemed to be imported legally or manufactured within Canada. Despite legal acquisition, these firearms have ended up being used in criminal activities.Concurrently, through Bill C-21 our Government is  introducing tougher penalties for trafficking and smuggling offences.Finally, on May 16, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-48 that proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would make targeted changes to the Criminal Code’s bail regime to address serious repeat violent offences with firearms, knives, bear spray and other weapons. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to address the enhanced risks posed by intimate partner violence. The proposed changes seek to improve the safety of people and communities across Canada.With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to make our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feu
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01723441-01723 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK4 octobre 202320 novembre 202316 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Le gouvernement a annoncé ses plans concernant le rachat obligatoire (ou la saisie) d’armes à feu qui ont été achetées légalement auprès de commerçants d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi au Canada;
  • De l’aveu même du premier ministre, les armes à feu « de type arme d’assaut » visées par cette mesure sont les fusils de chasse et les fusils à canon lisse;
  • Le programme de rachat s’en prend aux propriétaires d’armes à feu légales plutôt que de s’attaquer au trafic d’armes à la frontière canado-américaine ou de corriger les défauts d’un système qui remet systématiquement des récidivistes violents en liberté;
  • Ce n’est pas en saisissant la propriété des fermiers, des chasseurs et des Autochtones qui sont respectueux de la loi que nous ferons diminuer les crimes violents au Canada.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’annuler son projet de saisir les armes à feu des fermiers, des chasseurs et des Autochtones respectueux de la loi et de le remplacer par des politiques sensées qui mettront les armes à feu hors de la portée des criminels dangereux.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Too many Canadians have been affected by senseless acts of gun violence. Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities.To address this our Government is implementing a comprehensive approach to strengthen firearms control and tackle firearm-related violence across Canada, including comprehensive legislative reforms through Bill C-21, and over $1.3 billion in investments to strengthen community-based prevention and law enforcement capacity. This approach prioritizes public safety, reduces access to dangerous firearms, strengthens our border, and supports effective police work and community programming.  As part of this approach, on May 1, 2020, the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited, Restricted or Non-Restricted were amended to reclassify, and prohibit, approximately 1,500 models of firearms and their variants. The prohibition limits access to the most dangerous firearms.An Amnesty Order has been put in place to protect impacted owners from criminal liability, and to provide them with time to come into compliance with the law. Those who remain in possession of these firearms at the end of the amnesty period could be subject to criminal liability for unlawful possession.To support compliance with the law, the Government is committed to implementing a Firearms Buyback Program to ensure that the prohibited firearms are safely removed from our communities. The Government is designing a program that is user-friendly, safe, and efficient while also recognizing the interests of hunters, including Indigenous hunters. Canadians and businesses can expect fair compensation for participation in the Firearms Buyback Program, for use as they see fit, including buying other firearms. Impacted owners, especially Indigenous groups, will continue to be engaged to understand and appreciate their unique interests and ensure they are considered in the design and implementation of the Program.While the prohibition and the Firearms Buyback Program are key elements in the Government’s comprehensive approach, it is only one of a series of measures that the Government is taking to target firearms safety and reduce firearms violence and crime in this country.We are providing significant funding to help communities divert youth away from gang culture through the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS), to date, the NCPS has invested approximately $565 million in support of 684crime prevention interventions. Through the NCPS, Public Safety Canada invests over $40 million annually in funding to community organizations to deliver culturally specific interventions that address the root causes of violence among youth and young people.Additionally, through the Youth Gang Prevention Fund (YGPF)we have invested $122.7 million and have supported 47 gang prevention and diversion projects. Further, on March 16, 2022, the Government announced $250 million through the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) which provides direct funding to municipalities and Indigenous communities to strengthen local efforts to counter the social conditions that lead to criminal behaviour. This funding builds on the $358.8 million over five years, allocated by the Government in 2018 under the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence.In addition to providing funding to address the root causes of crime, the Government knows that the cross-border smuggling of firearms also poses a threat to the safety and security of Canadians.Through Budget 2021, our government invested  $656.1 million over five years for the CBSA to modernize our borders, including enhancing our ability to detect contraband and helping protect the integrity of our border infrastructure.In order to enhance our capabilities to trace crime guns we have made an investment of $15 million. This funding will support the RCMP in the development of a new national tracing database; increased outreach to law enforcement agencies on the strategic benefits of tracing to criminal investigation; and the establishment of a national network to detect straw purchasing and promote information sharing between law enforcement partners to counter firearms trafficking and smuggling.The RCMP has also introduced a new mandatory tracing policy that requires all RCMP seized guns to be submitted for tracing, and in March 2023 the CBSA and the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that allows them to share information directly on files/intelligence development and actions/events occurring or expected to occur at the border, in support of efforts to identify, disrupt, and dismantle criminal efforts to smuggle firearms and their parts.It’s important to note that the cross-border smuggling of firearms are not the only source of firearms that are used for criminal activity. In 2020, 73% of firearms traced by the Canadian Firearms Program recovered in crime scenes or seized by police were deemed to be imported legally or manufactured within Canada. Despite legal acquisition, these firearms have ended up being used in criminal activities.Concurrently, through Bill C-21 our Government is  introducing tougher penalties for trafficking and smuggling offences.Finally, on May 16, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-48 that proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would make targeted changes to the Criminal Code’s bail regime to address serious repeat violent offences with firearms, knives, bear spray and other weapons. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to address the enhanced risks posed by intimate partner violence. The proposed changes seek to improve the safety of people and communities across Canada.With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to make our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feu
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01722441-01722 (Sécurité publique)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK4 octobre 202320 novembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01721441-01721 (Santé)RobMorrisonKootenay—ColumbiaConservateurBC4 octobre 202320 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Les émissions produites par la culture extérieure de cannabis ont des répercussions sur les résidences environnantes;
  • Les gaz libérés ont des effets négatifs sur la santé;
  • Santé Canada n’a pas réglementé les émissions produites par la culture extérieure de cannabis.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Parsons, Colombie-Britannique, et citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’inclure les émissions des cultures extérieures dans l’examen de 2023 de la Loi sur le cannabis et d’exiger que Santé Canada établisse des règles pour le contrôle des émissions.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Cannabis Act creates a legal framework for controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis in Canada. The framework outlines a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial and territorial governments.In particular, provinces and territories have flexibility to tailor certain rules in their jurisdiction and are responsible for oversight of certain aspects of the legal cannabis industry including but not limited to:
  • Flexibility to establish more stringent controls on access;
  • Authority to enact additional rules to protect public health safety; and,
  • Licence and oversee distribution and retail sales, subject to federal conditions.
Under the Cannabis Regulations, holders of a Health Canada commercial license to cultivate, process or sell cannabis must meet strict requirements in order to be licensed. These include requirements for physical security, and adherence to Good Production Practices. For example, licence holders must ensure all buildings or parts of buildings where cannabis is produced, packaged, labelled and stored need to be equipped with a system that filters air to prevent the escape of odours. The intent of this requirement is to prevent the presence of strong odours near buildings where cannabis is present. Additionally, before submitting an application to Health Canada, applicants for licences to cultivate cannabis must provide written notice to local authorities in the area of the proposed site. Once licensed, all licensed cultivators and processors are expected to obey all relevant federal, provincial, and municipal laws and by-laws, including municipal by-laws governing zoning, location, odour and noise. Provinces and territories and municipalities can implement any limitations on zoning, location, or other controls that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions.Outdoor cultivation of cannabis has been available to licence holders since the Act came into force in 2018. Similar to other industries that release odours, these odours may bother those who live or work close to cannabis production areas. Odour from cannabis production is typically limited to the period during the outdoor growing season when the plants flower. To reduce the impact of odours, Health Canada has odour control requirements for the indoor commercial production of cannabis. In May 2022, Health Canada published Cannabis odours and odour control - Canada.ca.  If an individual has a concern about odour, they are encouraged to contact the cannabis licence holder directly. In addition to contacting the licence holder, individuals may contact their local government. They may have laws or bylaws in place or may work with law enforcement as required.  All issues and complaints brought to Health Canada’s attention are taken seriously. When Health Canada receives a complaint about cannabis odour, all information is reviewed to determine whether the submission is within Health Canada’s regulatory authority. If the matter falls within the federal framework, it will be assessed and prioritized for action according to public health and safety risk. After Health Canada makes an assessment, it takes appropriate action to correct any potential non-compliance with the Cannabis Regulations. Individuals can contact Health Canada in writing by using the Cannabis Reporting Form found here.On September 22, 2022, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions launched the legislative review of the Cannabis Act. An Expert Panel is leading the review and will provide independent, expert advice to both ministers on progress made towards achieving the Act’s objectives, and will also help identify priority areas for improving the functioning of the legislation. The Panel’s review will focus on a number of areas including looking at the economic, social and environmental impacts of the Act, including:
  • Impacts on young persons;
  • Progress towards providing adults with access to strictly regulated, lower risk, legal cannabis products; 
  • Progress made in deterring criminal activity and displacing the illicit cannabis market;
  • Impact of legalization and regulation of cannabis on access to cannabis for medical purposes;
  • Impacts on Indigenous persons and communities; and,
  • Trends and impact of home cultivation of cannabis for non-medical purposes.
This includes examining the appropriateness of different regulatory controls addressing issues related to the cultivation, processing and sale of cannabis. The Expert Panel has recently published a What We Heard report, which summarizes the input heard during their extensive stakeholder engagements to date. Health Canada is reviewing the report, and values the Panel's efforts to include all diverse perspectives, particularly those of Indigenous communities and marginalized groups. The Panel’s findings will help to identify priority areas to improve the functioning of the Act and its final report will be tabled in Parliament by the Minister of Health by March 2024. Health Canada looks forward to the Expert Panel’s final report and will carefully review and consider their advice and findings. While the legislative review is underway, Health Canada will continue to examine regulatory measures that could be made more efficient and streamlined, reducing the burden on industry, without compromising public health and public safety.
CannabisCultures agricolesQualité de l'air
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01720441-01720 (Santé)RobMorrisonKootenay—ColumbiaConservateurBC4 octobre 202320 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé,Attendu que :
  • Santé Canada propose d’apporter des changements importants à la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN);
  • Nous comptons sur les PSN, qui comprennent des produits de base de la vie quotidienne tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les minéraux FPS, dans le cadre des soins de santé préventifs;
  • Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera de façon tout aussi importante, alors même que l’inflation n’a jamais été aussi forte et que l’accès aux soins de santé n’a jamais été aussi difficile;
  • Santé Canada a récemment proposé de nouveaux droits importants pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, en même temps qu’il mettait en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;
  • Cette mesure est injuste, irréaliste et si coûteuse pour l’industrie qu’elle contraindra de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;
  • Le fardeau des coûts assumés par ceux qui ont les moyens de les assumer se répercutera sur le consommateur, et les Canadiens n’ont pas les moyens de payer ces changements ou ces frais;
  • Ces produits sont déjà assujettis à la taxe de vente;
  • Santé Canada a pour objectif de promouvoir l’accès des Canadiens à des PSN sûrs, efficaces et de haute qualité, mais il le fait déjà dans le cadre de la réglementation actuelle;
  • L’augmentation des frais et l’étiquetage supplémentaire ne rendent pas l’utilisation des PSN plus sûre, ils ne font que rendre les produits plus chers;
  • En fait, cette réglementation accrue poussera les consommateurs à rechercher des produits en ligne et peut-être à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés en provenance de l’extérieur du Canada.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada et le ministre de la Santé de collaborer avec le secteur pour adopter un étiquetage moderne et ajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés par Santé Canada afin de mieux refléter la taille et le champ d’activités du secteur. Les nouveaux changements réglementaires ne devraient être mis en œuvre qu’une fois que le cadre sur les produits d’autosoins sera adapté, que les retards seront rattrapés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et que des politiques et des procédures auront été mises en place pour garantir la poursuite d’opérations stables.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4547e-4547 (Affaires étrangères)KHURRUMAWANMichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK15 août 2023 à 13 h 57 (HAE)14 septembre 2023 à 13 h 57 (HAE)4 octobre 202320 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que : Les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise sont de plus en plus préoccupés par l’agitation politique et les troubles socioéconomiques observés au Pakistan; À l’approche des élections générales qui doivent avoir lieu au Pakistan plus tard cette année, on se préoccupe de plus en plus des rapports faisant état d’actes de violence et de menaces à motivation politique visant les partis d’opposition et leurs partisans commis par des membres de l’armée pakistanaise et leurs agents; On s’inquiète vivement de l’arrestation récente de l’ancien premier ministre du Pakistan Imran Khan et des mesures prises par l’armée pakistanaise et ses agents pour limiter la participation de l’ancien premier ministre et du plus grand parti d’opposition pakistanais aux élections générales.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de : 1. Demander au Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international d’étudier immédiatement la possibilité d’imposer des sanctions Magnitski aux membres de l’armée pakistanaise responsables de ces actes; 2. Demander au gouvernement du Canada de se servir de sa participation au Fonds monétaire international pour exiger que l’octroi de nouveaux prêts au régime pakistanais et la prolongation de ses prêts existants soient conditionnels à la tenue d’élections libres et équitables dans ce pays; 3. De demander que ces mesures soient maintenues jusqu’à ce que des élections libres et justes aient eu lieu plus tard cette année avec la participation de tous les partis et chefs de l’opposition.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada and Pakistan have a multifaceted bilateral relationship, which dates back to 1947, and is underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties.The Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation, including in the lead up to general elections announced for February 8, 2023. As of November 15, all registered political parties in Pakistan are eligible to participate in the next general elections.Canada considers diplomacy, advocacy, and programming activities to be among the most effective ways of promoting democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law in Pakistan. In fact, the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for Canada’s engagement in Pakistan. Canada continues to advance an inclusive approach to democracy, one that allows people to participate in decision-making processes and institutions that impact all areas of their lives.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts to advance these foreign policy priorities. For example, Canadian officials, in Ottawa and at Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these topics with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials engage in a variety of fora with the aim of supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles. Canada also supports civil society in Pakistan through its Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally implemented projects. Among the core themes of CFLI projects in Pakistan for 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law. Global Affairs Canada is also funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes, and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. The two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality and promoting regional security and stability. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic principles. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights and free and fair elections, on an ongoing basis.The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
PakistanPolitique étrangèreSanctions économiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01718441-01718 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC4 octobre 202320 novembre 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Les gouvernements et les entreprises mettent rapidement au point des systèmes d’armes de plus en plus autonomes grâce aux nouvelles technologies et à l’intelligence artificielle;
  • Les systèmes d’armes autonomes qui détectent et appliquent la force à une cible au moyen de capteurs, plutôt que sur commande humaine immédiate, suscitent de vives inquiétudes sur les plans humanitaire, juridique, militaire, technique et éthique. Dans ces systèmes, l’objet précis à attaquer, ainsi que le moment et le lieu exacts de l’attaque, sont déterminés par le traitement des capteurs, et non par les humains;
  • La communauté internationale s’accorde de plus en plus à dire qu’il faut créer de nouvelles lois internationales pour répondre aux inquiétudes suscitées par les systèmes d’armes autonomes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • d’interdire la mise au point, l’importation et l’utilisation à l’échelle nationale de systèmes d’armes autonomes qui ne sont pas contrôlés de manière substantielle par les humains;
  • de concevoir des règlements nationaux afin que les autres systèmes d’armes autonomes ne soient utilisés qu’avec un véritable contrôle par les humains;
  • de jouer un rôle actif dans les négociations internationales visant à interdire les systèmes d’armes autonomes par l’intermédiaire de nouvelles lois internationales créées sous les auspices de l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies ou de toute autre instance multilatérale ouverte à tous.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has been an active participant and supporter of the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) within the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW). Through this multilateral forum, Canada has advanced a number of key priorities and interests, such as the importance of compliance with international humanitarian law at all stages of a weapon system’s lifecycle, the need to address the risk of inherent biases in autonomous systems, and the importance of meaningful human control. In November 2023, the CCW will consider a new mandate for the GGE on LAWS, and Canada looks forward to continuing the work in this important forum.  It is our aspiration that the new mandate focus on results and outcomes that build on the previous substance discussed in the GGE.Beyond the GGE on LAWS, Canada was pleased to support the new United Nations General Assembly resolution on LAWS, which will task the United Nations Secretary General with gathering views to compose a report and to have LAWS added as an agenda item at next year’s UNGA. The subject of autonomy in weapon systems was also referenced by the UN Secretary General in the New Agenda for Peace, calling for the conclusion of a legally binding instrument by 2026. Canada takes note of this recommendation, and additional regional efforts being conducted to advance discussions on LAWS.The world is changing at a rapid pace, and there is a need to ensure that the speed of technological advancements in weapon systems does not outpace the speed of balanced policy development. Canada will continue to engage with all stakeholders, including civil society, academia and industry, to ensure a thorough understanding of the challenges and issues at play.
Armes militairesRéglementation
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01717441-01717 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON4 octobre 202320 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
  
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01716441-01716 (Affaires étrangères)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON4 octobre 202320 novembre 202312 décembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01715441-01715 (Environnement)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC4 octobre 202320 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • En 2020, la Chambre des communes a adopté le projet de loi C-204, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l’environnement (1999) (élimination définitive de déchets plastiques), qui visait à interdire l’exportation de déchets plastiques destinés à l’élimination définitive;
  • Selon une récente enquête de l’émission The Fifth Estate de la chaîne CBC, des entreprises canadiennes continuent d’envoyer des déchets plastiques dans des pays en développement en violation des lois internationales sur l’exportation de déchets;
  • Au cours des cinq dernières années, 123 conteneurs d’expédition ont été renvoyés au Canada, mais seulement six amendes d’une valeur inférieure à 9 000 $ ont été imposées.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’imposer des peines plus sévères aux entreprises et aux particuliers qui enfreignent les lois internationales sur l’exportation de déchets et d’interdire l’exportation de déchets plastiques destinés à l’élimination définitive.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTBill C-204, An Act to amend the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (final disposal of plastic waste), was initially introduced in the 43rd Parliament. However, Bill C-204 died on the Order Paper when the Federal Election was called in August 2021.Senator Carignan introduced Bill S-234 on December 16, 2021. Bill S-234 is substantively identical to Bill C-204, as amended by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development. It is currently being studied by the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, Environment and Natural Resources.While Bill C-204 and Bill S-234 are substantively the same, the Government assesses each Bill prior to adopting a position. The Government will also take into consideration the outcome of the Bill as it proceeds through the Senate.The Government of Canada recognizes that plastic pollution affects wildlife and habitats, burdens economies, threatens livelihoods, and impacts the spaces Canadians cherish. This is a critical global challenge that requires prompt action. As such, the Government of Canada is committed to working with all levels of government, industry, civil society and others to reduce plastic pollution from land and aquatic sources and transition to circular and sustainable systems where plastics stay in the economy and out of the environment.The government is implementing its comprehensive plan https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/managing-reducing-waste/reduce-plastic-waste/canada-action.html through a range of complementary actions spanning the plastics lifecycle to reduce plastic waste, enable a circular plastics economy and protect the environment from plastic pollution. This includes: investing in science and in innovations, banning certain harmful single-use plastics, developing minimum recycled content requirements for plastic items, introducing rules to enhance the labelling of recyclable and compostable plastics and better inform consumers, designing a federal plastics registry that will require producers to report on plastics they place on the Canadian economy to support provincial and territorial extended producer responsibility efforts, and establishing a recycling target for plastic beverage containers.The Government is also working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to implement the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste and its associated Action Plan https://ccme.ca/en/current-activities/waste. This includes the publication of a roadmap to manage single-use and disposable plastics as well as guidance to facilitate consistent extended producer responsibility programs for plastics. Additional work is underway to create guidance to inform consumer behaviours and target plastic pollution sources.Internationally, Canada continues to play a leadership role in tackling plastic pollution and is working with other countries and partners, including as an inaugural member of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution, to develop an ambitious and effective legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution. Building on its comprehensive domestic plan and international efforts, the Government of Canada will strive for a comprehensive agreement that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics. In April 2024, Canada will host the fourth session of the international negotiating committee in Ottawa to develop the new agreement.The Government of Canada is a party to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. The federal government complies with its international obligations under the Convention through the implementation of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-15.31/ and the Cross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulationshttps://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2021-25/page-1.html, which control international and interprovincial movements of hazardous waste and hazardous recyclable material.All Parties to the Basel Convention (191 Parties), including Canada, have ratified the Basel amendments on plastic waste that were adopted in 2019. The purpose of these amendments is to contribute to a cleaner trade of plastic waste globally by controlling exports of plastic waste to countries that face challenges managing it properly.  The Government of Canada officially accepted (ratified) the Basel amendments on plastic waste in December 2020.  As a result, hazardous plastic waste continues to be controlled under the Convention. The major change is that plastic waste that is not hazardous, yet hard to recycle, or contaminated, is now subject to controls.The Government of Canada has implemented these amendments since January 1, 2021, through its legislative regime and requires the prior informed consent of the importing and transit, if applicable, country before certain waste can be exported. Once this permission is obtained, Environment and Climate Change Canada issues an export permit to the Canadian exporter. In providing its consent, the importing country confirms that it will manage the hazardous waste or hazardous recyclable material in an environmentally sound manner. In instances where consent is not obtained, the export is not allowed.  The exporter of any plastic waste exported from Canada under a permit must confirm that the waste has been disposed of or recycled in an environmentally sound manner in the country of destination.Work to strengthen the regime for the transboundary movement of waste continues. Most recently, on September 30, 2023, proposed amendments to theCross-border Movement of Hazardous Waste and Hazardous Recyclable Material Regulations were published in Canada Gazette Part I. The proposed amendments would also apply the Prior Informed Consent Procedure to all e-waste shipments, put Canada in a position to ratify the Basel Ban Amendments, as well as clarify certain implementation requirements of the Regulations which will hold exporters accountable for any shipments that are in contravention of CEPA and the Regulations. The Basel Ban Amendment prohibits exports of most hazardous wastes and hazardous recyclable materials from member states of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, such as Canada, to developing countries. Stakeholders, interested parties, and Canadians are invited to review the proposed amendments and provide feedback before November 29, 2023.Illegal traffic is a reality and Environment and Climate Change Canada continues its efforts to address this issue. The department works collaboratively with other departments such as the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to ensure compliance with the regulations. With CBSA, Environment and Climate Change Canada participated in a worldwide inspection initiative, Operation Demeter VIII with 89 other members of the World Customs Organization (WCO) from around the world including China, Italy, Laos, and Belgium. During this operation, Canada denied export of 10 containers at Canadian ports.Compliance promotion plays a key role in informing the Canadian exporters’ community of the regulatory requirements related to the export of plastic waste. When combined with enforcement actions, they are an effective tool to address illegal exports and influence changes in the industry.   
Élimination des déchetsExportationsPlastiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01714441-01714 (Santé)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON3 octobre 202320 novembre 202315 septembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • La crise des surdoses au Canada est une urgence de santé publique;
  • Il y a eu plus de 26 690 décès liés aux opioïdes, et 29 228 personnes ont été hospitalisées par suite d’intoxications liées aux opioïdes au Canada depuis 2016;
  • Les Autochtones sont touchés de façon disproportionnée par la crise des intoxications;
  • L’Association canadienne de santé publique, la Commission globale de politique en matière de drogues, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé et les Nation Unies recommandent de décriminaliser les drogues.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • Déclarer une urgence de santé publique liée aux décès par surdose au Canada;
  • Redéfinir la crise des surdoses au Canada comme une problématique de santé plutôt que comme une problématique criminelle;
  • Adopter une approche globale et multidimensionnelle pour faire face à la crise des surdoses en s’attaquant aux problèmes liés aux dépendances, à la pauvreté, au logement, aux soins de santé, au racisme systémique ainsi qu’aux inégalités et à l’instabilité économiques;
  • Écouter les recommandations des travailleurs sociaux, travailleurs de première ligne, infirmiers et infirmières, médecins, utilisateurs de drogues et personnes directement engagées auprès des communautés d’utilisateurs de drogues, et agir en conséquence;
  • Décriminaliser les drogues au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. While there are a number of complex factors that contribute to the high rates of overdoses that we are seeing today, four out of every five deaths are caused by opioids that come from the illegal drug supply which has become increasingly more toxic and unpredictable. The cost of substance use-related harms is not limited to the loss of lives alone and, more broadly, impacts health, social well-being, and public safety.The Government of Canada takes this crisis very seriously and is committed to working together with all orders of government, Indigenous Peoples and communities, partners from law enforcement, criminal justice, health and social systems, and people with lived and living experience and other key stakeholders, to take urgent action and leverage every available tool to save lives and work towards an end to this national public health crisis.Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. This includes the power to declare a public health emergency which allows a provincial or territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary powers in response to a significant increase in opioid-related deaths as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta in May 2017. More recently, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency in January 2022. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some Indigenous communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths.Invoking the federal Emergencies Act is intended to serve as a tool of last resort to ensure the safety and security of Canadians in cases of temporary, critical national emergencies that cannot be addressed with existing federal, provincial or territorial laws. As such, the Emergencies Act is not an appropriate mechanism to address the ongoing overdose crisis, which requires a longer-term, sustained, and multi-jurisdictional effort to address the complex, interrelated health, social and economic factors driving substance use-related deaths and harms.The Government of Canada has publicly recognized the overdose crisis is a public health crisis. Canada is committed to continued action using the broad range of powers at its disposal and to take steps to end overdose deaths and substance-use related harms. Canada’s approach to addressing the overdose crisis and substance use-related harms is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada and keep our communities safe. Recognizing the need for comprehensive approaches to save lives, our government supports a full range of integrated, evidence-based services and supports, including improving access to treatment and harm reduction; increasing awareness, prevention and stigma reduction activities; further building the evidence base; and strengthening enforcement to address illegal drug production and trafficking.Since 2017, the federal government has made commitments of more than $1 billion and has taken significant action to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. This includes a Budget 2023 commitment of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing, to support a renewed CDSS which will continue to guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians by :
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
These investments have made a difference in reducing overdose deaths and harms. For example, through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), Health Canada has provided over $500 million to support more than 380 community-based projects focused on innovative treatment, harm reduction, prevention and stigma reduction activities. More than $26 million of this funding was dedicated to expanding Naloxone awareness, training and distribution across Canada. We also  invested $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternatives to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of June 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.These investments have also improved access to treatment. For example, provinces and territories have used federal investments provided through Budget 2018 for the Emergency Treatment Fund to expand existing treatment approaches such as services to support youth with substance use disorder, withdrawal management services appropriate for people who use methamphetamine, Rapid Access Addictions Medicine clinics, and access to opioid dependence treatments, and culturally-appropriate care for Indigenous communities. Funds have also been used to implement innovative approaches to treatment, including ‘wrap-around’ care and the development of telehealth infrastructure to connect clients in remote and rural settings.In addition to these investments, the Government of Canada has supported the expansion of supervised consumption services (SCS) across Canada and also proactively issued exemptions that allow provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved SCS has grown from one to 40. Since 2017, they have received over 4.3 million visits, responded to almost 50,000 overdoses, and made 257,000 referrals to health and social services [as of October 2023].We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to respond to this crisis and to keep communities safe. Our government works closely with domestic and international partners to address the toxic illegal drug supply that is driving substance use harms and overdose deaths. We continue to equip border agents with the tools necessary to intercept controlled substances. For example, we have made it harder to access chemicals used to make fentanyl by scheduling them under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and have also amended legislation to allow border officers to open mail of any weight, in order to stop drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from entering Canada illegally through the mail system. Our government also works with private sector partners to address money laundering of the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking in an effort to dismantle the organized crime groups involved in the supply of these toxic illegal drugs.With respect to the call for immediate collaboration with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada continues to lead efforts to facilitate opportunities for collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, community-based organizations, and other partners and stakeholders to reduce the harms associated with substance use and support efforts to provide a full range of culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed health and social services and supports to meet the diverse needs of people who use drugs.On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by nearly $200 billion over 10 years, in order to improve Canada’s health care system. This investment includes $25 billion for shared health priorities, including increasing access to mental health and substance use services and supports. These commitments are in addition to existing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories for health priorities, including mental health and substance use, that were put in place in 2017. These investments will set the foundation for long-term, integrated and sustained health care system change that builds on existing, targeted actions to address mental health and substance use challenges.We have also established federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the FPT Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the FPT Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners. In addition, discussions are held with provinces and territories at the Deputy Minister and Ministerial level through meetings of the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health and the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Health Minister’s Meetings.To inform the federal approach, our government also regularly consults with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. Health Canada established the People with Lived and Living Experience Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We recognize that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments so that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.With respect to safer supply, a number of researchers in academic institutions across Canada are studying this emerging approach, contributing to the evidence base that can inform decision-making at local, provincial and federal levels. Safer supply builds on the evidence from medication-assisted approaches to the treatment of substance use disorder, with safer supply services having a number of unique goals and approaches that need to be assessed and evaluated on their own merits.The evidence base around safer supply is still developing, but is growing. Existing studies and evaluations of safer supply programs are showing some promising early outcomes, including:
  • reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations; and
  • client reports of reductions in overdoses and illegal drug use, reduced engagement in criminalized activities, access to health and social services, improved trust in primary care providers among clients who face barriers to care, and other quality of life improvements.
Health Canada is supporting several studies of safer supply. This includes a preliminary assessment of safer supply pilot projects in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick. The federal government, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is also supporting a study being conducted by a research team from the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. This four-year evaluation research project focuses on program implementation and the short-term health outcomes of 11 of the government funded safer supply pilot projects. The final results of this study are expected in 2025. Additionally, CIHR has awarded $2 million to the University of Victoria to support a four-year study evaluating the safer supply initiatives in British Columbia in partnership with Indigenous leaders, Elders and system partners.Our government is committed to working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In addition, in May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia,  a time-limited exemption was granted under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, individuals will be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they can also receive assistance to connect with those services. This exemption,  which is in effect from January 31, 2023, to January 31, 2026, is part of a much broader strategy British Columbia and this Government are taking to help people who use drugs access supports and services, rather than face criminal charges. This time-limited exemption is being supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes and inform implementation.Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The items above are some examples of concrete actions taken by the federal government to address the overdose crisis, please visit the following website for a comprehensive list of all the actions taken to date.The Government of Canada remains committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to this tragic and complex public health crisis to help reduce harms and save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01713441-01713 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK3 octobre 202320 novembre 202316 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA:Attendu que : La loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de sérieuses préoccupations; Les directeurs du département de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont réclamé le report de l’entrée en vigueur de cette loi;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas tenu sa promesse d’établir le Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant pour compte les Canadiens aux prises avec des troubles mentaux. Par conséquent : Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de ne pas élargir l’admissibilité à l’AMM et de concentrer ses efforts sur le financement de l’aide et des traitements en matière de santé mentale.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01712441-01712 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK3 octobre 202320 novembre 20234 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01711441-01711 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK3 octobre 202320 novembre 202311 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01710441-01710 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK3 octobre 202320 novembre 202321 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01709441-01709 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK3 octobre 202320 novembre 202311 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA:Attendu que : La loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de sérieuses préoccupations; Les directeurs du département de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont réclamé le report de l’entrée en vigueur de cette loi;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas tenu sa promesse d’établir le Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant pour compte les Canadiens aux prises avec des troubles mentaux. Par conséquent : Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de ne pas élargir l’admissibilité à l’AMM et de concentrer ses efforts sur le financement de l’aide et des traitements en matière de santé mentale.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01708441-01708 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK3 octobre 202320 novembre 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandThe Government of Canada recognizes that medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal choice and remains committed to supporting eligible individuals in having their MAID request considered in a fair, safe and consistent manner, while supporting efforts to protect those who may be vulnerable.Former Bill C-7, which received Royal Assent on March 17, 2021, included a sunset clause excluding persons with a mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition from seeking MAID until March 17, 2023. On February 2, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced legislation, Bill C-39, to extend – by a year – the exclusion of eligibility for MAID where a person's sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness, until March 17, 2024. Bill C-39 received Royal Assent on March 9, 2023, to allow time for broader dissemination of key resources and tools to support clinicians in administering MAID for complex cases, including for mental illness as a sole underlying medical condition.The Government of Canada, in collaboration with experts and provinces and territories, has supported a range of initiatives guided by recommendations from the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness and the Special Joint Committee on MAID. This has included development of a model MAID Practice Standard, as well as an Advice for the Profession document, designed by a group of experts for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians. The Practice Standard is designed for use by regulatory bodies and clinicians in addressing complex requests for MAID, including where mental illness is involved.In addition, on September 13, 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of the Canadian MAID Curriculum developed by the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers. This Curriculum is the first nationally accredited bilingual MAID education program available to licensed physicians and nurse practitioners and consists of seven modules addressing various topics related to the assessment of provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The goal of this program is to help achieve a safe and consistent approach to care across the country.Other activities have included:
  • regulatory amendments to the federal MAID monitoring system to enhance data collection and enrich research and analysis and reporting back to Canadians (enacted January 1, 2023, with new data to be reported in 2024);
  • funding a Knowledge Exchange Workshop (June 2023) that included over 40 MAID practitioners, as well as psychiatrists, from across Canada to discuss roles and contributions to the proper assessment and management of MAID where mental disorders are involved, and support local training related to MAID for mental disorders; and,
  • engaging with Indigenous Peoples through both Indigenous- and government-led activities.
Working to improve access to health care services, including mental health services, remains a priority for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada is investing close to $200 billion to support provinces and territories to strengthen Canada’s universal public health system. The Government continues to work closely with provinces and territories on our shared health priorities, including:
  • access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • supported health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • access to mental health and substance use services; and,
  • modernized health systems.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, $25 billion over ten years is being provided by the Government of Canada to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. These bilateral agreements will also include the remaining years of funding from the Government’s previous investment in 2017 of $5 billion over ten years to improve access to mental health and substance use services for Canadians.The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. All action plans will include a description of how funds will be used to support better access to mental health services. As there is no health without mental health, integrated provincial and territorial investments in other priority areas, including family health teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools, will also help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.In addition, through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Through the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Government of Canada is investing $39 million from 2019-2028 to address multiple risk and protective factors to promote mental health for children, youth, young adults, and caregivers. The MHP-IF aims to improve mental health for individuals and communities where interventions are delivered and to reduce systemic barriers for population mental health in Canada. Target populations include First Nations, Inuit, Métis, newcomers, 2SLGBTQI+, and other groups experiencing socio-economic risk factors.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01707441-01707 (Environnement)LeahTaylor RoyAurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond HillLibéralON3 octobre 202320 novembre 202322 septembre 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les substances perfluoroalkyliques et polyfluoroalkyliques (SPFA) sont considérées comme des produits chimiques éternels étant donné qu’elles sont extrêmement persistantes et très mobiles dans l’environnement et que beaucoup subsistent des milliers d’années;
  • De nombreuses SPFA peuvent se déplacer sur de longues distances, comme en témoigne leur détection dans les écosystèmes et la faune du Nord;
  • Des SPFA ont été détectées au Canada dans l’eau potable, les lacs, les nappes phréatiques, le lixiviat de décharge, les biosolides et le rejet d’effluents du traitement des eaux usées, et devraient être traitées selon l’approche du cycle de vie;
  • Les SPFA ont de très nombreuses applications, notamment dans les textiles, le matériel à contact alimentaire, les produits métalliques, le fart à skis, les lubrifiants, les produits de construction, la mousse extinctrice, les cosmétiques, les produits antiparasitaires et d’autres;
  • Les données contenues dans l’Ébauche du rapport sur l’état des SPFA du gouvernement fédéral (mai 2023) font état de la toxicité écologique et des répercussions sur la santé des SPFA en tant que classe;
  • On détecte des SPFA dans l’organisme de 99 % des Canadiens;
  • Les SPFA s’accumulent dans les organismes vivants, sont cancérigènes et mutagènes et sont associés à divers effets sur la santé, dont l’altération des fonctions immunitaires et thyroïdiennes, les maladies de foie, la dysrégulation des lipides et de l’insuline, les maladies du rein et des troubles de la reproduction et du développement;
  • Les SPFA pourraient faire l’objet de mesures de réglementation en tant que classe étant donné qu’elles répondent aux critères énoncés aux alinéas 64a) et 64c) de la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l’environnement (LCPE);
  • La LCPE exige la prise en compte du principe de prudence et des effets cumulatifs;
  • Dans le cas de nombre de leurs applications, les SPFA peuvent être remplacées par d’autres substances moins dangereuses.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents de la région de York, dans la province de l’Ontario, au Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :
  • De traiter toutes les SPFA en tant que classe et de les inscrire à la partie 1 de l’annexe 1 de la LCPE, de sorte qu’elles soient entièrement interdites;
  • De n’envisager des exemptions à l’interdiction qu’à la condition qu’elles soient limitées dans le temps et pleinement justifiées;
  • D’adopter à l’égard de la classe des SPFA des normes strictes quant à la qualité de l’eau potable;
  • De demander des études afin de cerner les sites contaminés aux SPFA, de procéder sans délai à leur assainissement et de rendre publiques les données de ces études;
  • De rendre compte, au moyen de l’Inventaire national des rejets de polluants, des rejets de SPFA dans l’air, l’eau et le sol et de leur transfert hors site aux fins d’élimination ou de traitement;
  • De demander des études sur les substances non perfluoroalkyliques et polyfluoroalkyliques ou non chimiques qui pourraient remplacer les SPFA dans leurs applications au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada published a draft State of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Report which proposes to conclude that the class of PFAS are entering or may enter the environment at levels that are harmful or may be harmful to the environment and to human health.The draft State of PFAS Report and Risk Management Scope for PFAS were published on May 20, 2023, for a 60-day public comment period. Comments received on the draft report and Risk Management Scope are being considered in the development of the final report. If the proposed conclusion of the draft State of PFAS Report is confirmed in the final report, a Risk Management Approach, a consultation document outlining proposed risk management actions, will be published for a 60-day public comment period at the same time as the final Report. If the proposed conclusion is confirmed in the final report, the Risk Management Approach would recommend an addition to either Part 1 or Part 2 of Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Additional consultations with stakeholders would continue throughout risk management tool development and public comments received would be considered during the development period.At this stage of the process, the State of PFAS Report is draft. Options for risk management action under consideration are presented in the Risk Management Scope. The Government of Canada is considering:
  • regulatory and/or non-regulatory controls to minimize environmental and human exposure to the class of PFAS from AFFF (Aqueous film-forming foam) firefighting foams;
  • gathering information necessary to identify and prioritize options for reducing environmental and human exposure from the class of PFAS from other sources and products; and,
  • aligning with actions in other jurisdictions, where appropriate.
If the proposed conclusion of the draft State of PFAS Report is confirmed in the final report, a Risk Management Approach would be published for a 60-day public comment period at the same time as the final State of PFAS Report.However, note that the manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale and import of certain sub-groups of PFAS, namely PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate), PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), LC-PFCAs (long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids), their salts and precursors, and products that contain them, are prohibited in Canada through the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012, with some exemptions.
  • In May 2022, proposed Regulations proposed (Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022) that would repeal and replace the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012, were published, which propose to further restrict these groups of substances by removing or providing time-limits for most remaining exemptions. The publication of the final Regulations is expected to take place no earlier than summer 2024 and would come into force six months later.
Health Canada has recently proposed a new objective that will recommend a single treatment-based value for a group of PFAS in drinking water. The proposed drinking water objective represents the lowest concentration that is technically achievable for a larger number (a minimum of 18) of quantifiable PFAS. The purpose of the objective is to reduce exposure (along with potential health risks) while the full guidelines are being re-evaluated. For these reasons, the objective is based on treatment feasibility for drinking water treatment plants and not an assessment of individual health-based values. Health Canada acknowledges that as more toxicity data are published, an increasing number of health effects are being associated with exposure to PFAS, and at lower levels. Health Canada will continue to monitor the science and will incorporate the results of new toxicology studies in the full reassessment of the guidelines for PFAS in drinking water.While validated and standardized analytical methods are currently available for a combined total of 29 PFAS in drinking water, new methods that will measure a greater number of compounds are under development by regulatory authorities and academics in many countries. In addition, Government of Canada research laboratories have been focused on improving analytical detection methods for PFAS in different exposure media, including drinking water. Health Canada is in contact with these laboratories and with the Canadian Association of Laboratory Accreditation. The coming objective for PFAS in drinking water will encourage more laboratories to develop their capacity for measuring PFAS.Health Canada plays a leadership role in science and research on drinking water and derived the objective for PFAS in drinking water in collaboration with the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Committee on Drinking Water. However, setting regulatory standards for drinking water, and the implementation of such standards, is the responsibility of provinces and territories. Health Canada recognizes the challenges of implementing the drinking water objective for PFAS and will continue to support provinces and territories through provision of health guidance, and advice on testing protocols and drinking water treatment strategies moving forward.The priority for clean-up of federal contaminated sites follows an established prioritization process aimed at reducing the environmental and human health risks, and the associated federal financial liabilities. In cases of off-site migration of contaminants, federal departments coordinate with local health services to communicate the risks.The Federal Contaminated Sites Action Plan (FCSAP) provides funding for the assessment, remediation, and risk management of federal contaminated sites. Funding is provided to departments, agencies and consolidated Crown corporations that have accepted responsibility for the contamination. Please see Funding of federal contaminated sites - Canada.ca for more information. There are federal contaminated sites that are contaminated with PFAS, and available FCSAP funding is provided to custodians to conduct assessment, remediation, and risk management activities at eligible sites based on potential risks to human health and the environment.Information on all known and suspected contaminated sites under the custodianship of federal departments, agencies and consolidated Crown corporations is publicly available online at Federal Contaminated Sites Inventory (tbs-sct.gc.ca). PFAS is currently not a search category; however, a search by keyword such as ‘fire training area’ identifies sites where PFAS is likely to be a contaminant. Each contaminated site record includes information such as the location of the site, the severity of contamination, the contaminated medium, the nature of the contaminant, progress made to date in identifying and addressing contamination, and how much liquid and solid-based media have been treated.Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is considering adding requirements for reporting of releases and transfers of PFAS to the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) beginning with the 2025 reporting year. The consideration of this issue will occur in line with ECCC’s Process for proposing and considering changes to NPRI. The NPRI Multi-Stakeholder Work Group (MSWG) is the primary consultative body for the NPRI. Due to the complexity of considering PFAS for addition to the NPRI, a sub-group has been formed to provide technical advice and support. Members include representatives of civil society organizations, Indigenous governments and organizations, and industry organizations. With the help of experts from the Government of Canada, the sub-group will consider if and how PFAS should be added to the NPRI. When changes to NPRI requirements are consulted on, a notice is published on the Proposed Changes to NPRI webpage.The Government of Canada has begun gathering information necessary to identify and prioritize options for minimizing environmental and human exposure from the class of PFAS, including on uses and alternatives. If the final State of PFAS Report confirms that the class of PFAS is toxic, a Risk Management Approach document outlining and seeking input on the proposed risk management instruments would be published concurrently with the final State of PFAS Report, and additional information gathering and consultation to refine the risk management proposals would take place.Any regulatory measure that would address PFAS would take into consideration the availability of suitable alternatives, including the costs and benefits of switching to those alternatives. This would include non-chemical alternatives. Information gathering to fully understand the availability of alternatives and the costs of transitioning to alternatives would also take place before risk management actions were taken. Additional opportunities for public and stakeholder engagement would be provided during the subsequent development of risk management actions.  
PollutionSubstances dangereuses et produits dangereuxSubstances perfluoroalkylées
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01706441-01706 (Affaires et commerce)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC3 octobre 202320 novembre 20236 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le village de Lytton a été détruit dans un incendie le 30 juin 2021. Il est toujours frappé par un ordre d’évacuation, et la construction de résidences et d’autres édifices n’a toujours pas commencée;
  • Comme la reconstruction n’a toujours pas été lancée, les entreprises n’ont toujours pas ouvert leurs portes et ne génèrent pas de revenus depuis près de deux ans;
  • Accusant déjà des gros déficits causés par la pandémie, les entreprises anéanties par les flammes ne seront pas en mesure de rembourser leur prêt du Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennes (CUEC), qui viendra à échéance le 31 décembre 2023.
EN CONSÉQUENCE :Nous, soussignés, les citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconnaître les circonstances extraordinaires dans lesquelles se trouvent les entreprises de la région de Lytton et de les dispenser de rembourser leur prêt du CUEC. Vu l’ampleur du désastre et des retards bureaucratiques importants, les entreprises sont incapables de se reconstruire depuis près de deux ans. La dispense du remboursement des prêts du CUEC contractés par les entreprises de Lytton contribuerait à la reprise du développement économique et à la reconstruction d’une localité décimée.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), and the impact the fire in Lytton has had on Lytton businesses.The government launched the CEBA program to provide timely support to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and help support the jobs these businesses provide. The program provided nearly 900,000 small businesses with interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $60,000 to cover non-deferrable operating expenses. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Export Development Canada (EDC), federal government partners and more than 230 Canadian financial institutions worked together to provide support to both exporting and non-exporting companies. This vital support helped small businesses make it through an unprecedented period of time.To further help small businesses, the government has recently extended the flexibilities for CEBA and Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. On September 14, 2023, the government announced further extensions to CEBA repayment and loan forgiveness:
  • The repayment deadline to receive forgiveness (of up to $20,000) for all CEBA loans was extended to January 18, 2024 (previously extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023). 
  • The repayment deadline to qualify for partial loan forgiveness now includes a refinancing extension until March 28, 2024. 
  • As of January 19, 2024, outstanding loans, including those that are captured by the refinancing extension, will convert to three-year term loans, subject to interest of five percent per annum, with the term loan repayment date extended by an additional year from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2026. This will provide those who are unable to secure refinancing or generate enough cashflow to repay their loans by the forgiveness deadline an additional year to continue repayment at a low borrowing cost.
Export Development Canada is the administrator of the CEBA program on behalf of the Government of Canada and is working with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to put in place systems to collect loans that remain outstanding after December 31, 2026. For those that cannot repay by the deadline, the CRA will work with each business to determine its ability to repay, emphasizing fairness, empathy, and putting people first.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of helping the people of Lytton rebuild. Pacific Economic Development Canada is offering two new programs to support the rebuilding of Lytton:
  • $6 million for the Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program to support eligible Lytton homeowners who wish to rebuild their home to fire-resilient or fire-resilient and Net Zero standards; and
  • $7.2 million to create the Lytton Business Restart program to help small- and medium-sized businesses re-establish in the community. This funding will include support for Indigenous businesses and those operated by women, youth, and other underrepresented groups. Application details and launch date coming soon.
The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canadians and Canadian businesses and is focusing on growing our economy and building a stronger, more resilient Canada for everyone.
Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennesLyttonPetites et moyennes entreprisesPrêts
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023e-4457e-4457 (Récompenses et distinctions honorifiques)MarcJohnsonIqraKhalidMississauga—Erin MillsLibéralON30 mai 2023 à 17 h 26 (HAE)29 juin 2023 à 17 h 26 (HAE)29 septembre 202320 novembre 202310 juillet 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :La prospérité du Canada est tributaire d’une économie axée sur l’innovation dont les étudiants des cycles supérieurs et les chercheurs postdoctoraux sont le moteur. Ces derniers trouvent des solutions à certains des plus grands problèmes auxquels la société canadienne est confrontée, notamment par la création de nouveaux traitements contre certaines maladies, l’établissement de sociétés équitables, le renforcement de la capacité d’adaptation et de la résilience aux changements climatiques, la recherche de nouvelles utilisations à l’intelligence artificielle, et bien plus encore. Comme leurs découvertes améliorent notre bien-être et stimulent notre économie, nous avons absolument besoin de leur talent et de leur ingéniosité pour assurer la prospérité du Canada. Malheureusement, au cours des 20 dernières années, le gouvernement n’a pas suffisamment investi dans les étudiants des cycles supérieurs et les chercheurs postdoctoraux. Beaucoup d’entre eux vivent dans la pauvreté parce que les bourses et les subventions des trois organismes gouvernementaux ne sont pas suffisantes pour subvenir à leurs besoins. Bon nombre de nos plus grands talents sont contraints de quitter le Canada au profit de meilleurs débouchés ou encore d’abandonner leurs rêves de recherche par manque de moyens financiers.Nous les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Augmenter de 50 % la valeur des bourses accordées par les trois organismes à des étudiants des cycles supérieurs et à des chercheurs postdoctoraux;2. Accroître de 50 % le nombre de bourses accordées par les trois organismes à des étudiants des cycles supérieurs;3. Accroître de 100 % le nombre de bourses accordées par les trois organismes à des chercheurs postdoctoraux; 4. Augmenter d’au moins 10 % par année le budget que les trois organismes allouent aux facultés pour les subventions de recherche au cours des 10 prochaines années, afin de rehausser la rémunération des étudiants des cycles supérieurs et des chercheurs postdoctoraux.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Government of Canada recognizes that investment in research and talent is critical to driving discoveries and innovative breakthroughs that generate social, health, and economic benefits for Canadians, as well as to help train the next generation of diverse research leaders. Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $16 billion to support the valuable contributions that scientists and researchers make to the health, well-being, and prosperity of all Canadians.Through Budget 2021, the government announced a total of $1 billion to strengthen research systems and talent pipelines for biomanufacturing and life sciences, through the Tri-Council Canada Biomedical Research Fund, the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Clinical Trials Fund. Budget 2021 also provided $360 million to launch the National Quantum Strategy to amplify Canada's significant strength in quantum research, grow our quantum-ready technologies and talent, and solidify Canada's leadership in the field.The Government of Canada acknowledges the critical role that federal scholarships and fellowships play in nurturing and sustaining Canada’s top talent through support for career progression and increased financial security and independence. The government also recognizes that a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential for creating innovative impactful research. To this end, the granting agencies are continuing their work to increase opportunities for Black student researchers, using the funding received in Budget 2022 for targeted scholarships and fellowships.More recently, through Budget 2023, the government proposed $813.6 million in 2023-24 to increase Canada Student Grants by 40 percent, providing up to $4,200 for full-time students, to support postsecondary students and make life more affordable. Budget 2023 further proposes to raise the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study, and waive the requirement for mature students, aged 22 years or older, to undergo credit screening in order to qualify for federal student grants and loans for the first time, allowing up to 1,000 additional students to benefit from federal aid in the coming year.Budget 2023 also proposed $197.7 million in 2024-25 to the Student Work Placement Program to continue creating quality work-integrated learning opportunities for students through partnerships between employers and post-secondary institutions. This investment will support students in gaining the necessary skills, education, and real-life work experience to transition successfully into the workforce.Looking forward, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting a strong federal system that fosters new ideas, breakthroughs, and advancements. In order to cement Canada’s leadership position on the world stage, our research support system must meet the needs of today’s research, which is increasingly complex, collaborative, multi- and inter-disciplinary, and international. To these ends, the government recognizes the importance of continued evaluation of and investment in Canada’s science and research ecosystem. The government welcomes the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System’s report and is carefully reviewing the findings and recommendations, and taking them under consideration as it advances its efforts to support the research ecosystem and Canada’s top talent.
Bourses de rechercheConseil de recherches en sciences humainesConseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génieInstituts de recherche en santé du CanadaRecherche universitaire
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 novembre 2023441-01674441-01674 (Environnement)DonDaviesVancouver KingswayNPDBC27 septembre 202320 novembre 20237 juin 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit s’attaquer à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des lois de transition qui :
  • Réduisent les émissions d’au moins 60 % par rapport aux niveaux de 2005 et aident les pays de l’hémisphère sud à réduire leurs émissions de 80 % d’ici 2030;
  • Éliminent graduellement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles de même que les infrastructures connexes, mettent fin aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et font passer l’économie canadienne à une économie décarbonisée;
  • Créent de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et accroissent la collectivisation de l’ensemble des services, y compris des services publics, dans le but de mettre en branle la transition;
  • Créent de bons emplois verts, favorisent le développement inclusif de la main-d’oeuvre, font en sorte que les efforts en ce sens sont confiés aux travailleurs touchés et tiennent compte de leurs besoins, et permettent à tous les travailleurs d’occuper un bon emploi à faibles émissions de carbone;
  • Protègent et consolident les droits des travailleurs et les droits de la personne, respectent les droits, la souveraineté et le savoir des peuples autochtones en les incluant dans le processus législatif, favorisent la justice pour les migrants et soutiennent davantage les groupes marginalisés;
  • Élargissent le filet de sécurité social en instaurant de nouveaux programmes de soutien du revenu, en décarbonisant les logements sociaux et en assurant un fonds de fonctionnement à l’échelle du pays pour les transports en commun afin qu’ils soient abordables et accessibles;
  • Financent la transition, par l’entremise d’une banque nationale publique, en imposant davantage les riches et les entreprises.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net-zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our global partners need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance.Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government released policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures that deliver on Canada’s commitment at COP26. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, outlines the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding to establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, among other things.As committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023. The legislation proposes establishing a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill would also require the Government to:
  • establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures;
  • create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and
  • release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025.
These legislated mechanisms would guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a low-carbon economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables (Regional Tables) are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables are helping to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for implementing joint strategies to leverage energy and resource opportunities to realize each region of Canada’s comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy.To date, the federal government has jointly launched nine Regional Tables across the country, with British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and the four Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador) as well as the Northwest Territories and Yukon. Most recently, the Government of Canada and British Columbia, in collaboration with First Nation partners, released the foundational British Columbia Regional Energy and Resource Table Collaboration Framework, which sets the stage for a shared longer-term vision. On the other side of the country, plans for a similar framework with Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario are not far behind. Other participating provinces and territories are collaborating to finalize proposed priorities, while discussion to establish a Regional Table or other collaboration mechanism continues in the remaining jurisdictions.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to fight climate change, while strengthening our economy by fostering the creation of sustainable jobs. This shift towards a low-carbon economy presents significant opportunities across existing and emerging sectors and will require the transformation of Canadian industries and the Canadian labour market. Ensuring Canada has a plan to advance a low-carbon economy and a workforce that can thrive in the low-carbon economy is fundamental to achieving our climate targets.On February 17, 2023, the Government released its Interim Sustainable Jobs Plan. This document is an interim plan for 2023-25 that precedes and sets an initial frame for the Sustainable Jobs Action Plans that will be released every five years starting in 2025 to guide and organize efforts to support workers in the economy of the future. This interim Sustainable Jobs Plan outlines federal measures across 10 key action areas:
  1. Establishing the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat
  2. Creating a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council
  3. Developing economic strategies through the Regional Energy and Resource Tables
  4. Introducing a sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program
  5. Advancing funding for skills development towards sustainable jobs
  6. Promoting Indigenous-led solutions and a National Benefits-Sharing Framework
  7. Improving labour market data collection, tracking and analysis
  8. Motivating investors and draw in industry leadership to support workers
  9. Collaborating and leading on the global stage
  10. Establishing legislation that ensures ongoing engagement and accountability
As part of this Plan, on June 15, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, which aims to facilitate and promote the creation of sustainable jobs and support workers and communities in Canada as the world advances toward a net-zero future. The bill puts workers and communities at the centre of federal policy and decision-making by establishing a framework for accountability, a governance structure and engagement mechanisms to guide effective federal action.This legislation and interim Plan are the product of a comprehensive consultation process that took place over 2021-22, engaging other orders of government alongside Indigenous organizations, key labour and industry partners, stakeholders and the Canadian public.The Government will continue to support the creation of sustainable jobs by leveraging current programming and by working closely with stakeholders to help identify the skill sets needed for a low carbon economy and ensure that Canada’s entire workforce is equipped to succeed. This continues to be important in the current context also characterized by labour shortages, population aging and technological change.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement announced funding for the creation of a Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, also an action area under the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan. The Fund will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Fund would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.In addition, the 2022 FES announced funding for a new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) sustainable jobs stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. This stream will aim to fund projects that support unions in leading the development of green skills training for workers in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.Finally, The Government also offers a broad suite of programming to support jobseekers and workers of all ages and from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, as well as employers, unions and training providers. Many of these programs, created in consultation with stakeholders, are already helping to advance sustainable jobs. They include:•     The Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program, a program that helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs, including priority areas such as ‘Building Talent for the Clean Economy’.•     The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which provides funding to help pre-apprentices, apprentices, employers, unions, and other organizations and tradespeople participate in apprenticeships and succeed in skilled trades careers. This includes recent investments to develop green skills training for workers in the trades under the sustainable jobs initiative.•     The Skills and Partnership Fund, a project-based fund that supports partnerships between Indigenous organizations and industry employers to provide skills training for Indigenous peoples in priority sectors, which include industries that support more efficient use and alternative sources of energy and resources. Through this Fund, Indigenous people are being trained for current and emerging job opportunities in the green economy.•     The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), a horizontal initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in collaboration with 11 other federal departments, agencies and Crown Corporations. The YESS provides funding to organizations to deliver a range of activities that help youth overcome barriers to employment and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge to participate in the current and future labour market. Some YESS programs such as Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science Horizons Youth Internship Program, Natural Resources Canada’s Science and Technology Internship Program - Green Jobs, and Parks Canada’s Young Canada Works Program focus on connecting young Canadians with careers in the sustainable jobs sector.•     The Foreign Credential Recognition Program, to support the labour market integration of skilled newcomers by funding projects that will make credential recognition processes faster and more efficient, and providing loans (up to $30,000), support services, and employment supports to help skilled newcomers acquire Canadian work experience, including within the low-carbon sector.Canada has a strong social safety net of which the Employment Insurance (EI) program is an important part. Millions of Canadians rely on it each year when they lose their jobs or need to step away from work for illness, childbirth, or taking care of a loved one. The Government’s continues to build an EI program that is responsive to all labour market conditions, whether in high or low unemployment situations, and is accessible, adequate and financially sustainable.Canada also has a comprehensive pension system, the Old Age Security Program and the Canada Pension Plan for all Canadian workers, no matter what type of work they choose. The Old Age Security Program is quasi-universal, with benefits being paid to seniors 65 and over based on years of residence in Canada after age 18. Furthermore, recent studies and modelling suggest that one of the most significant challenges facing the low-carbon economy will not be a shortage of jobs, but instead an abundance of jobs with a shortage of skilled workers required to fill them. Assisting workers to acquire new skills to support continued employment in the low-carbon economy will be key to filling future needs.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOver the past six years, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. It is clear that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Canada has invested more than $100 billion to address climate change since 2015 and has recently announced $9.1 billion in new investments that build on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (ERP)in Parliament and released the plan. The 2030 Plan is the Government’s next major step in taking action to achieve Canada’s climate objectives and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, and the Carbon Neutrality Advisory Group.The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, released in 2020. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • Working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a Clean Electricity Standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization, and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of Sustainable Jobs and Skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.On July 24, 2023, the Government of Canada released the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self-Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, which were jointly developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Finance Canada. The Guidelines apply to all federal departments and agencies.The Framework and Guidelines fulfill Canada’s domestic, G7, and G20 commitments to phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. Canada is the first country to release a rigorous analytical guide that both fulfills this commitment and transparently supports action. The Guidelines will be used to prevent the creation of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in the future.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023e-4401e-4401 (Santé)SonyaAndersonLeslynLewisHaldimand—NorfolkConservateurON20 avril 2023 à 15 h 33 (HAE)20 mai 2023 à 15 h 33 (HAE)26 septembre 20239 novembre 202323 mai 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Le Parlement n’a ni discuté ni débattu de la participation du Canada à un projet d’Accord mondial sur la prévention, la préparation et la riposte face aux pandémies (Accord sur les pandémies) de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS), qui est en cours de négociation et qui devrait être signé d’ici mai 2024;Parallèlement au processus de rédaction de l’Accord sur les pandémies, des centaines d’amendements ont été proposés par 16 États membres au Règlement sanitaire international (RSI), qui régit la conduite des pays et fournit le cadre juridique permettant à l’OMS d’exercer ses pouvoirs;Le Parlement n’a ni discuté ni débattu des amendements à cinq articles du RSI qui ont été adoptés par la 75e Assemblée mondiale de la santé le 27 mai 2022, et les États ont 18 mois pour se soustraire à ces amendements; Les résultats de ces efforts conféreront à l’OMS des pouvoirs « d’urgence » juridiquement contraignants, ce qui pourrait avoir des répercussions considérables sur la vie, la santé et les droits de la personne des Canadiens; Le Canada doit veiller à ne pas accepter quoi que ce soit qui peut lui faire perdre sa souveraineté en matière de soins de santé, même si des pressions internationales considérables s’exercent en ce sens dans l’intérêt de la préparation aux pandémies.Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de donner d’urgence au Parlement la possibilité de débattre des amendements au RSI qui ont déjà été adoptés par la 75e Assemblée mondiale de la santé et de les mettre aux voix, en plus de permettre un examen parlementaire des amendements proposés actuellement négociés par les délégués de l’OMS.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandProtecting the health and safety of all Canadians is a top priority of the Government of Canada. COVID-19 has demonstrated the need to take bold action to ensure we are better prepared for the next pandemic, which is why Canada is working closely with other countries and international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. Canada is working with over 190 other countries to develop a new WHO convention, agreement or other international instrument on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.Canada is a signatory to the International Health Regulations (IHR, 2005), which are an important tool to keep Canadians healthy and safe through commitments and obligations that require countries to work together in a global health emergency. At the 75th World Health Assembly in May 2022, Member States adopted a technical amendment to Article 59 that would change the time for entry into force of future IHR amendments from two years to one year. This means that the IHR amendments adopted in 2022 make it so that in the future, States Parties will have one year to accept and implement any new amendments to the IHR. This amendment was agreed to by all States Parties and supports effective implementation of the IHRs and protection against future public health risks. To ensure consistency within the text, four other amendments were made to support this same technical change. No other amendments were agreed to or adopted at the 75th World Health Assembly in 2022.Also at the 75th World Health Assembly in May 2022, Member States, including Canada, agreed by consensus on a forward process to consider possible amendments to the IHR (2005) through the Working Group on Amendments to the IHR (WGIHR), which is led by Member States. Now, Member States are undertaking the process to consider additional amendments to strengthen the IHR. Member States themselves are leading the process and deciding on the content. As the starting point for this process, Member States were invited to submit amendment proposals. Proposed amendments are still under negotiation and none have been finalized or agreed upon.While the outcomes of these efforts are not yet determined, Canada is ensuring that our sovereignty is maintained through any amendments to the IHR. Canada has full jurisdiction for any future domestic decisions about national restrictions or other measures related to health emergencies and pandemics. The role of WHO has been and will continue to be advisory in nature, as WHO does not have jurisdiction in Canada. WHO Member States will continue to lead the process of negotiating amendments to the IHR (2005) and, as Canada engages in it, the federal government will ensure that Canadian priorities and values are upheld. It is expected that amendments to the IHR (2005) will be presented for consideration and potential adoption at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024.More information about this process can be found at the website for the Working Group on Amendments to the International Health Regulations.
Organisation mondiale de la SantéPandémies
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01660441-01660 (Droits de la personne)TedFalkProvencherConservateurMB26 septembre 20239 novembre 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01661441-01661 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC26 septembre 20239 novembre 202318 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :
  • Les Canadiens se préoccupent vivement de la santé de l’océan et comptent sur un écosystème océanique épanoui;
  • En 2019, plus d’un million de passagers sont passés au large de la Colombie-Britannique dans des navires de croisière en route vers l’Alaska;
  • Ces navires génèrent d’énormes quantités de polluants qui sont dommageables pour la santé humaine, les organismes aquatiques et les écosystèmes côtiers;
  • Les règlements canadiens prévus par la Loi sur la marine marchande du Canada concernant le rejet des eaux usées et des eaux grises sont beaucoup moins stricts que ceux des États américains de la côte du Pacifique;
  • Par rapport à l’Alaska, le Canada autorise des rejets d’eaux usées contenant 18 fois plus de coliformes fécaux;
  • Le Canada n’oblige pas les navires construits avant 2013 à traiter leurs rejets d’eaux grises;
  • Sur les 25 navires de croisière étant passés au large de la Colombie-Britannique en 2019, 22 ont été construits avant 2013;
  • La mer des Salish, dans l’État de Washington, est une zone où il est interdit de rejeter des eaux usées, afin de protéger la santé publique, la qualité de l’eau et les ressources marines sensibles;
  • Le Canada n’a aucune zone de rejet interdit au large de la Colombie-Britannique;
  • Le Canada n’exige pas la présence d’observateurs indépendants sur les navires de croisière, contrairement à l’Alaska;
  • Les règlements canadiens moins stricts encouragent les navires de croisière à rejeter leurs eaux usées au large de la Colombie-Britannique.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada inquiets, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :1. Fixer des normes sur le rejet d’eaux usées et d’eaux grises par les navires de croisière aussi strictes sinon plus que celles imposées par l’Alaska;2. Désigner des zones de rejet interdit pour faire cesser la pollution dans les zones de protection marine, la totalité de la mer des Salish et de la mer Great Bear, et dans les habitats essentiels pour les espèces menacées et en voie de disparition; 3. Exiger la surveillance régulière par des tiers indépendants des navires de croisière en mouvement pour garantir le respect des normes de rejet.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezPart 1: The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution.On June 23, 2023, Transport Canada announced mandatory environmental measures to address discharges of greywater and sewage from cruise ships, effective immediately, within Canada’s territorial waters. These substances were previously included in voluntary measures, but will now be enforceable under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 to provide stronger protection to Canada’s oceans and marine ecosystems. For more information, please refer to Ship Safety Bulletin No. 14/2023. These measures exceed international standards, strengthen Canada’s existing discharge regime, and place Canada amongst the countries with the most stringent requirements for these types of discharges in the world.The announcement of these new mandatory measures for sewage and greywater discharges in Canadian waters is a first step towards strengthening Transport Canada’s environmental regime. The mandatory measures also reflect work undertaken by Transport Canada to address concerns raised by the Canadian public and environmental organizations with respect to vessel-sourced pollution in Canadian waters.Transport Canada is currently working to make these changes permanent through amendments to the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations. Transport Canada will also continue to collaborate with the United States and other like-minded jurisdictions to support the implementation of a strong environmental regime that takes in to account our respective and unique jurisdictions.Part 2: The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution. This includes working to improve water quality and our marine environments from coast to coast to coast, to build a new world class environmental regime. Strengthening marine environmental protection requires a whole of government approach. Transport Canada is working closely with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada towards this shared objective.On February 8, 2023, the Government of Canada unveiled its 2023 Marine Protected Area Protection Standard, which, among other things, seeks to enhance restrictions on certain vessel discharges that occur within marine protected areas, including those located within the Salish and Great Bear Seas. Subject to further consultations with stakeholders, additional limitations or prohibitions are proposed for: oily engine bilge; sewage (blackwater); greywater; food waste; and scrubber washwater.In compliance with international regulations and law, voluntary measures for these substances, with the addition of garbage (including food wastes) and noxious liquid substances, will be also pursued in the Exclusive Economic Zone, 12–200 nautical miles from shore, where possible.Transport Canada also continues to support the ongoing work at the International Maritime Organization on these and related subjects. Part 3: Transport Canada has a robust marine oversight regime and is responsible for carrying out compliance and enforcement activities in accordance with the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and its regulations. The Department’s compliance and enforcement activities apply to Canadian and foreign vessels in Canadian waters. In instances where deficiencies or non-compliance are suspected or known, Transport Canada inspectors and investigators are authorized to take appropriate action to bring vessels into compliance. This may include directing corrective actions, issuing warnings or Administrative Monetary Penalties and Notices, or pursuing detentions and prosecutions through the Public Prosecution Service of Canada and the courts. Transport Canada compliance and enforcement actions are guided by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and its regulations. Transport Canada will take into consideration new and/or additional methods to support oversight, as needed, as it continues to develop enhanced measures to strengthen Canada’s discharge requirements.Transport Canada will continue to engage with industry and interested parties to determine how to further strengthen the marine environmental regime, where needed. This would include consideration towards the compliance and enforcement regime.  
Colombie-BritanniqueNavires de croisièreQualité de l'eauTraitement et évacuation des eaux usées
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01662441-01662 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC26 septembre 20239 novembre 202322 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • les peuples autochtones ont des droits et des titres sur leurs territoires traditionnels et sont les gardiens de ces terres depuis des temps immémoriaux;
  • la crise climatique exige l’intervention de tous les ordres du gouvernement et de l’industrie;
  • les forêts anciennes présentent des avantages incalculables, notamment pour la séquestration du carbone, la biodiversité, la culture, les loisirs, l’alimentation et plus;
  • les écosystèmes anciens de fond de vallée à forte productivité en Colombie-Britannique sont en danger;
  • sur les 2,7 % de forêts anciennes originales à forte productivité qui restent en Colombie-Britannique, 75 % sont censés faire l’objet de coupes;
  • il reste aujourd’hui seulement 9 % des 360 000 hectares originaux de forêts anciennes de fond de vallée à forte productivité sur l’île de Vancouver, et 2,6 % seulement de ces forêts sont protégés dans des parcs;
  • la dernière vallée ancienne intacte non protégée dans le Sud de l’île de Vancouver, Fairy Creek, est censée faire l’objet de coupes, de même que la vallée de la haute-Walbran et d’autres parcelles de forêts anciennes;
  • la plupart des Canadiens soutiennent l’exploitation durable de forêts de deuxième et troisième venues, mais sont contre l’abattage d’arbres anciens ou la destruction de leurs écosystèmes environnants.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons instamment au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • 1. Travailler avec les provinces et les Premières Nations pour mettre fin immédiatement à l’exploitation d’écosystèmes anciens en danger;
  • 2. Financer la protection à long terme d’écosystèmes anciens à titre de priorité dans le plan d’action climatique du Canada et de geste de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones;
  • 3. Appuyer les initiatives forestières à valeur ajoutée en partenariat avec les Premières Nations afin que l’industrie forestière du Canada soit durable et fondée sur l’exploitation de forêts de deuxième et de troisième venues;
  • 4. Interdire l’exportation de billes brutes et maximiser l’utilisation des ressources pour les emplois locaux;
  • 5. Interdire l’utilisation d’arbres entiers pour la production de granulés de bois.
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Canada’s forests provide a wealth of environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadians. The forestry sector in Canada is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies. Through careful monitoring and planning, Canada’s forest sector manages the long-term health of its forests, both safeguarding these benefits in the face of challenges and finding new opportunities in a changing world.Finding solutions also means working with Indigenous communities and leaders so that forest management and conservation practices are informed by Indigenous knowledge systems. Through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is providing financial support to Indigenous-led projects and Indigenous-identified priorities in the forest sector. The IFI was recently renewed until 2024-2025 with a $10M contributions budget and a new $3M grants stream. During the renewal process, IFI heard communities’ call for change to support broader priorities in the sector and to support projects that accelerate Indigenous awareness, influence, inclusion, and leadership. With the new grants stream, Indigenous communities can access financial support to prepare for and participate in engagement and consultation activities, such as sustainable forest management planning with industry and government. Other eligible projects that support the sustainability of Canada’s forest industry include gathering, developing, using, and protecting Indigenous knowledge and science, Indigenous leadership and participation in forest stewardship and economic development opportunities. Since 2017, the program has supported 133 Indigenous-led, forest-based economic development projects, invested almost $17M in capital, and helped to create more than 625 jobs and 54 new or expanded businesses.British Columbia’s iconic old growth forests have deep-rooted cultural significance to Indigenous communities and are important to all British Columbians. They are also critical habitats for dozens of species at risk and migratory birds and are important natural stores of carbon.The British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund established by the Departments of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and NRCan commits $50 million to advance shared objectives regarding urgent protection of vital ecosystems, wildlife habitats and species at risk while also protecting carbon stores in old growth forests. The Old Growth Nature Fund has been established in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous and local communities.This collaborative work to protect communities and diverse natural habitats, including by advancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts, is also crucial to securing a cleaner, healthier, and greener future for Canadians. The Old Growth Nature Fund further complements the Enhanced Nature Legacy announced in 2021, and the Natural Climate Solutions Fund announced in 2020.Canada boasts the most forest area certified by internationally recognized, third-party systems as being managed in a sustainable way, respecting ecological values and Indigenous rights. Three quarters of Canada’s managed public forests are certified to one or more of three sustainable forest management certification systems: the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Forest Stewardship Council, and the Canadian Standards Association. As with all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies that are the basis for sustainable forest management and include protections for old growth forests. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures ensure that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably.Canadian wood pellets are primarily made from sawmill residues that are by-products of wood product manufacturing. The industry also uses branches and treetops from harvest operations, logs damaged by natural disturbances, or trees that are cut to manage long-term ecological values in the forest. If not used, these additional sources of wood fibre are typically left to decompose into the atmosphere or may be burned onsite.Supporting markets for all material harvested, as part of a sustainable forest management plan, ensures that no part of the harvested tree is wasted, and delivers economic benefits to Canadians.Finally, as part of Budget 2023, Canada announced $368.4 million over three years, starting in 2023-2024 to NRCan to renew and update forest sector support, including for Indigenous leadership in the sector.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuForests provide a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits for people and communities across Canada. They are a major source of income and employment for 300 communities across the country, directly employing 205,000 workers, including over 11,500 Indigenous workers. Canada is committed to Indigenous reconciliation and recognize the importance of natural resources to Indigenous Peoples.With respect to the proposal to ban the export of raw logs, logs are integral to the domestic manufacturing industry for a wide range of forest products including softwood lumber and other products like high value finished veneer panels. Domestic and international trade in logs is important for log harvesters and Canadian trade. The policy and process governing the export of logs harvested in British Columbia contained in Global Affairs Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102 form an important part of the Government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and domestic policy objectives.The Government regularly reviews policies to ensure that Canada’s domestic policy objectives and trade opportunities are maximized and welcomes all ideas and proposals related to its policies, including those associated with the export of raw logs. The Government is committed to continuing to work and collaborate closely with Indigenous Peoples and all stakeholders and partners on this issue to achieve the best possible results for Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada is home to ecosystems that are globally significant in their capacity to absorb carbon, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect biodiversity. This includes 24% of the world’s wetlands, 25% of temperate rainforest areas and 28% of remaining boreal forests. In this context, the Government of Canada understands that the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are connected and need to be tackled together.That said, conservation and protection of Canada’s forests, including old-growth forests and ecosystems, is a shared responsibility. The vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia (B.C.), approximately 96% of forests are on provincial Crown land, where, under the Constitution Act, 1867, forest management is the jurisdiction of the provincial government. As such, forest management on those lands is within the jurisdiction of the B.C. government. At the same time, there is an important federal role to conserve migratory bird habitat, protect critical habitat of federally listed species at risk, and mitigate climate change.With this in mind, the mandate letters of the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change and Natural Resources include a commitment to help protect old-growth forests, notably in B.C., by reaching a Nature Agreement with B.C., establishing a $50 million B.C. Old Growth Nature Fund, and ensuring First Nations, local communities and workers are partners in shaping the path forward for nature protection. This $50 million investment was made through Budget 2022, and a contribution agreement was signed with B.C. in March 2023.The Old Growth Nature Fund will deliver on the Ministers’ mandate letters by providing $50 million to the Government of B.C., to be matched by B.C., to permanently protect and conserve old growth forests in the province. The Fund focuses on protecting at-risk high productivity old growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding supports planning and collaboration with B.C. and Indigenous communities, and provides incentives for third-party funders to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. For example, the 58,000-hectare Incomappleux Valley Conservancy in the B.C. interior was created, in-part, thanks to investments under the Old Growth Nature Fund.The Old Growth Nature Fund will be a key component of the B.C. Nature Agreement, which is being co-developed between Canada, B.C and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), and presents a unique opportunity to collaboratively advance nature conservation, species at risk and climate mitigation objectives in collaboration with provincial and Indigenous partners.To this end, and in light of recent announcements from the Government of B.C. concerning moratoria on old growth forest harvesting, departmental officials have been working with their provincial colleagues to finalize a tripartite Nature Agreement and to explore additional ways to encourage and support the province in its efforts to protect and restore habitat. This includes protecting the habitat of old growth-associated species such as Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet.The Government of Canada appreciates that, in addition to their habitat functions, forests are key to the health of the climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old growth forests, like those in B.C., also function as important carbon reservoirs.Appreciating the significance of forests to biodiversity conservation and climate, the federal government has contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 hectares of forest habitat in B.C. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Ecological Gifts Program, and others.Alongside this work, the federal government has made forests a central part of Canada’s plan to tackle climate change. The Old Growth Nature Fund in particular is expected to contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieve Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of B.C. are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada.Complementing this effort on a broader scale, the Government of Canada has also announced a series of funding initiatives of significance to forest ecosystems and forestry in Canada:
  • Natural Climate Solutions is investing more than $5 billion over ten years to restore, better manage, and conserve Canada’s natural and managed ecosystems. This initiative includes three complementary programs:
    • 2 Billion Trees program, led by Natural Resources Canada;
    • Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), led by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); an
    • The Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program, led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
  • The NSCSF is a $1.4 billion 10-year (2021-2031) fund to reduce 5-7 megatons of GHG emissions annually. Up to $36.9 million in funding has been allocated to support Indigenous communities to deliver projects that build capacity and advance Indigenous-led efforts on natural climate solutions, with a focus on improved management, conservation, and restoration of wetlands, grasslands and forests that result in reduced and captured GHG emissions.
  • Enhanced Nature Legacy provides $2.3 billion in new funding over five years (2021-2026) that will further contribute to the implementation of conservation measures for Canada’s land and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. This includes the establishment of new federal, provincial and territorial protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measures, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, and additional habitat restoration. It also included the announcement of further investments through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, a $2 billion fund that could, amongst other things, incent provinces to leave timber standing (for example, by creating other revenue streams for forests).
The broader significance of Canada’s forests is also recognized in the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada where forests are identified as a priority sector. Development of a conservation action plan for species at risk is currently underway in collaboration with forest sector partners and stakeholders to advance the protection and recovery of species at risk and enhance sector sustainability.With respect to support for Indigenous community involvement in ecosystem protection and climate action, including in forests and more broadly, it should be noted that under the NSCSF, described above, an Indigenous Partnership (NSCSF-IP) stream was established to provide targeted funding to enable Indigenous peoples to play a meaningful leadership role in natural climate solutions as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation. Through the NSCSF-IP, ECCC supports Indigenous organizations and communities to undertake Indigenous-led capacity building activities and on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration, improved land management, and conservation of wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands and forests that result in reduced GHG emissions, and that maximize co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency, and human well-being.Beyond this, ECCC has also funded approximately 115 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Guardians initiatives since 2017 with investments totaling over $46 million. Indigenous Guardians initiatives support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems including old-growth forests, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between the Canadian landscape and Indigenous culture. Indigenous Guardians are Indigenous peoples exercising their cultural responsibilities through on-the-ground stewardship of traditional lands, waters, air, and ice. They act as the “eyes and ears on the ground”.  Indigenous Guardians funding supports on-the-ground activities such as ecological and cultural resource monitoring, restoration, and visitor experience activities, contribution to cultural continuity (e.g., intergenerational knowledge transmission) and implementation of Indigenous conservation practices and Indigenous knowledge.
Politique autochtonePolitique forestièreProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01663441-01663 (Droits de la personne)BobZimmerPrince George—Peace River—Northern RockiesConservateurBC26 septembre 20239 novembre 202318 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01664441-01664 (Fiscalité)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC26 septembre 20239 novembre 202320 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE :
  • L’Agence du revenu du Canada ne reconnait pas la séparation du couple si les deux anciens conjoints continuent de vivre à la même adresse résidentielle, même s’ils sont par ailleurs indépendants financièrement l’un de l’autre; or, cette non-reconnaissance de la séparation peut nuire à l’admissibilisé aux prestations;
  • Le marché de l’habitation actuel force les Canadiens à faire preuve de créativité pour trouver un logement adéquat, et certains n’ont d’autre choix que de continuer à vivre dans la résidence de leur ancien conjoint.
EN CONSÉQUENCE :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions la ministre du Revenu national de donner instruction à son ministère de moderniser la définition du concept d’union de fait afin de reconnaître que certains ex-conjoints peuvent continuer de vivre dans la même résidence en raison du prix élevé du logement.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandEligibility for tax measures and benefits delivered through the tax system, like the Canada Child Benefit and the Goods and Services Tax Credit, depends on different factors, including in many cases whether an individual is married, in a common-law relationship or separated/divorced. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is responsible for administering the Income Tax Act (ITA), including the definition of a common-law partner in the ITA, considers that it is possible for separated individuals to live separate and apart for income tax and benefit purposes, while still occupying the same residence. Whether individuals live separate and apart is a question of fact that is determined by the CRA on a case-by-case basis. 
ConjointsImpôt sur le revenuLogement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01665441-01665 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 septembre 20239 novembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong. In September, 2023, Canada co-sponsored an event at the UN in Geneva on the impact of the National Security Law on media freedom in Hong Kong.Canada, along with Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States also all publicly expressed concerns and condemned the Hong Kong authorities’ issuance of arrest warrants and international bounties for eight pro-democracy advocates living overseas. The National Security Law has no jurisdiction in applying the law within our borders and we will not waver in standing up for those who are targeted simply for exercising their rights peacefully.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted of that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, applicants may be eligible for relief, on a case-by-case basis, using mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01666441-01666 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 septembre 20239 novembre 202314 septembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01667441-01667 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 septembre 20239 novembre 20232 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01668441-01668 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 septembre 20239 novembre 20239 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01669441-01669 (Fiscalité)ArpanKhannaOxfordConservateurON26 septembre 20239 novembre 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons attirer l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La taxe sur le carbone imposée par les Libéraux continuera à faire monter les coûts de chauffage pour les Canadiens;
  • Au Canada, chauffer sa maison en hiver n’est pas un luxe mais bien une nécessité;
  • Après huit années de ce gouvernement libéral, les Canadiens en sont rendus à devoir choisir entre chauffer leur maison ou mettre de la nourriture sur la table;
  • À aucun autre moment dans l’histoire les Canadiens n’ont autant payé de taxes que sous ce gouvernement libéral;
  • L’inflation a causé des augmentations massives des coûts pour les organismes à but non lucratif et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés, et ces augmentations sont intensifiées par la taxe sur le carbone.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Reculer et ne pas tripler la taxe sur le carbone pour le chauffage résidentiel;2) N’imposer aucune nouvelle taxe aux Canadiens;3) Placer les Canadiens au cœur de ses actions : leur famille, leurs chèques de paye, leur maison et leur avenir.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandSince taking office in 2015, the government's focus has been investing in the middle class, growing the economy, strengthening Canada's social safety net, and making life more affordable for Canadians. Key measures include:
  • Reversed the Conservative policy and restored the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to 65, from 67, preventing 100,000 seniors aged 65 and 66 from plunging into severe poverty each year.
  • Increasing support for families and low-income workers through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit, which have helped lift over 1 million Canadians out of poverty since 2015.
  • Across Canada reduction of fees for regulated childcare of 50 percent on average, with six provinces and territories reducing childcare fees to $10 a day or less by April 2, 2023. In Saskatchewan, this amounts to an estimated savings of up to $6,900 per child.
  • Increasing the GIS top up benefit for low-income single seniors, enhancing the GIS earnings exemption, and increasing Old Age Security for approximately 3.3 million Canadians in July 2022.
  • Reducing taxes for the middle class from 22 percent to 20.5 percent, while raising taxes on the wealthiest Canadians. 
  • Increasing the basic personal amount – i.e., the basic amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax – to $15,000, while phasing out the benefits of the increased basic personal amount for wealthy individuals.
In addition, the Government of Canada has provided targeted inflation relief to Canadians struggling with the impacts of global inflation, which has made the cost of living a real challenge. This includes direct, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 per child over two years to eligible families to cover dental expenses for their children under 12 and a doubling of the GST credit in the fall of 2022.Furthermore, the new onetime Grocery Rebate provided targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; and up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children. The Grocery Rebate was delivered to eligible Canadians on July 5, 2023, by direct deposit or cheque through the Canada Revenue Agency.Climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term- health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups.  Proceeds relating specifically to the use of natural gas and propane by farmers are returned directly to farmers via a refundable tax credit.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal carbon pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 per cent supplement beyond the base amount. Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Taxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01670441-01670 (Justice)ArpanKhannaOxfordConservateurON26 septembre 20239 novembre 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01671441-01671 (Citoyenneté et immigration)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC27 septembre 20239 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de petites entreprises et d’entreprises rurales de Lillooet et des alentours ont dû réduire considérablement leurs services ou fermer complètement leurs portes en raison des pénuries de main-d’œuvre;
  • Statistique Canada a révélé que l’année dernière, le nombre de postes vacants a grimpé à un million à l’échelle du pays;
  • Tous les ans, les fermes tirent grandement profit du Programme des travailleurs agricoles saisonniers pour combler les pénuries de main-d’œuvre qui sont à la fois cycliques et propres à l’industrie; les secteurs de l’hébergement et du tourisme profiteraient eux aussi grandement d’un programme permettant de répondre aux besoins en matière de main-d’œuvre;
  • Les collectivités rurales, comme Lillooet (C.-B), atteignent rapidement leur capacité maximale en raison des pénuries de main-d’œuvre.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés citoyens et résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à élargir le Programme pilote d’immigration dans les communautés rurales et du Nord afin d’inclure Lillooet, de manière à pallier les graves pénuries de main-d’œuvre, à stimuler le développement économique local chancelant et à aider les collectivités à prospérer.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to attracting the best talent from around the world to fill skill shortages and drive local economies in rural Canada, for the benefit of all Canadians.Testing a new community-based economic development approach, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) is a Ministerial Instructions (MI) pilot that supports smaller and more remote communities to access the economic and demographic benefits of immigration. These pilots are designed to test innovative approaches to meet specific needs, provide learnings to help shape future immigration programs and policies, and are typically issued for limited periods of time.RNIP communities were selected at the outset of the pilot through an expression of interest process, open to all communities across Canada and that looked into characteristics such as economic vitality and growing economy, economic development plans, support from local stakeholders, existing infrastructure, and settlement and integration capacity. The 11 selected communities required extensive training and onboarding support at the beginning of the pilot.Given the above, and that the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act sets a limit of five years on pilots, there are no plans to add additional communities to the pilot at this point.Recognizing that the pilot is set to expire in August 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is reviewing the performance of the RNIP to assess whether it is meeting its objectives of attracting and retaining newcomers to participating communities to support local economic development.The Government of Canada remains focused on supporting immigration strategies that spread the benefits of immigration to communities across the country, including rural and northern communities, to grow their economies and enhance their social and demographic vitality. Specifically, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provides provinces and territories, including British Columbia, a means to address their local economic development needs and distributes the benefits of immigration across Canada. The PNP has skilled worker and international graduate streams to fill labour needs at all skill levels and has been proven to be an invaluable tool in filling labour market needs in communities of all sizes.
Immigration et immigrantsLillooetProgramme pilote d'immigration dans les communautés rurales et du Nord
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01672441-01672 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC27 septembre 20239 novembre 20233 avril 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Les enfants nés en 2020 seront confrontés en moyenne à 2 à 7 fois plus d’événements climatiques extrêmes que leurs grands-parents;Selon un rapport publié en 2021 dans The Lancet, 83 % des enfants du monde entier pensent que les générations précédentes n’ont pas su prendre soin de la planète;Les personnes les plus touchées par le changement climatique sont les jeunes générations, car ce sont elles qui subiront les pires effets de la crise; Le dialogue avec les jeunes s’est avéré crucial pour lutter efficacement contre le changement climatique et élaborer des politiques;Cependant, des dizaines de décisions liées au climat sont prises sans l’avis des jeunes; Les statistiques du monde entier montrent que si les jeunes prenaient ces décisions, la représentation au Parlement serait différente; Les enfants de moins de 18 ans n’ont pas le droit de vote et n’ont donc pas de voix légale et ne peuvent pas s’exprimer librement. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :1. D’exiger que tous les députés, quel que soit leur allégeance politique, consultent la direction d’une école secondaire ou primaire, un conseil étudiant ou un groupe de jeunes environnementalistes de leur circonscription (c’est-à-dire des représentants de jeunes de moins de 18 ans), avant que le Parlement ne procède à la deuxième lecture de tout projet de loi ayant une incidence directe sur les émissions de gaz à effet de serre du Canada;2. L’objectif de la consultation est d’écouter les points de vue des personnes directement concernées par le projet de loi en question, mais qui ne sont pas encore représentées au Parlement.
Response by the Prime Minister of CanadaSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThank you for raising this important issue. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting our natural environment, fighting climate change, and making Canada more resilient to the threats posed by extreme weather. Canadians depend on our natural environment for jobs, clean air and water, and for a sense of place in the world. However, the risks to our environment have never been greater. Climate change threatens nature, our communities, and our economy.For these reasons, the Government of Canada has taken significant action to protect the environment, conserve nature and biodiversity, and respond to the threat of climate change. The Government has established a federal pollution pricing system, established the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan that outlines a sector-by-sector roadmap to achieve Canada’s 2030 target of 40-45 per cent reduction in emissions, put Canada on a path to planting two billion trees, released its first National Adaptation Strategy, and has worked with provinces and territories towards a goal of zero plastic waste by 2030.The Government of Canada recognizes that youth have a critical role to play in climate action. They are important agents of change, with innovative ways of thinking. Canada’s Youth Policy and the State of the Youth Report identify Environment and Climate Action as a key priority for youth. The Government of Canada considers the youth perspective as vital to ensuring that the country's transition to a prosperous and low-carbon future is sustainable and inclusive. Established in August 2022, the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council is a group of 10 young Canadians who are passionate about protecting the environment and taking climate action. To date, the Youth Council members have contributed to and participated in UNFCCC COP27 in Egypt and the Convention on Biodiversity COP15 in Montreal, and have advised on policy issues, including the National Adaptation Strategy, climate communications, and on a 2023 Biodiversity Strategy for Canada.Strategic environmental assessments are also a mandatory part of the policy and legislative development process. These assessments help to ensure all public policies and strategic decisions made by the Government of Canada are guided by the potential impact on the environment. In carrying out the assessments, the Government will consider the scope and nature of likely environmental effects, the need for mitigation to reduce or eliminate adverse effects and take into consideration any adverse environmental effects and mitigation that may be required.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteConsultation du publicJeunes gens
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01673441-01673 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB27 septembre 20239 novembre 20231 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01675441-01675 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC27 septembre 20239 novembre 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Compte tenu des crises écologiques, sociales et économiques, tous les ordres de gouvernement et les Canadiens doivent prendre des décisions éclairées et responsables à l’égard de l’environnement et du développement durable pour assurer la survie de tous; Nous sommes à une époque où l’activité humaine pousse de nombreux écosystèmes à leur perte en raison de la pollution de l’eau douce et de l’air ainsi que de l’extinction des espèces qu’elle cause; L’éducation au sujet de l’environnement au Canada ne permet à l’heure actuelle ni de régler ces problèmes ni aux citoyens d’acquérir la capacité de comprendre la complexité des enjeux et d’agir concrètement; Le gouvernement du Canada doit exercer un leadership cohérent à l’échelle nationale au regard de l’éducation au sujet de l’environnement et du développement durable et doit reconnaître l’importance des connaissances et pratiques des Autochtones dans le cadre de l’éducation des Autochtones et des non-Autochtones. Par conséquent, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes de faire preuve de leadership et d’adopter une stratégie canadienne qui permettra aux enseignants, aux communicateurs, aux personnes qui jouent un rôle actif dans leur milieu ainsi qu’aux gouvernements provinciaux et aux municipalités de prendre des mesures qui contribueront à bâtir des communautés saines, durables, florissantes, écologiques et humaines.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Minister of the Environment and Climate Change has a mandate to provide Canadians with environmental information in the public interest and promote and encourage practices and conduct that help to preserve the environment, in cooperation with partners such as provincial governments, Indigenous peoples, not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions and others to advance this mission. Last year, the Minister was also mandated by the Prime Minister to engage with Canadians to better communicate the impact of climate change. Environmental education is critical to tackling the environmental challenges Canada is facing today and will face tomorrow. It is also an important part of Canada’s international commitments. Canada is actively engaged in the work of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). ACE emphasizes the importance of education to address the climate crisis and promote sustainability. Its overarching goal is to empower people to engage in climate action through education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on these issues. It also emphasizes the importance of youth voices in climate change action.These obligations are taken very seriously, and the Department recognizes that more needs to be done to improve access to climate and environmental education. The views expressed in this petition will be taken under consideration.In Canada, provinces and territories are responsible for organizing, delivering, and assessing all levels of education. The Government of Canada contributes to sustainability knowledge and education through various means including by undertaking and funding critical research that provides the foundation for environmental and sustainability education; working with and providing funding and support to diverse partners across Canada in support of this mission, and leading the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.Information, Research and Science The Government of Canada has conducted a national assessment process of how and why Canada’s climate is changing. This assessment discusses the impacts of these changes on communities, environment, and the economy, and details how Canadians are adapting. A series of reports that followed the national assessment raise awareness of the issues facing the country and provide information to Canadians to support sound decisions and actions that address climate change and adapt to its impacts.The Government of Canada is also implementing the Roadmap for Open Science. This will make the scientific research process more inclusive and accessible to scientists and Canadians by making data and publications open and making research understandable and useful. In addition, the Government of Canada is developing a climate data strategy to ensure that the private sector and communities have access to data to inform planning and infrastructure investments.At Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Canadian Centre for Climate Services provides information to improve Canadians’ understanding of how the climate is changing and how those changes could affect them, as well as guidance and resources to make climate-smart decisions.The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program publishes high-quality indicators that provide Canadians with information on Canada's performance on environmental sustainability issues including climate change, water quality and availability, and species at risk.Research shows that Canadians trust scientists. To leverage its scientific resources, ECCC has developed a pilot program, in French and English, which helps its scientists, researchers and science experts to become better science communicators and harness storytelling and presentation techniques to reach and motivate more Canadians to take environmental and climate action. Once trained, these experts are connected to the Canadian public through a network of schools, museums, science centres as well as non-governmental organizations.Working with Partners The Program of Applied Research on Climate Action in Canada (PARCA) https://impact.canada.ca/en/behavioural-science/parca is a multi-year program of research on climate change, running from September 2021 to March 2024. It is a partnership between Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the Privy Council Office’s Impact and Innovation Unit. PARCA is using behavioural science for an evidenced-based, data-driven approach to understanding what drives choices and behaviours and what barriers stand in the way of greater climate and environmental action. This will help point the way to more impactful interventions by factoring in actual behaviour. Behaviourally informed solutions will be tested online and then in the real world for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate adaptation at the individual and community levels. This work will generate new insights on a rapid timeframe and use them to inform policy development, program design, and communications. A large network of internal and external partners, including partners at multilateral organizations and an advisory committee of subject matter experts, are guiding the research program to help ensure its relevance, rigour, and impact. PARCA data pointed directly to the need for the kinds of partnerships ECCC is developing to build climate literacy.Youth have an important role to play in climate action. Today’s youth and future generations will face the gravest environmental and climate consequences. The youth population is also particularly susceptible to mis- and dis-information. Meaningful youth engagement and education in environment and climate action is essential in building a more sustainable future. That is why the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council (ECCYC) was formed in August 2022. The ECCYC is a group of young Canadians who are passionate about protecting the environment and taking climate action. They have been selected to advise on key environmental and climate issues to inform decisions by the Government of Canada. The ECCYC is engaged on the Government’s climate communication and education initiatives and plays an important role in connecting with diverse community, national and international networks to help mobilize youth for climate action.The Government of Canada also contributes to sustainability knowledge and education by funding research through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.In addition, ECCC’s EcoAction Community Funding Program provides financial support to non-profit and non-government organizations for Canadian communities to take on local action-based projects that produce measurable and positive effects on the environment and to build their capacity to sustain these activities in the future. EcoAction funds projects that lead to tangible environmental results, engage the community to improve the environment, increase environmental awareness and capacity in communities, and result in sustainable outcomes and engagement following project completion.The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a specified purpose account administered by ECCC, on behalf of the Government of Canada, to direct funds received from fines, court orders and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment. EDF funding is available for projects that address one or more of the program’s priority areas. Priority is given to projects that restore the natural environment and conserve wildlife, improve environmental quality, undertake research and development on environmental restoration and improve and/or advance education and awareness on issues affecting the health of the natural environment. This could include, for example, promoting education related to environmental damage restoration, including training for the assessment and restoration of damage, or for increased awareness and compliance with environmental regulations.ECCC set up two Grants and Contributions programs with different sources of funding to address the need for better access to environmental education across the country.For fiscal years 2022- 2024, recipients have received or are set to receive funding to advance environmental literacy by 1) supporting teacher training programs, 2) improving access to environmental educational resources, and 3) conducting further research to generate evidence-based solutions for environmental education in Canada.On October 4, 2023, a call for proposals was launched for a new and innovative Environmental Literacy Funding program. ECCC is partnering with philanthropic organizations to support projects that can increase environmental literacy in young Canadians. Strong collaborations with trusted partners in the field can help make long-term gains in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss. ECCC’s $12.5 million investment will be bolstered by interested philanthropic organizations wanting to team up on long-term solutions to tackle climate change. A minimum of $2.5 million of the $12.5 million envelope will be dedicated to Indigenous-led initiatives.ECCC has been engaging stakeholders for the past 2 years focusing on environmental learning. Besides setting up two working groups, one for Provinces and Territories and the other for other science-based Government of Canada Departments, the department has also met with national and international experts, NGOs, youth, formal and non-formal education professionals. Three daylong dialogue days bringing together key actors from diverse sectors (youth and children, education, academia, NGOs, government, museums and science centres, etc) were held between December 2022 and August 2023. ECCC also funded a Youth Climate Lab to conduct policy research with youth on environmental literacy. Key conclusions emerging from these consultations were that nearly every aspect of a young person’s future will be affected by climate – their jobs, their homes, energy use, transportation, food, water, health, and more, and that environmental literacy is a key mitigation and adaptation solution to climate change and biodiversity loss. ECCC has drafted a discussion paper to work toward a Pan-Canadian Framework on Environmental Learning that will be posted for consultation on consultation.gc.ca later this year. Indigenous communities and youth will also be consulted. A “What we heard” report will be drafted and presented to key stakeholders to help the drafting of the Framework in 2024.ECCC also works regularly with other federal partners to ensure sustained public communications about the various programs and incentives available to Canadians to support their environmental actions. ECCC is also developing a long-term multi-faceted social marketing campaign that will aim to provide Canadians with clear, consistent, and evidence-informed information about the environment and climate change. This campaign is expected to launch at the end of 2023.Federal Sustainable Development Strategy The Government of Canada provides federal leadership on environmental and sustainability issues through the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, as detailed in the Federal Sustainable Development Act. Key aspects of this work are openness and transparency in providing information about sustainability in Canada. The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy brings the federal government’s sustainable development priorities, goals, targets and actions together in one place and enables parliamentarians and Canadians to track progress.All federal organizations subject to the Federal Sustainable Development Act are also required to develop a Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy every three years and report on its progress. These documents provide specific details on all departments’ plans and actions that advance sustainable development in Canada.As is stated by the Federal Sustainable Development Act, the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of involving Indigenous peoples in developing the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy given their Traditional Knowledge and unique understanding of, and connection to, Canada’s lands and waters. Indigenous youth will inherit the results of Canada’s sustainable development efforts. It is critical that no future generation of Indigenous youth is “left behind”. 
Collectivités durablesProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01676441-01676 (Citoyenneté et immigration)GregMcLeanCalgary-CentreConservateurAB27 septembre 20239 novembre 202318 mai 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté ATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Soudan est confronté à une crise politique depuis que l’armée a dissous le gouvernement de partage du pouvoir et déclaré l’état d’urgence;
  • Le mouvement prodémocratique et les forces de sécurité se sont affrontés lors de manifestations de masse et de tueries;
  • La violence ethnique s’est intensifiée dans certaines régions en raison de litiges fonciers, faisant des centaines de morts et entraînant l’instauration de l’état d’urgence.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de :
  • Traiter rapidement les dossiers d’immigration des résidents soudanais qui souhaitent immigrer au Canada, en particulier ceux dont les membres de la famille sont citoyens canadiens ou résidents permanents.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.Canada continues to call for an end to violence in Sudan and stands with the Sudanese people as they strive for peace.To support Sudanese nationals in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced Temporary measures for Sudanese nationals, who are currently in Canada and may be unable to return home due to the rapidly deteriorating situation in their country.As of April 30, 2023, Sudanese nationals can apply for an extension of their status in Canada and move between temporary resident streams, allowing them to continue studying, working or visiting family free of charge. This includes applying for open work permits that provide access to the labour market and greater flexibility to support themselves while they are in Canada. These measures will help ensure the continued safety of the Sudanese population already in Canada, keep families together, and give them a safe place to stay.IRCC also introduced Temporary measures to support family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who have departed Sudan since the violence erupted.Under these measures, eligible foreign nationals, who fled Sudan on or after April 15, 2023 with their Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member(s), may be issued a fee-exempt temporary resident document to facilitate their travel to Canada. Travel must have been completed by July 15, 2023. Once in Canada, they will be eligible to apply for a fee-exempt open work permit or study permit, as well as submit a fee-exempt permanent resident application under the family class. Under these measures, a foreign national is eligible for facilitated travel to Canada if they meet the following requirements:
  1. is the family member – per the definition of subsection 1(3) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations – of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023;
  2. is outside of Sudan in a third country; and,
  3. left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023.
Further, to facilitate immigration applications for those still in Sudan so they can travel once it is safe to do so, IRCC is also prioritizing the processing of completed temporary and permanent residence applications already in the system from people still in the country. This includes visitor visa applications for eligible immediate family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents, so they can join their loved ones here in Canada.Canada is also waiving passport and permanent resident travel document fees for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Sudan who wish to leave.
Immigration et immigrantsSoudan
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01677441-01677 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON27 septembre 20239 novembre 202329 novembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • 1. Redéfinir ce qu’est le logement abordable à l’aide d’une formule actualisée qui reflète mieux les réalités économiques auxquelles sont confrontés des millions de Canadiens;
  • 2. Créer des règlements pour tempérer la recherche excessive du profit par les sociétés d’investissement et les sociétés de placement immobilier;
  • 3. Éliminer les échappatoires fiscaux permettant l'évasion fiscale et le blanchiement d'argent, et renforcer la réglementation des investissements étrangers dans l’immobilier résidentiel;
  • 4. Créer des clauses restrictives pour les unités de logement abordable construites à l’aide de subventions publiques afin que ces unités restent abordables;
  • 5. Créer des normes nationales pour le contrôle des loyers et des logements vacants;
  • 6. Imposer une taxe aux propriétaires d’immeubles résidentiels qui laissent des unités vacantes;
  • 7. Encourager les municipalités à créer un zonage de logement abordable afin de diminuer la spéculation foncière et à réduire les obstacles à l’obtention de permis de construction de logements abordables;
  • 8. Donner la priorité au financement des coopératives d’habitation et des logements sans but lucratif.
Response by the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners from Kitchener Centre for sharing their concerns about access to a safe, affordable place to call home.Our government believes that all people living in Canada should have access to safe and affordable housing. Launched in 2017, the National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, more than $82-billion plan to give more people living in Canada a place to call home. The NHS is Canada’s largest and most ambitious federal housing program in history and consists of complementary programs and initiatives that aim to address needs across the housing continuum, prioritizing populations most in need.  The NHS sets ambitious targets to ensure that unprecedented investments and new programming deliver results. By 2028, it will help create over 160,000 new housing units and repair another 300,000, reduce or eliminate housing need for 530,000 households, and protect 385,000 households from losing an affordable place to live. The government is making substantial progress toward NHS 2027/28 targets and is considered on track.  The NHS is anchored in the National Housing Strategy Act (NHS Act), which requires the federal government to develop and maintain a national housing strategy with a long-term vision for housing that focuses on improving housing outcomes for those in greatest need. The NHS Act also requires the NHS to take into account the key principles of a human rights-based approach to housing, including the principles of non-discrimination, inclusion, participation, and accountability.The NHS prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable, including women and children fleeing situations of domestic violence; racialized persons; seniors; Indigenous peoples; persons with disabilities; those dealing with mental health and addiction issues; veterans; and young adults. It promotes diverse communities, supports the creation of housing that is sustainable, accessible, mixed-income, and mixed-use, and located close to transit, work, and public services. Housing affordability?is generally understood from a household’s perspective based on the proportion of?income?going toward their housing costs.? People experiencing homelessness, renters, homebuyers, and existing homeowners all face different and complex housing affordability challenges. Affordability requirements of federal housing programs depend on who the program aims to support, and the housing affordability outcomes the program aims to achieve (e.g. programs to create deeply affordable housing for vulnerable Canadians have different requirements from programs aiming to increase rental housing supply). Similarly, the minimum duration of affordability varies by program. Proponents approved for funding must adhere to minimum requirements and are required to report to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) during the construction of their projects and throughout the affordability period to ensure they are respecting the terms of their agreements. Supporting and growing community housing in Canada is a priority under the NHS. The $4.3 billion Canada Community Housing Initiative is helping to protect and build community-based housing for 330,000 households across the country and another 50,000 units created through an expansion of community housing. The government is also providing $618 million over 10 years under the Federal Community Housing Initiative, which protects tenants and stabilizes the operations of more than 55,000 units in federally administered community housing projects. Moreover, non-profits and co-ops are eligible to apply for funding under NHS supply initiatives. In Budget 2022, the federal government committed to creating a new Co-operative Housing Development Program aimed at expanding co-op housing in Canada. Additional information on this new program should be available in the coming months. Strong partnerships with municipalities, provinces, and territories are essential to increasing housing supply and implementing longer-term solutions for housing affordability. Local governments play an important role in creating the conditions to remove systemic barriers to housing supply in their jurisdiction. The $4-billion Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is designed to drive transformational change within the sphere of control of the local government regarding land use planning and development approvals with the overall objective to accelerate housing supply. The program will provide funding to local governments to implement lasting initiatives that reduce barriers to housing supply and development approvals, and over the long run, make housing more affordable to Canadians. The HAF is helping to fast track at least 100,000 new homes across Canada over the course of the initiative. Real Estate Income Trusts (REITs) are among various players in the rental market. CMHC actively monitors market conditions and works with federal partners to ensure appropriate macro-prudential policies are in place. The government also takes seriously the negative impacts that private ownership of residential properties can have on rents and housing prices.In terms of regulating foreign investment in residential real estate, on January 1, 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act came into force preventing non-Canadians from buying residential property in Canada for 2 years (certain exceptions apply).  Rest assured our government is working to ensure that everyone living in Canada has a safe and affordable place to call home by expanding Canada’s housing supply and continuing to advance our investments in affordable housing. 
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the importance of affordable housing.The response from the Department of Finance to part 2), 3) and 6) is as follows:Part 2) The government is committed to ensuring that investor activity is helping, not hurting, housing affordability in Canada. To this end, the government indicated in Budget 2023 that policy changes applicable to all large corporate landlords could be considered to ensure best outcomes on affordability and fair treatment of tenants.Part 3) The Government of Canada continues to make significant investments in new initiatives to strengthen Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime, including specific actions to counter money laundering in real estate from either domestic or foreign sources.For example, regulatory amendments that came into force June 2021 have strengthened AML/ATF obligations for all reporting sectors, including the real estate sector. In particular, real estate agents, brokers and developers are now required to take reasonable measures during certain transactions or activities to collect beneficial ownership information, determine if a client is a politically exposed person, and to take enhanced measures if the client is high-risk.The latter includes specific obligations such as establishing the client’s source of funds and source of wealth, and obtaining senior management review of a transaction of $100,000 or more.More recently, to help further prevent financial crimes in the real estate sector, Budget 2022 announced the government’s intention to extend AML/ATF requirements to all businesses conducting mortgage lending in Canada within the next year.Furthermore, to counter the misuse of anonymous Canadian shell companies for illegal activities, including money laundering, corruption, and tax evasion, the government is accelerating by two years its commitment to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA) to implement a free, public and searchable beneficial ownership registry, which will now be accessible before the end of 2023. This registry will cover corporations governed under the Act and be scalable to allow access to the beneficial ownership data held by provinces and territories that agree to participate in a national registry. An initial package of CBCA amendments received royal assent in June 2022, with additional amendments to follow in a subsequent legislative vehicle.In addition, on December 15, 2022, Parliament passed legislation (C-32) to enhance the tax reporting obligations imposed on certain trusts. These measures are intended to improve the collection of beneficial ownership information and encourage tax transparency to help provide authorities with sufficient information in order to determine taxpayers’ tax liabilities and to effectively counter aggressive tax avoidance as well as tax evasion, money laundering and other criminal activities. The new rules will apply to the tax years of trusts that end after December 30, 2023.Finally, the government has taken action to curb foreign investment and speculation in Canadian housing, as committed in Budget 2022. On January 1, 2023, the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act came into force. The Act prohibits people who are neither Canadian citizens nor permanent residents from purchasing residential property in Canada for a period of two years, including preventing non-Canadians from using corporate structures to avoid the prohibition. The Act also establishes penalties for non-Canadians purchasing residential property (and those knowingly assisting them).Part 6) The government announced its intention to introduce such a tax in Budget 2021.The Underused Housing Tax Act, which received royal assent as part of Bill C-8 on June 9, 2022, implements an annual tax of 1% on the value of vacant or underused residential property directly or indirectly owned by non-resident non-Canadians.
Logement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01678441-01678 (Fiscalité)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK27 septembre 20239 novembre 202326 septembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Les résidents de la Gardens Condominium Corporation située sur la rue Park, à Regina, Saskatchewan, ont observé une augmentation substantielle de leurs factures d'électricité et de gaz naturel en raison de la taxe sur le carbone du gouvernement fédéral; Les paiements de l'incitatif à agir pour le climat du gouvernement fédéral se sont révélés insuffisants pour couvrir le coût de la taxe sur le carbone; La taxe sur le carbone augmentera de 105 $ de plus par tonne (de 65 $ par tonne à 170 $ par tonne) d'ici la fin de la décennie.Par conséquent : nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’éliminer la taxe sur le carbone.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium-sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. As of July 2023, when federal pollution pricing began to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Prince Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Taxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01679441-01679 (Fiscalité)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK27 septembre 20239 novembre 202326 septembre 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Les résidents de la Gardens Condominium Corporation sur la rue Park, à Regina, en Saskatchewan, ont observé une augmentation considérable de leurs factures d’électricité et de gaz naturel attribuable à la taxe sur le carbone du gouvernement fédéral; La politique du gouvernement fédéral consiste facturer la TPS en plus de la taxe sur le carbone, ce qui fait grimper encore davantage leurs factures d’électricité et de gaz naturel.Par conséquent : nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à arrêter de facturer la TPS en plus de la taxe sur le carbone pour la consommation résidentielle d’électricité et de gaz naturel.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada. The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned. In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90?percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10?percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23. This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. As of July 2023, when federal pollution pricing began to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Prince Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments. On October 26, 2023, the government announced its intent to double the CAI rural top-up, from 10 to 20 percent, with increased payments to rural residents starting in April 2024. It also announced a proposed temporary, three-year pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of light fuel oil exclusively for use in providing heat to a home or building until the end of 2026-27.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians.
Tarification du carboneTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTaxe sur les produits et services
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01680441-01680 (Pêches)JohnWilliamsonNouveau-Brunswick-Sud-OuestConservateurNB27 septembre 20239 novembre 202319 septembre 2023Pétition à la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienneAttendu que :Le projet d’aménagement portuaire de Grand Manan a été suspendu en raison d’un différend relatif au contrat de l’entrepreneur; Les énormes monticules de matériaux contaminés bloquent entièrement la vue sur l’eau à notre restaurant saisonnier; Cela cause des répercussions négatives considérables sur notre petite entreprise et sur le moral de la population générale.Nous, les soussignés, résidents et visiteurs de Grand Manan, au Nouveau-Brunswick, demandons à la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienne de retirer ces déblais de dragage du site, comme l’ont promis les Travaux publics, le MPO et l’entrepreneur, Greenfield Construction.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Diane LebouthillierFisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) Small Craft Harbours (SCH) program is responsible for operating and maintaining a national system of harbours that provide commercial fish harvesters and other harbour users with safe and accessible facilities. SCH network consists of 949 harbours, of which 691 are considered core harbours that are essential to the commercial fishing industry and 258 non-core harbours, which have low fishing activity and are candidates for divestiture.In its efforts to keep harbours safe and accessible, DFO must carry out construction projects at various harbours that fall under SCH program. One such project was undertaken at North Head harbour, located on Grand Manan Island, in New Brunswick in the spring of 2021.The project at North Head involves dredging, construction of a new marginal wharf, the addition of a boat ramp, as well as improvements to the breakwater located on the far side of the harbour’s basin. The project is significant and will ensure the continued safe operation of North Head harbour and its fleet of approximately 80 commercial fish harvesters.Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is responsible for the administration of the contract  between Canada and the contractor responsible for the project. PSPC is assuming this role on behalf of DFO.As a result of the dredging portion of the project, dredge material has been stored on the construction site. The contractor is responsible for the disposal of the dredged material. A portion of this material will be reused at the site, as part of the construction project. Another portion will be disposed of at the local construction and demolition site, and a third portion will be transported by truck and ferry to an approved disposal site located off of Grand Manan Island.Work at the construction site stopped for a period of time while the contractor was waiting for environmental permits from the government of New Brunswick. These permits, which allow for the disposal of dredge material at the approved local disposal facility have been obtained, and removal of the dredged material has begun.Based on the most recent project schedule provided by the contractor, the construction project at North Head is expected to be completed by the end of May 2024.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Charles SousaThe Government of Canada is committed to renewing vital infrastructure, such as small craft harbours, that support the economic growth and development of communities in New Brunswick and across the country.Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) continues to advance the work at North Head in Grand Manan and is aware of delays with the projected timelines for completion. The department understands the concerns that community members have expressed over the delays. PSPC and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are actively working with the contractor to ensure that the remaining work can be completed as quickly as possible.  At the end of August 2023, the contractor obtained the required provincial approvals to move 10,000 cubic metres of dredged material, which is approximately one third of the material currently on site. It will be disposed of at the Grand Manan Construction and Demolition site. This work began the first week of October and is expected to be take approximately 20 working days.Based on the results of ongoing testing, a disposal method for the remaining dredged material will be established. It is anticipated that a portion of the material will be reused on site and a portion will be transported to an approved off-island disposal site.The dredging work is approximately 70% completed, and the contractor is scheduled to finish the dredging by the end of November 2023.
Dépollution environnementalePorts et installations portuaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01681441-01681 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB27 septembre 20239 novembre 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • Aucune loi n’oblige les producteurs, les distributeurs et les annonceurs de matériel pornographique commercial à vérifier l’âge et le consentement des personnes représentées dans le matériel et à consigner ces données;
  • La recommandation no 2 du rapport sur MindGeek que le Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique a publié en 2021 dit ceci : « Que le gouvernement du Canada oblige les plateformes offrant des services d’hébergement de contenu au Canada à exiger de toutes les personnes figurant dans du contenu pornographique la confirmation qu’elles sont majeures et qu’elles consentent à la diffusion du contenu, avant que celui-ci soit téléversé sur un site »;
  • Le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet, crée deux nouvelles infractions dans le Code criminel : le fait de produire du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée, et le fait de distribuer du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée ou lorsque le consentement a été refusé par écrit;
  • Plusieurs organismes, dont Defend Dignity, le Conseil national des femmes du Canada, le London Abused Women’s Centre, le Conseil des femmes de Montréal, Parents Aware et le National Centre on Child Exploitation, se sont exprimés en faveur du projet de loi C 270;
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions donc la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that all individuals are safe from sexual exploitation, including when they are online. For that reason, the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s December 2021 mandate letter commits to introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content, reflecting feedback from the Government’s 2021 public consultation. In 2022, further engagement included an expert advisory group, a Citizens’ Assembly, Indigenous engagement, which included a sharing circle and one-on-one interviews, and 20 Ministerial roundtables across Canada. Our Government is committed to putting in place a regulatory framework to mitigate the risk of exposure to harmful content online. Online services must do their part to make the Internet a safer place for Canadians.Furthermore, the Criminal Code of Canada includes a robust framework that protects against sexual exploitation, including offences that prohibit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (section 162.1), as well as child-specific sexual offences, including child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1). Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, meaning that prosecutions may occur in Canada for offences allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report to police when they have reasonable grounds to believe that their Internet service is being or has been used to commit a child pornography offence, such as making child pornography available, or distributing child pornography. As the designated organization under this Act, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) also receives, and processes, reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet from Canadian providers of Internet services. C3P is a non-governmental organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which forwards child sexual exploitation leads to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler that detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally.When these service providers are advised of a location on the Internet where child pornography may be made available to the public, the providers are required under this Act to make these reports to C3P.Bill C-270, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (pornographic material), which was introduced on April 28, 2022, would create two new Criminal Code offences that would prohibit making, distributing or advertising pornographic material for commercial purposes without ensuring that the individuals depicted in that material are 18 years or older and consented to being depicted in that material. This Bill will be debated in accordance with the rules of Parliament governing private member’s business. The Government of Canada will follow the debate on this bill in Parliament.
Âge légalC-270, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (matériel pornographique)ConsentementPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01682441-01682 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB27 septembre 20239 novembre 202322 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La commission américaine des libertés religieuses internationales a signalé que divers acteurs en Inde ont préconisé, institué et appliqué des politiques sectaires visant à établir l’Inde à titre d’état ouvertement hindou, à l’encontre de la fondation séculaire et pluraliste de l’Inde, ce qui pose un grave danger aux minorités religieuses de l’Inde;
  • Les chrétiens en Inde font l’objet d’attaques ciblées de la part d’extrémistes, avec 486 incidents d’attaques anti-chrétiennes en 2021 selon le United Christian Forum, et plus de 300 attaques en date de juillet 2022, en plus de cas bien documentés de vandalisme dans les églises, d’agressions contre des personnes travaillant pour des églises et de menaces et d’humiliations à l’encontre de congrégations chrétiennes;
  • Selon un rapport de 2021 du Bureau indien d’information sur les crimes, on signale toutes les heures des crimes contre des groupes dalits, y compris contre des femmes et des filles dalits, les cas étant passés de 50 291 en 2020 à 50 900 en 2021;
  • Les musulmans indiens sont à risque de génocide selon l’ONG Genocide Watch, qui a documenté des « signes et des processus » de génocide en Inde, ce que confirment d’autres rapports crédibles selon lesquels de plus en plus de minorités musulmanes sont victimes de menaces, d’agressions, de violence sexuelle et d’assassinats, le tout de manière organisée et ciblée.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. Veiller officiellement à ce que tous les accords commerciaux avec l’Inde, dont l’Accord commercial des premiers progrès (ACPP), l’Accord de partenariat économique global (APEG) et l’Accord sur la promotion et la protection des investissements étrangers (APIE), contiennent des dispositions obligatoires sur le respect des droits de la personne;2. Imposer des sanctions ciblées contre les extrémistes reconnus coupables d’incitation à la violence contre les minorités religieuses en Inde;3. Promouvoir un dialogue mutuellement respectueux et mutuellement avantageux sur les droits de la personne entre le Canada et l’Inde.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to creating economic opportunities through initiatives such as trade agreements so that more Canadians can engage in, and benefit from, trade, while at the same time advancing broader social, labour, and environmental priorities in Canada, such as inclusive growth and the promotion of human rights. Fostering greater engagement and closer ties with countries through trade agreements is also an effective way of promoting Canadian values, such as human rights, democracy, openness, respect for the rule of law, and rules-based international trade. With respect to trade agreement negotiations, the Government of Canada has paused negotiations with India to further review and reflect. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting exporters to find opportunities to expand into international markets, including in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific Region.The promotion and protection of human rights has long been an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada believes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. Canada’s autonomous sanctions regime is one of many tools that support this important work. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights, such as freedom of religion or belief and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups around the world, on an ongoing basis. Canada is also committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally and at home, working with partners to create a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity and against the persecution of minorities on the grounds of religion or belief. No person or group should face restrictions on the freedom to practise their faith or belief, whether in the form of laws, policies, or actions or through harassment or violence. It causes suffering and division and leads to a climate of fear, intolerance, and stigmatization. Canada will continue to stand up for this freedom while promoting diversity and inclusion for all.
Commerce internationalDroits de la personneIndeMinorités religieuses
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01683441-01683 (Droits de la personne)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB27 septembre 20239 novembre 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01684441-01684 (Sécurité publique)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB27 septembre 20239 novembre 202316 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01685441-01685 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB27 septembre 20239 novembre 20239 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023e-4508e-4508 (Récompenses et distinctions honorifiques)SandraKlemet-N'GuessanMichelleFerreriPeterborough—KawarthaConservateurON17 juillet 2023 à 15 h 03 (HAE)16 août 2023 à 15 h 03 (HAE)28 septembre 20239 novembre 202316 août 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Les étudiants des cycles supérieurs et les chercheurs postdoctoraux constituent la main-d’œuvre du Canada en recherche et innovation. Chaque jour, ils font des découvertes qui contribuent à notre société, dans les domaines de la médecine, de l’ingénierie, des sciences naturelles, des sciences sociales et des sciences humaines. Ces découvertes sont le moteur de notre économie, et nous avons plus que jamais besoin de leur créativité et de leur sens de l’innovation pour que le Canada reste compétitif sur la scène internationale. Malheureusement, les étudiants des cycles supérieurs et les chercheurs postdoctoraux canadiens sont mal payés en raison de la stagnation, depuis 20 ans, du financement fédéral des bourses d’études, des bourses de recherche et des subventions versées par les trois organismes subventionnaires fédéraux. L’insuffisance des investissements entraîne une perte rapide de talents, certains de ces étudiants et chercheurs abandonnant leurs recherches parce qu’ils seraient tenus de vivre dans la pauvreté, tandis que d’autres cherchent du travail dans d’autres pays où la rémunération est plus avantageuse. La réussite du Canada dépend de sa capacité à retenir et à attirer les meilleurs étudiants des cycles supérieurs et chercheurs postdoctoraux. Ce sont nos leaders d’aujourd’hui et de demain.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada : 1. D'augmenter de 50 % la valeur des bourses d’études des cycles supérieurs et des bourses postdoctorales attribuées par les trois organismes subventionnaires et de les indexer sur l’inflation;2. D'augmenter de 50 % le nombre de bourses d’études des cycles supérieurs attribuées par les trois organismes subventionnaires;3. D'augmenter de 100 % le nombre de bourses postdoctorales attribuées par les trois organismes subventionnaires;4. D'augmenter d’au moins 10 % par an au cours des cinq prochaines années le budget des subventions de recherche accordées aux facultés par les trois organismes, afin d’augmenter la rémunération des étudiants des cycles supérieurs et des chercheurs postdoctoraux.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Government of Canada recognizes that investment in research and talent is critical to driving discoveries and innovative breakthroughs that generate social, health, and economic benefits for Canadians, as well as to help train the next generation of diverse research leaders. Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $16 billion to support the valuable contributions that scientists and researchers make to the health, well-being, and prosperity of all Canadians.Through Budget 2021, the government announced a total of $1 billion to strengthen research systems and talent pipelines for biomanufacturing and life sciences, through the Tri-Council Canada Biomedical Research Fund, the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Clinical Trials Fund. Budget 2021 also provided $360 million to launch the National Quantum Strategy to amplify Canada's significant strength in quantum research, grow our quantum-ready technologies and talent, and solidify Canada's leadership in the field.The Government of Canada acknowledges the critical role that federal scholarships and fellowships play in nurturing and sustaining Canada’s top talent through support for career progression and increased financial security and independence. The government also recognizes that a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential for creating innovative impactful research. To this end, the granting agencies are continuing their work to increase opportunities for Black student researchers, using the funding received in Budget 2022 for targeted scholarships and fellowships.More recently, through Budget 2023, the government proposed $813.6 million in 2023-24 to increase Canada Student Grants by 40 percent, providing up to $4,200 for full-time students, to support postsecondary students and make life more affordable. Budget 2023 further proposes to raise the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study, and waive the requirement for mature students, aged 22 years or older, to undergo credit screening in order to qualify for federal student grants and loans for the first time, allowing up to 1,000 additional students to benefit from federal aid in the coming year.Budget 2023 also proposed $197.7 million in 2024-25 to the Student Work Placement Program to continue creating quality work-integrated learning opportunities for students through partnerships between employers and post-secondary institutions. This investment will support students in gaining the necessary skills, education, and real-life work experience to transition successfully into the workforce.Looking forward, the Government of Canada remains committed to supporting a strong federal system that fosters new ideas, breakthroughs, and advancements. In order to cement Canada’s leadership position on the world stage, our research support system must meet the needs of today’s research, which is increasingly complex, collaborative, multi- and inter-disciplinary, and international. To these ends, the government recognizes the importance of continued evaluation of and investment in Canada’s science and research ecosystem. The government welcomes the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System’s report and is carefully reviewing the findings and recommendations, and taking them under consideration as it advances its efforts to support the research ecosystem and Canada’s top talent.
Bourses de rechercheConseil de recherches en sciences humainesConseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génieInstituts de recherche en santé du CanadaRecherche universitaire
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01687441-01687 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC28 septembre 20239 novembre 20238 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • les pratiques irresponsables de l’industrie et des multinationales ont mené à la destruction et à la dévalorisation d’une bonne partie des cours d’eau et des bassins hydrographiques du Canada;
  • les lois actuelles ne protègent pas suffisamment les cours d’eau et les bassins hydrographiques du Canada contre ces pratiques irresponsables;
  • en protégeant les cours d’eau et les bassins hydrographiques, on protège aussi les forêts, les pêches, les terres et l’air du Canada.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes assemblée en Parlement de :
  • mettre à jour la législation canadienne sur les cours et plans d’eau afin qu’aucun secteur d’activité ou entreprise ne passe avant la santé des cours d’eau, des bassins hydrographiques et, par extension, des habitants, des espèces animales et végétales et des terres du Canada;
  • veiller à ce que cette mise à jour se fasse sous la direction de professionnels et de spécialistes de la conservation des eaux.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTA clean and safe freshwater supply is essential to the well-being of Canadians, the health and sustainability of the environment, and the economy. Hence, the Government of Canada has committed to:
  • establishing a federal Canada Water Agency to work with the provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders to find the best ways to keep Canada’s water safe, clean, and well-managed;
  • implementing a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment to provide funding to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration work in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe;
  • investing in the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario to support international freshwater science and research; and
  • following the establishment of a Canada Water Agency, advancing the modernization of the Canada Water Act to reflect Canada’s freshwater reality including climate change and Indigenous rights.
To advance these commitments, Budget 2023 proposed to provide:
  • $650 million over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to support monitoring, assessment, and restoration work in the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, St. Lawrence River, Fraser River, Saint John River, Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.
  • $22.6 million over three years, starting in 2023-24, to support better coordination of efforts to protect freshwater across Canada.
  • $85.1 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $0.4 million in remaining amortization and $21 million ongoing thereafter to support the creation of the Canada Water Agency, which will be headquartered in Winnipeg.
Budget 2022 provided:
  • $25.0 million over five years, starting in 2022-2023, for the Experimental Lakes Area in northern Ontario to support international freshwater science and research.
On June 12, 2023, the government created the Canada Water Agency as a branch within Environment and Climate Change Canada. The Agency is the federal focal point for fresh water working in partnership with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, and stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on fresh water.Budget 2023 indicated that legislation will be introduced that will fully establish the Canada Water Agency as a standalone entity.To learn more about the Canada Water Agency, please consult the Agency website at https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/water-overview/canada-water-agency.htmlAnother way that the Government of Canada protects and conserves Canada’s water resources is by administering laws that control pollution such as the Fisheries Act.Environment and Climate Change Canada is the lead department responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Fisheries Act pollution prevention provisions (except for their application to aquaculture and the control and eradication of aquatic invasive species and aquatic pests, which are under the responsibility of the Department of Fisheries and Ocean). Subsection 36(3) prohibits the deposit of any deleterious substances in water frequented by fish or to any place where it may enter water frequented by fish, unless authorized by federal regulations. Deleterious substances include any substance that, if added to water, would degrade, alter or form part of a process of degradation or alteration of the quality of water so that it is rendered deleterious to fish or fish habitat or to the use of fish by humans. Any regulations developed under section 36 set strict requirements on deposits to water. These regulations can impose conditions such as limits on the maximum quantities of deleterious substances released into water, and can include environmental effects monitoring and other reporting requirements for facilities. Modern Fisheries Act regulations include the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulations, the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, and the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations.Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing proposed regulations to address deposits to water from coal mining and is investigating risk management approaches for tailings ponds from oil sands operations.To learn more about these proposed regulations, as well as upcoming improvements to existing regulations, please consult the Fisheries Act Forward Regulatory Plan 2023-2025 available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/corporate/transparency/acts-regulations/forward-regulatory-plan/2023-2025/fisheries-act.html.Environment and Climate Change Canada enforces the subsection 36(3) prohibition, as well as regulations under the Fisheries Act according to the Compliance and Enforcement Policy for Habitat Protection and Pollution Prevention Provisions of the Fisheries Act: www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/environmental-enforcement/publications/compliance-enforcement-policy-fisheries-act.html
Bassins hydrographiquesProtection de l'environnementVoies navigables intérieures
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01688441-01688 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC28 septembre 20239 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01689441-01689 (Santé)MelArnoldNorth Okanagan—ShuswapConservateurBC28 septembre 20239 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au ministre de la Santé Attendu que : Santé Canada propose de modifier considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN) et que nous comptons sur ces produits, qui comprennent des produits de tous les jours tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les écrans solaires minéraux, dans le cadre de nos soins de santé proactifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront considérablement et le choix des consommateurs diminuera énormément, à un moment où l’inflation est à son plus haut niveau et où l’accès aux soins de santé est à son plus bas niveau;Santé Canada a récemment proposé d’imposer de nouveaux frais substantiels pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, tout en mettant en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage;Ces mesures sont injustes, irréalistes et si coûteuses pour l’industrie qu’elles obligeront de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada;Le fardeau de ces coûts sera répercuté sur les consommateurs, et ce ne sont pas des changements ou des frais que les Canadiens peuvent assumer;L’augmentation des frais et les nouvelles règles d’étiquetage ne contribuent pas à la sécurité en ce qui a trait à la consommation de PSN, mais plutôt à l’augmentation du coût des produits; En fait, cette réglementation excessive obligera les consommateurs à se tourner vers des produits en ligne, ce qui pourrait amener des gens à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés qui proviennent de l’étranger.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler en collaboration avec l’industrie en vue de l’adoption d’un étiquetage moderne et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de mieux tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie et de ne mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires qu’une fois que sera modifié le cadre de réglementation des produits d’autosoins, que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les opérations se dérouleront efficacement et qu’il y aura des politiques et des procédures en place pour assurer la poursuite et la stabilité des opérations.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01690441-01690 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB28 septembre 20239 novembre 202328 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01691441-01691 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB28 septembre 20239 novembre 202322 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La commission américaine des libertés religieuses internationales a signalé que divers acteurs en Inde ont préconisé, institué et appliqué des politiques sectaires visant à établir l’Inde à titre d’état ouvertement hindou, à l’encontre de la fondation séculaire et pluraliste de l’Inde, ce qui pose un grave danger aux minorités religieuses de l’Inde;
  • Les chrétiens en Inde font l’objet d’attaques ciblées de la part d’extrémistes, avec 486 incidents d’attaques anti-chrétiennes en 2021 selon le United Christian Forum, et plus de 300 attaques en date de juillet 2022, en plus de cas bien documentés de vandalisme dans les églises, d’agressions contre des personnes travaillant pour des églises et de menaces et d’humiliations à l’encontre de congrégations chrétiennes;
  • Selon un rapport de 2021 du Bureau indien d’information sur les crimes, on signale toutes les heures des crimes contre des groupes dalits, y compris contre des femmes et des filles dalits, les cas étant passés de 50 291 en 2020 à 50 900 en 2021;
  • Les musulmans indiens sont à risque de génocide selon l’ONG Genocide Watch, qui a documenté des « signes et des processus » de génocide en Inde, ce que confirment d’autres rapports crédibles selon lesquels de plus en plus de minorités musulmanes sont victimes de menaces, d’agressions, de violence sexuelle et d’assassinats, le tout de manière organisée et ciblée.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. Veiller officiellement à ce que tous les accords commerciaux avec l’Inde, dont l’Accord commercial des premiers progrès (ACPP), l’Accord de partenariat économique global (APEG) et l’Accord sur la promotion et la protection des investissements étrangers (APIE), contiennent des dispositions obligatoires sur le respect des droits de la personne;2. Imposer des sanctions ciblées contre les extrémistes reconnus coupables d’incitation à la violence contre les minorités religieuses en Inde;3. Promouvoir un dialogue mutuellement respectueux et mutuellement avantageux sur les droits de la personne entre le Canada et l’Inde.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to creating economic opportunities through initiatives such as trade agreements so that more Canadians can engage in, and benefit from, trade, while at the same time advancing broader social, labour, and environmental priorities in Canada, such as inclusive growth and the promotion of human rights. Fostering greater engagement and closer ties with countries through trade agreements is also an effective way of promoting Canadian values, such as human rights, democracy, openness, respect for the rule of law, and rules-based international trade. With respect to trade agreement negotiations, the Government of Canada has paused negotiations with India to further review and reflect. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting exporters to find opportunities to expand into international markets, including in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific Region.The promotion and protection of human rights has long been an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada believes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. Canada’s autonomous sanctions regime is one of many tools that support this important work. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights, such as freedom of religion or belief and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups around the world, on an ongoing basis. Canada is also committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally and at home, working with partners to create a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity and against the persecution of minorities on the grounds of religion or belief. No person or group should face restrictions on the freedom to practise their faith or belief, whether in the form of laws, policies, or actions or through harassment or violence. It causes suffering and division and leads to a climate of fear, intolerance, and stigmatization. Canada will continue to stand up for this freedom while promoting diversity and inclusion for all.
Commerce internationalDroits de la personneIndeMinorités religieuses
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01692441-01692 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON28 septembre 20239 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
       
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01694441-01694 (Fiscalité)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC29 septembre 20239 novembre 202322 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • La première taxe sur le carbone, avec la taxe de vente, ajoutera 41 cents au prix du litre d’essence et la deuxième taxe sur le carbone, avec la taxe de vente, en ajoutera 20 cents de plus;
  • La combinaison des deux taxes sur le carbone signifiera que la population canadienne paiera 61 cents de plus par litre d’essence;
  • Le fait de rendre la vie encore plus chère pour la population canadienne en pleine crise du coût de la vie par la mise en œuvre d’une deuxième taxe sur le carbone montre à quel point le premier ministre libéral est déconnecté de la réalité;
  • Le directeur parlementaire du budget confirme que les deux taxes sur le carbone feront augmenter le coût net jusqu’à 4 000 $ selon la province où les gens habitent.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de faire en sorte que la Chambre reconnaisse l’échec de la première taxe sur le carbone et de presser le gouvernement d’annuler tout de suite la deuxième taxe sur le carbone (le Règlement sur les combustibles propres).
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTImpacts from climate change are wide-ranging and costly, affecting Canadians’ homes, cost of living, infrastructure, health and safety, and economic activity in communities across Canada.Market-based approaches, such as carbon pollution pricing and Clean Fuel Regulations, are widely recognized as the most efficient ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize innovation and investments in clean technologies.The Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) require gasoline and diesel primary suppliers to reduce the lifecycle carbon intensity (CI) of the gasoline and diesel they produce and import for use in Canada. The CFR establishes a credit market whereby the annual CI reduction requirement can be met via three main categories of credit-creating actions:(1) projects that reduce the CI of fossil fuel throughout its lifecycle (e.g., carbon capture and storage);(2) supplying low-carbon intensity fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel); and, (3) supplying fuel and energy in advanced vehicle technologies (e.g., electricity for Electric Vehicles). Parties that are not fossil fuel primary suppliers may participate in the credit market as voluntary credit creators by completing certain actions (e.g., low-carbon intensity fuel producers and importers).The CFR also creates opportunities for voluntary parties and supporting industries. The CFR encourages innovation and growth by increasing incentives for the development and adoption of clean fuels and energy-efficient technologies and processes. For example, biofuel producers, which are not regulated under the CFR, will see an increased demand for their product. In turn, biofuel feedstock providers, such as farmers and foresters, will also have an economic opportunity.The Government of Canada expects that the cost to comply with the CFR will be small to begin with and will increase gradually over time. By 2030, according to the Regulatory Impact Assessment Statement (found at https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2022/2022-07-06/html/sor-dors140-eng.html ), Canadians who drive gasoline-powered vehicles may see an increase in fuel price of $0.06 to $0.13 per litre. However, the final price impacts will depend on refineries. The CFR provides many paths for refineries and importers to clean up the pollution associated with their fuel.The Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report “A Distributional Analysis of the Clean Fuel Regulations” assumed the improbable highest-cost scenario where regulated parties meet compliance solely through credit purchases. The report did not take into consideration the economic and environmental benefits that the CFR will have in addition to not considering an updated social cost of carbon. The Government of Canada published an updated social cost of carbon estimate that, if used to model the CFR, would estimate a positive economic benefit from avoiding 26 megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions in 2030.The CFR complements carbon pollution pricing. While carbon pricing creates a broad incentive across the whole economy to use less energy and improve efficiency, the CFR targets transformational changes in how liquid fuels are produced and used in Canada. Actions taken to meet the obligations set by the CFR can also reduce the overall emissions of a refinery, reducing its exposure to federal or provincial carbon pricing systems for industry.Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends against simply adding the projected cost impacts of the fuel charge and CFR. The two measures work very differently. In addition, the impact of the CFR on gasoline prices will depend on decisions made by refineries about how to comply.     
Règlement sur les combustibles propresTaxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01695441-01695 (Santé)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC29 septembre 20239 novembre 202326 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE : Santé Canada propose de changer considérablement la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels; Les produits de santé naturels englobent des produits de tous les jours comme les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les lotions SPF que les Canadiens utilisent quotidiennement dans leur régime de vie proactif; Les changements provoqueront la hausse des prix à la consommation et réduiront radicalement l’éventail des produits offerts au moment même où l’inflation atteint un sommet et que l’accès aux soins de santé devient de plus en plus difficile; Santé Canada a récemment proposé l’imposition de nouveaux frais élevés à l’importation, à la fabrication et à la vente de produits de santé naturels en même temps qu’il met en œuvre une nouvelle législation sur l’étiquetage; Cette situation forcera de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada, ce qui réduira le choix de produits de santé naturels accessibles aux Canadiens. PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé de travailler avec l’industrie afin de moderniser l’étiquetage et de rajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés afin de tenir compte de la taille et de la portée de l’industrie; de faire en sorte que les modifications de la réglementation ne soient envisagées qu’une fois que le Cadre sur l’autonomie en matière de soins aura été modifié et que les arriérés auront été éliminés, que les activités se dérouleront efficacement et que des politiques et procédures seront en place pour garantir la stabilité du processus de sélection pour les produits de santé naturels.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The HonourableHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023, Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01696441-01696 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC29 septembre 20239 novembre 20233 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le guillemot marbré (Brachyrampus marmoratus) est inscrit sur la liste des espèces « menacées » de la Loi sur les espèces en péril (LEP) depuis 2003 et est un oiseau migrateur protégé par la Loi de 1994 sur la Convention concernant les oiseaux migrateurs;
  • Dans le programme de rétablissement fédéral, on souligne que le guillemot marbré est menacé principalement à cause de la destruction continue de l’habitat de nidification dans les forêts anciennes, qui découle en grande partie des opérations forestières industrielles;
  • Tous les nids sont protégés en vertu de la Loi fédérale sur les espèces en péril et de la Loi sur la Convention concernant les oiseaux migrateurs, mais ceux des guillemots marbrés sont presque imperceptibles, et, par conséquent, la protection existante n’est pas suffisante pour que cette espèce soit sauvegardée;
  • Les intervenants de l’industrie forestière échouent constamment à respecter leur obligation de faire rapport dans le cadre des projets de blocs de coupe;
  • En 2021, des biologistes ont observé plus de 300 détections vérifiées de guillemots marbrés dans le bloc de coupe 8022, concession de ferme forestière (TFL) numéro 46, ainsi que des comportements de nidification dans la forêt;
  • Les petites aires d’habitat d’espèces sauvages existant dans la concession de ferme forestière numéro 46 contiennent uniquement 26 % d’habitat de nidification propice à l’espèce selon les cartes sur l’habitat propice de 2018;
  • Les forêts anciennes répondent à la définition d’un large éventail de valeurs axées sur la biodiversité selon les définitions de la Convention sur la diversité biologique.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de protéger immédiatement tous les habitats essentiels de forêts anciennes que fréquentent les guillemots marbrés (Brachyrampus marmoratus), qui constituent des refuges régis par la Loi de 1994 sur la Convention concernant les oiseaux migrateurs.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada is committed to halting and reversing the loss of this country’s rich biodiversity. In support of this commitment, Environment and Climate Change Canada is leading the development of Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy. The 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy will establish a shared vision for halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada, reflect Canada’s domestic priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and guide how Canada implements the Global Biodiversity Framework domestically.The Government of Canada recognizes that the environment and the conservation of biodiversity is a shared responsibility in Canada, and that real progress can only be made if all levels of governments share objectives and work in collaboration to achieve them. Species at risk are on the front line of biodiversity loss, and the federal, provincial and territorial governments have been working cooperatively to protect and recover Canada’s imperiled species for close to three decades. The Government of Canada respects provincial and territorial jurisdiction and therefore first looks to them to protect terrestrial species and their habitat as well as migratory birds’ habitat beyond the nest on non-federally administered lands.The statutory scheme protecting migratory birds under both the Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994, respects and supports this reality and achieves two principal goals: (1) it ensures the protection of individuals, nests, and eggs of migratory birds, and (2) it complies with the constitutional division of powers and the principles of subsidiarity and cooperative federalism.The Species at Risk Act (SARA) is the Government of Canada's key legislative tool to protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats. SARA provides a legal framework for identifying, listing, and managing at-risk species and mandates the development of recovery strategies and action plans, with the goal of preventing species extinction and promoting their recovery. SARA also includes provisions for critical habitat protection. The Act is based on cooperation between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, intending a coordinated effort to safeguard Canada's diverse wildlife and ecosystems, and supports the Government of Canada’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Minister of the Environment is also responsible for the administration of the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 (MBCA), which provides for the protection of migratory birds through the Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, and the Migratory Birds Sanctuary Regulations. The Act prohibits the hunting, possession, and trade of migratory birds, their nests, and eggs without permits. Regulations under the MBCA provide a framework for species-specific protection, hunting seasons, and to focus conservation efforts.  In 2022, the Migratory Bird Regulations were modernized.  The new Migratory Birds Regulations, 2022, provide protection to migratory bird nests when they are considered to have a high conservation value for migratory birds. The nests of all migratory bird species are protected when they contain a live bird or a viable egg. This supports conservation benefits as the nests of most migratory birds only have conservation value when they are active.  In general, the Regulations grant authority to federal agencies to enforce these laws, ensuring the sustainability of migratory bird populations. The federal government also works with the provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous nations and various partners to protect migratory bird habitat through the work of North American Waterfowl Management Plan Habitat Joint Ventures, the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Network, Important Bird Areas program, and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas.As a migratory bird and listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act, the marbled murrelet is protected under both SARA and the MBCA. The amended final Recovery Strategy for the Marbled Murrelet in Canada was published on the SAR Public Registry in January 2023. This recovery strategy partially identifies critical habitat for the species in Canada where available information in terrestrial and marine habitats was adequate to do so. There are also three multispecies Action Plans that include Marbled Murrelet for lands and waters administered by the Parks Canada Agency.  In March and December 2022, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada issued protection statements pursuant to subsection 58(5.2)(b) of SARA indicating how the critical habitat of certain migratory birds (including Marbled Murrelet), that is habitat to which the MBCA applies, is legally protected. Nests of migratory birds are legally protected through the following Acts of Parliament and relevant provisions: s.33 of SARA, s.5 of the Migratory Birds Regulations, and s.3(2) of the Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations. The protection statement noted that: “For clarity, the language ‘habitat to which that Act [MBCA] applies’ refers to the nest only.” The text of the protection statement can be found on the Species at Risk Public Registry: Protection statement: habitat to which the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 applies for migratory birds listed under the Species at Risk ActIn addition to fulfilling its obligations under SARA and the MBCA for the species, the Government of Canada recognizes that more needs to be done to protect the old-growth forests that support the Marbled Murrelet.Canada’s forests, and in particular British Columbia’s (B.C.) old-growth forests, are rich with biodiversity and provide important habitat for a range of wildlife. In addition to these habitat functions, forests are key to the health of our climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old-growth forests, like those in British Columbia, also function as important carbon reservoirs.Forest management is the jurisdiction of provincial governments, and the vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia, approximately 96% of forests are on provincial crown land. At the same time, the federal government is committed to supporting the province’s effort to manage and conserve old-growth forests given their significance for migratory birds, species at risk and their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and their associated wildlife.To demonstrate federal support, the 2022 Federal Budget established a $50 million Old Growth Nature Fund, which will focus on protecting at-risk high productivity old-growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding will support planning and collaboration with B.C. and Indigenous communities, and provide incentives for third-party funders, to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. The Old Growth Nature Fund will also contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieve Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of British Columbia are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada. Federal officials are also working with their provincial and Indigenous colleagues and partners to finalize a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation and to explore additional ways to encourage and support the province in its efforts to protect and restore habitat.The federal government has also contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 hectares of forest habitat in B.C. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, and the Ecological Gifts Program.The federal government is also working to ensure forests, including old-growth forests, are considered in the context of ongoing species at risk and nature-related engagement with provincial and territorial partners. For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders are engaged in the development of a forest sector action plan that will help guide collaborative efforts to recover species at risk under the Pan Canadian Approach to Species at Risk.   
Conservation des habitatsEspèces en voie de disparitionLoi de 1994 sur la convention concernant les oiseaux migrateursOiseaux migrateurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01697441-01697 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON29 septembre 20239 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
     
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01698441-01698 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK29 septembre 20239 novembre 202318 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01699441-01699 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK29 septembre 20239 novembre 202317 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01700441-01700 (Droits de la personne)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK29 septembre 20239 novembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01701441-01701 (Droits de la personne)DaneLloydSturgeon River—ParklandConservateurAB29 septembre 20239 novembre 202328 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01702441-01702 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB29 septembre 20239 novembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01703441-01703 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB29 septembre 20239 novembre 202318 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01704441-01704 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB29 septembre 20239 novembre 20239 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 novembre 2023441-01705441-01705 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB29 septembre 20239 novembre 202330 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit.Attendu que :
  • La soi-disant « politique d’aide internationale féministe » du gouvernement libéral traite avec mépris les valeurs culturelles et l’autonomie des femmes dans les pays en développement, en soutenant des organisations qui violent les lois locales sur l’avortement et qui favorisent l’avortement au détriment de priorités en matière de développement international comme l’accès à de l’eau potable, l’accès à des aliments de base et le développement économique;
  • L’approche libérale en matière de développement international ciblant les femmes et les filles a récemment été critiquée par la vérificatrice générale parce qu’elle n’est assortie d’aucune mesure des résultats;
  • Dans le cadre de l’Initiative de Muskoka (lancée par le précédent gouvernement conservateur), des investissements historiques ont été faits pour favoriser le bien-être des femmes et des filles dans le monde entier. Cette initiative mettait l’accent sur l’optimisation des ressources et garantissait que les investissements soient consacrés aux priorités définies par les femmes localement.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’aligner les dépenses en matière de développement international sur l’approche adoptée dans le cadre de l’initiative de Muskoka, en consacrant les fonds de développement international à la satisfaction des besoins fondamentaux des femmes vulnérables dans le monde, plutôt qu’à la promotion de programmes idéologiques susceptibles d’être contraires aux valeurs locales des pays en développement, et en mesurant les résultats obtenus.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is a global leader in protecting and advancing the health, rights and well-being of the poorest and most vulnerable, with the empowerment of women and girls at the core of Canada’s international assistance policies and programmes. Canada spearheaded the Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn, and Child health (MNCH) during its G8 presidency in 2010, and committed $2.85 billion between 2010 and 2015. In 2015, Canada renewed its support for MNCH by committing an additional $3.5 billion over the 2016 to 2020 period. In 2016-2017, Under the Her Voice Her Choice initiative, Canada committed a further $650 million for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programming between 2017 and 2020. The added focus on SRHR was informed by consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders, the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), and research evidence published in the 2018 Guttmacher-Lancet Commission on SRHR. Canada’s current commitment, the 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights (10YC), builds on decades of Canadian leadership in global health. Through this commitment, Canada will reach an average of $1.4 billion annually by 2023 to support women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health around the world, of which $700 million is allocated to SRHR. This is Canada’s longest, largest, and most comprehensive global health commitment to date and is a key vehicle for implementing Canada’s FIAP, strengthening health systems post COVID-19, and supporting the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.Through the 10YC, Canada continues to advance these priorities, while also promoting a complementary emphasis on comprehensive SRHR that supports country-led efforts to advance the health and rights of women and girls and address the socio-economic and cultural barriers that limit their attainment of gender equality. Through the 10YC, Canada is supporting interventions such as school meals programs, water and sanitation programming, micronutrient supplementation, community-based nutrition programs, midwifery training, and enhanced neo-natal care. Canada also continues to support large-scale investments to combat infectious diseases and strengthen health systems with key global health players, including the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria ($5.3 billion, 2002-2025) Gavi Vaccine Alliance ($2.3 billion, 2000-2025), and the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents ($630 million, 2015-2025).Canada is committed to ensuring its interventions in developing countries are locally-led. Canada’s work is built on the value it places on local partnerships, and partners are carefully selected to ensure that government, local organizations and women and youth themselves, are central in the design and delivery of international assistance programming. This approach is consistent with the principles outlined in Canada’s Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (ODAAA), which requires that Canada’s aid responds to local perspectives and priorities. Aligned with the FIAP and ODAAA principles, Canada supports local ownership and works to ensure that all initiatives are grounded in local needs, priorities and contexts, which are the basis for deep and relevant engagement with local communities, including being designed and implemented with and by local partners and aligned with national legislation and country priorities. Within Canada’s global health investments, all efforts are made to ensure that, where feasible and appropriate, government, local organizations and beneficiaries, including youth and women’s-rights organizations, are involved throughout the project cycle, from design to evaluation. This ensures that programming remains responsive to local needs, values and priorities.Under the 10YC Accountability Framework, Canada has committed to publishing annual reports on the 10YC implementation progress, including tracking of funding and results achieved. The inaugural 2020-21 Report on the 10-Year Commitment is an example of Canada’s commitment to transparency, dialogue and partnership, moving beyond discussions about money committed and spent to a different conversation about using evidence and experience to improve and drive results and impact for communities around the world. The 2021-2022 Report on the 10-Year Commitment will be published in November 2023.
Aide au développement internationalFemmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 novembre 2023441-01658441-01658 (Justice)JohnWilliamsonNouveau-Brunswick-Sud-OuestConservateurNB25 septembre 20238 novembre 202314 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :De nombreux rapports récents et inquiétants font état de personnes ayant recours à l’euthanasie au Canada en raison d’un manque d’accès adéquat à des soins et à du soutien;La légalisation de la mise à mort administrée ou supervisée par l’État de personnes souffrant de problèmes de santé mentale minera les efforts de prévention du suicide; Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé l’infanticide en étendant l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;L’infanticide est toujours répréhensible.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada et au Parlement de :1. Abroger le projet de loi C 7 et protéger les Canadiens qui luttent contre la maladie mentale en facilitant le traitement et le rétablissement, et non la mort;2. Rejeter l’extension de l’euthanasie aux enfants et aux nourrissons.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirC-7, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le Parlement du Canada et apportant des modifications corrélative et connexes à d'autres loisEnfantsSanté mentaleSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 novembre 2023441-01657441-01657 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB25 septembre 20238 novembre 20231 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 novembre 2023441-01656441-01656 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON25 septembre 20238 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
     
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 novembre 2023441-01655441-01655 (Santé)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC25 septembre 20238 novembre 20237 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :La crise des opioïdes est l’une des urgences de santé publique les plus meurtrières de notre époque, compte tenu de la vingtaine de décès qu’elle cause chaque jour et de son bilan total de 30 843 morts en six ans et trois mois (de janvier 2016 à mars 2022);La crise des surdoses fait rage.Nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de qualifier la crise des surdoses d’une urgence sanitaire nationale et : De prendre des mesures pour mettre fin aux décès et aux blessures causés par les surdoses; D’élaborer sans attendre avec les provinces et les territoires un plan d’action pancanadien complet en matière de surdoses;De veiller à ce que le plan, quel qu’il soit, tienne compte des réformes que d’autres pays ont pu faire, comme réglementer les drogues pour assurer un approvisionnement sûr, décriminaliser la consommation personnelle, et modifier les politiques et les interventions policières inefficaces en matière de drogues;De veiller à ce que les fonds adéquats soient débloqués et que des programmes appropriés soient mis en place.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. While there are a number of complex factors that contribute to the high rates of overdoses that we are seeing today, four out of every five deaths are caused by opioids that come from the illegal drug supply which has become increasingly more toxic and unpredictable. The cost of substance use-related harms is not limited to the loss of lives alone and, more broadly, impacts health, social well-being, and public safety.The Government of Canada takes this crisis very seriously and is committed to working together with all orders of government, Indigenous Peoples and communities, partners from law enforcement, criminal justice, health and social systems, and people with lived and living experience and other key stakeholders, to take urgent action and leverage every available tool to save lives and work towards an end to this national public health crisis.Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. This includes the power to declare a public health emergency which allows a provincial or territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary powers in response to a significant increase in opioid-related deaths as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta in May 2017. More recently, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency in January 2022. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some Indigenous communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths.Invoking the federal Emergencies Act is intended to serve as a tool of last resort to ensure the safety and security of Canadians in cases of temporary, critical national emergencies that cannot be addressed with existing federal, provincial or territorial laws. As such, the Emergencies Act is not an appropriate mechanism to address the ongoing overdose crisis, which requires a longer-term, sustained, and multi-jurisdictional effort to address the complex, interrelated health, social and economic factors driving substance use-related deaths and harms.The Government of Canada has publicly recognized the overdose crisis is a public health crisis. Canada is committed to continued action using the broad range of powers at its disposal and to take steps to end overdose deaths and substance-use related harms. Canada’s approach to addressing the overdose crisis and substance use-related harms is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada and keep our communities safe. Recognizing the need for comprehensive approaches to save lives, our government supports a full range of integrated, evidence-based services and supports, including improving access to treatment and harm reduction; increasing awareness, prevention and stigma reduction activities; further building the evidence base; and strengthening enforcement to address illegal drug production and trafficking.Since 2017, the federal government has made commitments of more than $1 billion and has taken significant action to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. This includes a Budget 2023 commitment of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing, to support a renewed CDSS which will continue to guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians by :
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
These investments have made a difference in reducing overdose deaths and harms. For example, through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP), Health Canada has provided over $500 million to support more than 380 community-based projects focused on innovative treatment, harm reduction, prevention and stigma reduction activities. More than $26 million of this funding was dedicated to expanding Naloxone awareness, training and distribution across Canada. We also  invested $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternatives to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of June 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.These investments have also improved access to treatment. For example, provinces and territories have used federal investments provided through Budget 2018 for the Emergency Treatment Fund to expand existing treatment approaches such as services to support youth with substance use disorder, withdrawal management services appropriate for people who use methamphetamine, Rapid Access Addictions Medicine clinics, and access to opioid dependence treatments, and culturally-appropriate care for Indigenous communities. Funds have also been used to implement innovative approaches to treatment, including ‘wrap-around’ care and the development of telehealth infrastructure to connect clients in remote and rural settings.In addition to these investments, the Government of Canada has supported the expansion of supervised consumption services (SCS) across Canada and also proactively issued exemptions that allow provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved SCS has grown from one to 40. Since 2017, they have received over 4.3 million visits, responded to almost 50,000 overdoses, and made 257,000 referrals to health and social services [as of October 2023].We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal to respond to this crisis and to keep communities safe. Our government works closely with domestic and international partners to address the toxic illegal drug supply that is driving substance use harms and overdose deaths. We continue to equip border agents with the tools necessary to intercept controlled substances. For example, we have made it harder to access chemicals used to make fentanyl by scheduling them under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and have also amended legislation to allow border officers to open mail of any weight, in order to stop drugs like fentanyl and carfentanil from entering Canada illegally through the mail system. Our government also works with private sector partners to address money laundering of the proceeds of illegal drug trafficking in an effort to dismantle the organized crime groups involved in the supply of these toxic illegal drugs.With respect to the call for immediate collaboration with provinces and territories, the Government of Canada continues to lead efforts to facilitate opportunities for collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, community-based organizations, and other partners and stakeholders to reduce the harms associated with substance use and support efforts to provide a full range of culturally appropriate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed health and social services and supports to meet the diverse needs of people who use drugs.On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by nearly $200 billion over 10 years, in order to improve Canada’s health care system. This investment includes $25 billion for shared health priorities, including increasing access to mental health and substance use services and supports. These commitments are in addition to existing bilateral agreements with provinces and territories for health priorities, including mental health and substance use, that were put in place in 2017. These investments will set the foundation for long-term, integrated and sustained health care system change that builds on existing, targeted actions to address mental health and substance use challenges.We have also established federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the FPT Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the FPT Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners. In addition, discussions are held with provinces and territories at the Deputy Minister and Ministerial level through meetings of the Conference of Deputy Ministers of Health and the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Health Minister’s Meetings.To inform the federal approach, our government also regularly consults with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. Health Canada established the People with Lived and Living Experience Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We recognize that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments so that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.With respect to safer supply, a number of researchers in academic institutions across Canada are studying this emerging approach, contributing to the evidence base that can inform decision-making at local, provincial and federal levels. Safer supply builds on the evidence from medication-assisted approaches to the treatment of substance use disorder, with safer supply services having a number of unique goals and approaches that need to be assessed and evaluated on their own merits.The evidence base around safer supply is still developing, but is growing. Existing studies and evaluations of safer supply programs are showing some promising early outcomes, including:
  • reduced emergency department visits and hospitalizations; and
  • client reports of reductions in overdoses and illegal drug use, reduced engagement in criminalized activities, access to health and social services, improved trust in primary care providers among clients who face barriers to care, and other quality of life improvements.
Health Canada is supporting several studies of safer supply. This includes a preliminary assessment of safer supply pilot projects in Ontario, British Columbia and New Brunswick. The federal government, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), is also supporting a study being conducted by a research team from the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse. This four-year evaluation research project focuses on program implementation and the short-term health outcomes of 11 of the government funded safer supply pilot projects. The final results of this study are expected in 2025. Additionally, CIHR has awarded $2 million to the University of Victoria to support a four-year study evaluating the safer supply initiatives in British Columbia in partnership with Indigenous leaders, Elders and system partners.Our government is committed to working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose. Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In addition, in May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia,  a time-limited exemption was granted under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for the personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, individuals will be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they can also receive assistance to connect with those services. This exemption,  which is in effect from January 31, 2023, to January 31, 2026, is part of a much broader strategy British Columbia and this Government are taking to help people who use drugs access supports and services, rather than face criminal charges. This time-limited exemption is being supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes and inform implementation.Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The items above are some examples of concrete actions taken by the federal government to address the overdose crisis, please visit the following website for a comprehensive list of all the actions taken to date.The Government of Canada remains committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to this tragic and complex public health crisis to help reduce harms and save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publiqueUrgences sanitaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 novembre 2023e-4474e-4474 (Santé)BrookeWhitman-RobertsRobMorrisonKootenay—ColumbiaConservateurBC9 juin 2023 à 9 h 27 (HAE)8 août 2023 à 9 h 27 (HAE)25 septembre 20238 novembre 20235 septembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278906" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Santé</Addressee>Considérant que:Santé Canada propose d’apporter des changements importants à la réglementation sur les produits de santé naturels (PSN). Nous comptons sur les PSN, qui incluent des produits de base de la vie quotidienne tels que les suppléments, le dentifrice, les vitamines, les probiotiques et les minéraux FPS, dans le cadre des soins de santé préventifs; Si nous n’agissons pas immédiatement, les prix à la consommation augmenteront de manière considérable et le choix des consommateurs diminuera de façon tout aussi importante;Il convient de souligner que l’inflation n’a jamais été aussi élevée et que l’accès aux soins de santé n’a jamais été aussi difficile;Santé Canada a récemment proposé de nouveaux droits importants pour l’importation, la fabrication et la vente de PSN, en même temps qu’il mettait en œuvre de nouvelles lois sur l’étiquetage; Cette mesure est injuste, irréaliste et si coûteuse pour l’industrie qu’elle contraindra de nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises à cesser leurs activités au Canada; Le fardeau des coûts assumés par ceux qui ont les moyens de les assumer se répercutera sur le consommateur, et les Canadiens n’ont pas les moyens de payer ces changements ou ces frais;L’augmentation des frais et l’étiquetage supplémentaire ne contribuent pas à accroître la sécurité des PSN, elle ne fait que les rendre plus chers à l’achat. En fait, cette réglementation accrue poussera les consommateurs à rechercher des produits en ligne et peut-être à acheter des PSN non conformes et non réglementés en provenance de l’extérieur du Canada.Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au ministre de la Santé de collaborer avec le secteur pour adopter un étiquetage moderne et ajuster les taux de recouvrement des coûts proposés par Santé Canada afin de mieux refléter la taille et le champ d’activités du secteur ainsi que d’attendre, avant de mettre en œuvre de nouveaux changements réglementaires, que le cadre sur les produits d’autosoins soit adapté, que les retards soient rattrapés, que les opérations se déroulent efficacement et que des politiques et des procédures aient été mises en place pour garantir la poursuite d’opérations stables.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandHealth Canada recognizes that natural health products (NHPs) are important to Canadians to help support and maintain their health and is committed to supporting access to natural health products that are safe and of high quality.While NHPs are generally lower risk products, that does not mean they are without risk, especially if products are contaminated, or used improperly.In 2021, the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development completed an audit of Health Canada’s NHP program and found both strengths and areas for improvement. Health Canada committed to undertaking a number of initiatives to improve the oversight of these products.In an effort to make natural health products safer for consumers and support Canadians in making informed choices, Health Canada recently introduced two important regulatory and legislative changes:
  • In July 2022, after extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, Health Canada introduced new regulatory requirements to make natural health product labels easier for Canadians to read and understand. This includes, for example, increased font size and improved colour contrast.
  • In June 2023,  Parliament passed legislation enabling Health Canada to take more action if a serious risk to health is identified with a natural health product. This legislation allows Health Canada to order recalls or add warnings to labels, if necessary, which the Department could not do before.
Presently, NHPs are the only line of health products where the regulatory activities are fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.Health Canada knows that many NHP companies are small businesses and is committed to supporting them. The Department is considering measures to help alleviate the impact of fees on businesses.  This includes fee reductions of 25% to 50% and a full waiver of pre-market evaluation fees for small businesses marketing their first product.Health Canada is actively reviewing thousands of comments received on its fee proposal, including those relating to the proposed fee reductions for small businesses, as part of an open and transparent consultation process with Canadians and businesses. At this time,  Health Canada is considering how best to adjust the  proposed approach to address concerns raised prior to further engagement with stakeholders.Ultimately, this initiative is about ensuring Canadians have access to natural health products that are safe, effective and of high quality, while supporting small businesses through this process.
Produits de santé naturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 novembre 2023441-01653441-01653 (Pêches)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC25 septembre 20238 novembre 20237 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Un sondage réalisé en 2011 a révélé que 70 % des Britanno Colombiens étaient d’accord avec l’énoncé selon lequel « le saumon sauvage du Pacifique revêt autant d’importance pour les Britanno Colombiens que la langue française pour les Québécois »;La montaison du saumon rouge du Fraser a chuté subitement en 2009, alors que 1 million de saumons seulement, sur les 10 millions attendus, sont retournés frayer; Cette chute a incité le gouvernement du Canada à lancer une vaste commission d’enquête fédérale en 2012, sous la direction de l’honorable Bruce Cohen, pour enquêter sur la cause de ce déclin catastrophique; Les recommandations suivantes font partie des 75 recommandations découlant de l’enquête du juge Cohen :
  • Le gouvernement du Canada devrait retirer du mandat de Pêches et Océans la promotion de l’élevage du saumon comme industrie et du saumon d’élevage comme produit,
  • Le ministère des Pêches et des Océans devrait tenir explicitement compte de la proximité du saumon rouge du fleuve Fraser dans l’établissement des fermes salmonicoles, envisager de déménager les fermes salmonicoles qui sont trop près des voies de montaison du saumon, et envisager d’interdire complètement l’élevage du saumon en enclos de filet, particulièrement dans la région des îles Discovery,
  • Le ministère des Pêches et des Océans devrait encourager la Colombie Britannique à exiger que les utilisateurs de pesticides en foresterie et en agriculture consignent les endroits où des pesticides ont été appliqués et les quantités utilisées, et en fasse rapport annuellement à la province,
  • Pour favoriser la pérennité du saumon rouge du fleuve Fraser, le gouvernement du Canada devrait encourager, au Canada et à l’étranger, la prise de mesures raisonnables pour lutter contre les causes du réchauffement des eaux et des changements climatiques;
Des années plus tard, les recommandations du juge Cohen n’ont pas encore été mises en œuvre. PAR CONSÉQUENT, LES PÉTITIONNAIRES prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le principe de précaution et de mettre immédiatement en œuvre les 75 recommandations formulées par le juge Cohen afin de sauver notre saumon.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Diane LebouthillierThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the Cohen Commission’s recommendations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), along with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and the Province of British Columbia (BC), have now taken actions to address all 75 of the recommendations.Many of the Cohen recommendations are broad reaching, and consequently, acting on many of the recommendations is an ongoing task. Ongoing work on many of the Cohen recommendations continues, particularly across several key areas, such as salmon stock assessment, health status assessment, habitat protection and restoration, precautionary approach to salmon aquaculture, and fisheries management.Commitment to ongoing action is reflected in the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan which outlines specific activities and approaches led by DFO over the last five years towards restoring and maintaining healthy and diverse Pacific salmon populations and their habitats. A five-year report of the Implementation Plan was published on September 21, 2023 (www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/annual-annuel/5-year-annee-eng.html).Please see the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update Report and Annex (https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cohen/report-rapport-2018-eng.htm) for more detail on DFO’s actions to date in response to the Cohen Commission recommendations and the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan (https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/ip-pmo/index-eng.html). Additionally, the third Wild Salmon Policy Annual Report was released on February 4, 2022 (https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/annual-annuel/2020-2021-eng.html).  Further, the Government of Canada recognizes that a bold and targeted response with concrete actions is required to address the historic declines facing Pacific salmon. In response, the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI) establishes a more comprehensive and transformative approach to support Pacific salmon rebuilding in both the immediate and longer-term. Working collaboratively with Indigenous groups, partners and stakeholders across British Columbia and the Yukon, the main goal of this initiative is to conserve and restore wild Pacific salmon stocks and their ecosystems, for all that depend on them. The PSSI’s four pillars to achieve this goal are: conservation and stewardship; salmon enhancement; harvest transformation; and integration and collaboration.DFO has addressed the Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 3: “The Government of Canada should remove from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ mandate the promotion of salmon farming as an industry and farmed salmon as a product” as per the ‘Annex to the Cohen Response 2018 Status Update: recommendation response detail’ (http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cohen/annex-annexe-2018-eng.htm).The petition highlights Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 15: “The Department of Fisheries and Oceans should explicitly consider proximity to migrating Fraser River sockeye when siting salmon farms” and Recommendation 17: “The Department of Fisheries and Oceans should apply revised siting criteria to all licensed salmon farm sites. Farms that no longer comply with siting criteria should be promptly removed or relocated to sites that comply with current siting criteria.” It is also important to note Recommendation 19 in consideration of responses to Recommendations 15 and 17: “ On September 30, 2020, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans should prohibit net-pen salmon farming in the Discovery Islands (fish health sub-zone 3-2) unless he or she is satisfied that such farms pose at most a minimal risk of serious harm to the health of migrating Fraser River sockeye salmon. The Minister’s decision should summarize the information relied on and include detailed reasons. The decision should be published on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ website.”In response to Recommendation 19, the Department looked at the overall risk to Fraser River sockeye salmon from pathogens that can be found at Atlantic salmon farms, which was important in assessing whether current siting criteria are sufficient in the protection of wild salmon stocks, including migrating Fraser River sockeye. The Department completed risk assessments on nine known pathogens, assessing the risk of these pathogens coming from aquaculture operations in the Discovery Islands area to Fraser River sockeye. It was concluded that each pathogen posed no more than a minimal risk to Fraser River sockeye salmon abundance and diversity under the current fish health management practices (https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cohen/recherche-aquaculture-research-eng.html). DFO continues to update its understanding of pathogens and pests and adapt its management in response. Siting of aquaculture operations is a shared and harmonized process in BC, requiring a provincial crown tenure, a federal navigable waters permit, and a federal aquaculture licence. Aquaculture applications are submitted through a single portal, where the Government of BC considers siting through the lens of granting leases for provincial crown lands, Transport Canada considers siting related to safe navigation, and DFO considers siting relating to potential impacts to fish and fish habitat, potential impacts to existing fisheries, and fish health and wild-farmed interactions, which includes consideration of the proximity to wild salmon migration routes.Siting guidelines inform a proponent and the public on how a new or amendment application will be assessed.  Licence conditions for aquaculture set out the specific operational and reporting requirements to which licence holders must adhere in order to operate legally and be in compliance with the Fisheries Act and associated regulations. They also contain provisions to ensure that aquaculture sites are operated in an environmentally sustainable manner that minimizes the risk to wild fish stocks and the marine resource.In fall 2020, the Department consulted with First Nations in the Discovery Islands to hear their views and concerns with respect to the aquaculture sites in the area. These perspectives informed the former Minister Bernadette Jordan’s decision in December 2020 to phase out Atlantic salmon aquaculture in the area by June 2022. While the Federal Court ultimately struck down that decision, former Minister Joyce Murray decided in June 2022 not to reissue Atlantic salmon aquaculture licences in the Discovery Islands, and to consult with First Nations and industry on the future of licensing in the area. In February 2023, following six months of extensive consultations, former Minister Murray announced her decision not to reissue 15 Atlantic salmon open-net pen licences in the Discovery Islands. Industry and some of the First Nations in the area filed a judicial review in Federal Court in March 2023 which is still a matter before the courts.The Government is moving forward on the development of the Open-Net Pen Transition Plan for salmon aquaculture in B.C. We are committed to developing a responsible transition plan that protects wild Pacific salmon, the environment, and the economy. The Transition Plan will ensure that salmon marine finfish aquaculture is conducted in a manner that progressively minimizes or eliminates interactions between cultured and wild salmon.In developing the Transition Plan, DFO will rely on input from the Province of British Columbia, First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders, and British Columbians. The Government is committed to ensuring that the transition from open-net pen aquaculture is done in a manner that respects the rights and interests of Indigenous peoples.In July 2022, DFO released a discussion framework, which outlines the vision for open-net pen transition in BC. Members of the public were invited to participate by completing an online survey, which was available until October 27, 2022; details about this process are available on the aquaculture engagement webpage. Other activities included Ministerial roundtables with Indigenous leaders, key stakeholders, and conservation organizations; as well as bilateral meetings and engagement sessions with First Nations; local and provincial governments; industry, academics, conservation organizations; and other stakeholder groups. In May 2023, a What We Heard Report summarizing Phases 1 and 2 of engagement was released.  In July 2023, in response to requests from First Nations and others, the time period for consultation on the Transition Plan was extended. The feedback and input received during this engagement will be instrumental in the development of the final transition plan.In relation to the Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 54: “The Department of Fisheries and Oceans should encourage the Province of British Columbia: to require users of pesticides in forestry and agriculture to record, and report annually to the province, the areas where pesticides were applied and the amounts used to develop and maintain a pesticide-use database (that includes information on location, volume / concentration, and timing of use) and make that information publicly available”, BC has a system in place to monitor, report, and disseminate information on pesticide use across sectors (aquaculture, agriculture, forestry). The province requires users to report pesticide use, and has the ability to provide information on total use. Standards of use are consistent with Health Canada requirements. As part of the Fisheries Protection Program, DFO will continue to coordinate and work with the Province of BC on areas of common interest. Specific to pesticides used for aquaculture purposes, under the authority of the Aquaculture Activities Regulations, DFO collects all information regarding the deposit of deleterious substances, including both drugs and pesticides. Any use of registered pesticides, including Hydrogen Peroxide are reported to DFO through a 72 hour notification requirement, and a quarterly report include dates and amounts of product used.Both ECCC and DFO have taken action in response the Cohen Commission’s Recommendation 74: “To improve future sustainability of the Fraser River sockeye, the Government of Canada should champion, within Canada and internationally, reasonable steps to address the causes of warming waters and climate change.” DFO works to address climate change impacts in aquatic ecosystems as a part of an ECCC-led, whole-of-government effort. Through this work, the department conducts vulnerability assessments on Pacific species, including salmon, to warming waters and continues to monitor trends in sea surface temperature, oxygen levels, and ocean acidification in freshwater and marine areas. These monitoring data are important to understanding the causes of change and are used by DFO in studies to quantify the rate of change in freshwaters and marine waters inhabited by Pacific salmon.
Commission CohenFleuve FraserPêches du PacifiquePolitique sur les pêchesSaumon sockeyeStocks de poissons
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 novembre 2023441-01647441-01647 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB21 septembre 20236 novembre 20239 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 novembre 2023441-01648441-01648 (Affaires étrangères)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB21 septembre 20236 novembre 202323 mars 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE
  • La Fédération de Russie a déclenché une guerre non provoquée et injuste contre le peuple d’Ukraine;
  • La Fédération de Russie a commis de nombreux crimes de guerre à l’endroit des résidents de l’Ukraine, y compris des crimes contre la paix et des crimes contre l’humanité;
  • Le président russe Poutine a menacé tous les pays, y compris le Canada, qui aident le peuple ukrainien dans sa courageuse défense de son pays;
  • Des dizaines de milliers d’enfants, de mères et d’autres personnes quittent l’Ukraine tous les jours pour échapper aux horreurs de la guerre;
  • L’attaque aérienne de la Fédération russe est en train de dévaster l’Ukraine alors que le président Zelenskyy et d’autres intervenants demandent qu’on déclare une zone d’exclusion aérienne au-dessus de l’Ukraine;
  • Le président russe Poutine a mis les forces de dissuasion nucléaire en alerte, ce qui représente une intensification dangereuse et sans précédent de la menace;
  • Le président russe Poutine présente une menace grave et immédiate pour l’Ukraine et ses alliés.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :1. Fournir immédiatement à l’Ukraine des armes létales et des fournitures supplémentaires pour assurer sa défense; 2. Prendre des mesures immédiates pour permettre aux personnes déplacées d’Ukraine de se rendre au Canada le plus rapidement possible;3. Adopter des mesures permanentes pour fournir de l’aide humanitaire à l’Ukraine;4. Exhorter immédiatement les alliés de l’OTAN et les pays amis de l’Ukraine à envisager sérieusement d’appuyer et de faire respecter une zone d’exclusion aérienne internationale au-dessus de l’Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.Canada remains steadfast in its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.On March 17, 2022, as part of the federal response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Government launched the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET). The CUAET was a special, accelerated pathway to help ensure that Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members of any nationality who were fleeing the conflict were able to quickly come to Canada to seek temporary safe haven. This initiative offered options to visit, work, or study during their three-year stay. The CUAET was the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians and their immediate family members to come to Canada and eliminated many of the normal visa requirements. There was no charge for immigration documents under this pathway, and its benefits also extended to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who were already here in Canada when the initiative launched, but could not safely go home. Applications under the CUAET were normally processed within 14 days (upon receipt of a complete, non-complex application), and there was no limit to the number of individuals who could apply. CUAET clients also benefit from in-Canada supports including transitional financial assistance, temporary accommodations, and settlement services.As the situation in Ukraine has evolved, IRCC has monitored developments and adjusted its immigration response to ensure we continue to best support Ukrainians in need. On July 15, 2023, the Government closed overseas CUAET intake, after receiving over 1,191,000 applications. All applications received will be processed to completion. Ukrainians holding a CUAET visa will have until March 31, 2024 to travel to Canada under the special measures. CUAET visa holders will continue to benefit from all elements of the CUAET initiative (i.e., transitional financial assistance, temporary accommodations, extended stay options, and open work permits) through March 31, 2024, with settlement services until March 31, 2025.Today, Ukrainians can still apply for a temporary resident visa to come to Canada, per regular requirements and fees. Once in Canada, Ukrainian temporary residents can apply before March 31, 2024 for an extended stay of up to three years, as well as study and open work permits. New Ukrainian arrivals continue to have access to settlement services, such as language training and employment support. However, access to temporary accommodations and transitional financial assistance are not available to clients who did not come to Canada with a CUAET visa.On October 23, 2023, a new family reunification pathway was launched for those who wish to stay in Canada as permanent residents. To qualify, Ukrainian nationals must be in Canada with temporary resident status, and have a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member in Canada. Those who are eligible include Ukrainian spouses, common-law partners, parents, grandparents, siblings, children or grandchildren of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. 
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada condemns Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms. The war is a blatant violation of international law, including the UN Charter, and a threat to global peace and security. President Putin’s war of choice is a war on freedom, democracy, and the rights of Ukrainians, and all people, to determine their own future.Canada and its like-minded partners have been coordinating closely on responsive measures to enhance support for the people and government of Ukraine and to impose costs on Russian leadership. The Government of Canada’s support to Ukraine has been comprehensive. With a long relationship dating back to the end of the Cold War, Canada drew on a strong foundation of bilateral assistance and diplomatic ties when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.Since 2022, the Government of Canada has committed over $9.5 billion in multifaceted assistance to Ukraine. Assistance is diverse and all-encompassing, including military, development, humanitarian, security and stabilization and financial assistance. Support through financial assistance, expertise, sanctions, and diplomacy also addresses vitally important challenges such as constraining Russia's ability to finance its war, holding Russia to account for massive violations of international law, countering Russian disinformation, and addressing the global impact of the war on food security and energy.Diplomatically, Canada has played a central role in supporting the four UNGA resolutions denouncing the war as illegal and issuing statements and other actions across multiple multilateral organizations to hold Russia to account. Canada has also played a key leadership role across G7, G20, NATO, and other groupings, leading to an unsurpassed level of collective action and coordination.Specifically, in terms of humanitarian assistance, Canada has committed over $352 million since January 2022, in response to the humanitarian impacts of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Of this, $330 million has been allocated to UN organizations, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and non-governmental organizations. These funds support gender-responsive programming aligned with the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, including emergency health interventions, protection services, and other urgent assistance such as food, water, and shelter. Targeted allocations also allowed Canada to respond to urgent needs as they arose, such as funding for winterization initiatives and the Kakhovka dam crisis. Programming also integrates components addressing child protection, mental health, and psychosocial support, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) needs.As part of its early response, Canada also provided additional support to aid the rapid scale-up of humanitarian operations shortly after the escalation of conflict in February 2022. This includes over 377,000 essential relief items from Canada’s National Emergency Strategic Stockpile and Canada’s humanitarian stockpiles managed in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. These items were specifically requested by partners and have been dispatched to Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Canada’s early support also enabled the deployment of humanitarian and logistics experts to the UN agencies to surge capacity.In April 2022, the Prime Minister of Canada co-convened the Stand Up for Ukraine pledging event with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, with the participation of the President of Poland, Andrzej Duda, in a worldwide show of solidarity with Ukraine, and in partnership with international advocacy organization Global Citizen. The campaign raised over $12.4 billion in pledges from around the world to support Ukrainian refugees and address the humanitarian crisis.Humanitarian allocations for 2024 are currently being determined, based on a variety of factors. Canada’s assistance will continue to be aligned with the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan and include support for previously mentioned areas. Programming will also continue to integrate components addressing child protection, mental health, psychosocial support, and SGBV needs. The support will have a geographical focus on the frontline, particularly in eastern and southern oblasts where possible.During President Zelenskyy’s visit to Canada in September 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada announced that “Canada is shifting our approach to provide multi-year assistance and ensure Ukraine has the predictable support it needs for long-term success.” As part of this new multi-year approach, and to continue Canada’s military support for Ukraine, the Government of Canada has recently introduced a new investment of $650 million over three years to supply Ukraine with 50 armoured vehicles. Additionally, Canada has launched a discussion with Ukraine on long-term bilateral commitments, in line with the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine. This will aim to build on existing Canadian and Ukrainian efforts on a range of priorities and will enhance and guide bilateral cooperation for years to come.Canada is committed to continuing support for both Ukraine’s immediate needs along with essential recovery and reconstruction priorities identified by the Government of Ukraine’s Plan. Canada’s increased focus on multi-year assistance, including multi-year military support and international assistance, is helping to ensure Ukraine has the predictable support it needs for the long-term beyond humanitarian assistance towards sustainable growth and is working in coordination with other donors.Canada and Ukraine are in constant contact about Ukraine’s security needs and priorities, which include Ukraine’s efforts to restore and secure Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, including its territorial waters, and advance its progress towards Euro-Atlantic integration. Canada also supports Ukraine’s current initiative for a just and sustainable peace based on its sovereignty and territorial integrity and commends the key principles of Ukraine’s 10-Point Peace Formula. A peace settlement must defend the UN Charter, be based on international law, and preserve Ukraine’s territorial integrity.Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Government of Canada has provided multifaceted assistance to support Ukraine’s security and defence. Canada has committed over $2.4 billion in military aid to Ukraine, including a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) and associated munitions from the US, air defence missiles, armoured combat support vehicles (ACSVs), commercial pattern armoured vehicles to allow for the safe transport of personnel and equipment, M-777 artillery guns and spare parts, 155 mm ammunition, small arms and ammunition, anti-armour weapons and ammunition, high-resolution cameras, de-mining equipment, and satellite imagery and communications. Canada has also supplied Ukraine with eight Leopard 2 main battle tanks from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) inventory and contributed $30 million to the Leopard 2 Maintenance and Service Centre in Poland. The Maintenance and Service Centre will help repair and sustain Ukraine’s fleet of Leopard 2 main battle tanks. Canada has also provided non-lethal military equipment such as helmets, body armour, gas masks, night vision gear, winter clothing, etc. Canada will also contribute to multinational efforts to train pilots, technicians, and support staff to operate and maintain Ukraine’s F-16s, leveraging Canadian expertise in these areas.Ukraine and its civilians have consistently been the victims of appalling atrocities by Russian armed forces, which Canada has condemned. The attacks on civilian infrastructure and civilians constitute grave breaches of international humanitarian law. Canada will not spare any effort to ensure that violations of international law in Ukraine are investigated, evidence is gathered, and perpetrators are held to account.These brutal attacks, including Russian airstrikes, have caused immense suffering for civilians. Any establishment and enforcement of a no-fly zone outside the UN Security Council, which is not a viable option given Russia’s veto power, could risk triggering a larger international conflict with Russia. Canada and its NATO Allies have a responsibility to prevent this war from escalating beyond Ukraine, which would be even more dangerous and devastating to civilian populations.The Government of Canada is focusing on providing Ukraine with effective military support that will impact their defence against Russian forces. Canada will sustain its political, financial, humanitarian, and military support to Ukraine for the long term – individually and through international cooperation within the G7, NATO, the United Nations, and any other forum where Canada can bring its weight to bear in order to build and sustain support and solidarity for Ukraine.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France LalondeAs of 18 October2023Canada is making critical contributions to support Ukraine’s military, through the provision of non-lethal and lethal military aid, and transport of Canadian and Allied equipment to Ukraine.Since February 2022, Canada has committed more than $2.4 billion in military aid to Ukraine. This includes the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of $650 million in funding for Canadian-made armoured vehicles for Ukraine. To date our donations include armoured combat support vehicles, Leopard 2 main battle tanks, an armoured recovery vehicle, M777 howitzers and associated ammunition, armoured vehicles, winter clothing and equipment, small arms and ammunition, demining equipment, high-resolution cameras for drones, and satellite imagery.The Canadian Armed Forces is also assisting with the delivery of aid within Europe and has transported over 14 million pounds of military donations on behalf of our allies and partners. In September 2022, Canada increased its contribution in this area, with a third aircraft deployed to Europe and additional personnel added to the Prestwick hub in Scotland.Canada will continue to work with key allies and partners—including the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, the G7, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the United Nations, the European Union, and the international community—to support Ukraine and ensure they receive the lethal military aid and supplies they need.The Minister of National Defence remains in close contact with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence to discuss Ukraine’s most pressing security needs and how Canada can best continue to help.For more information on Canada’s comprehensive military aid to Ukraine, please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/campaigns/canadian-military-support-to-ukraine.html.
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesArmes militairesDéfense aérienneGuerrePasseports et visasRussieUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01652441-01652 (Santé)ValerieBradfordKitchener-Sud—HespelerLibéralON21 septembre 20233 novembre 202315 septembre 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons attirer l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :
  • Il devrait être obligatoire de faire signer une renonciation en matière d’innocuité lorsqu’un patient au Canada se voit prescrire un médicament psychotrope qu’il n’a jamais pris auparavant;
  • Les psychotropes sont des médicaments puissants qui modifient l’activité mentale;
  • Il n’existe aucun moyen scientifique permettant de savoir comment un patient réagira à un tel médicament;
  • Une renonciation en matière d’innocuité permettrait de garantir qu’au moins un proche aidant est informé de la situation afin de pouvoir contribuer à surveiller chez le patient l’apparition d’effets indésirables tels que des idées suicidaires, et ce, jusqu’à ce que la prise du médicament soit jugée sécuritaire pour lui.
EN CONSÉQUENCE : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de collaborer avec les provinces et les territoires afin d’exiger que les professionnels de la santé qui prescrivent à un patient un médicament psychotrope qu’il n’a jamais pris auparavant lui fassent signer une renonciation en matière d’innocuité, de manière à ce qu’un proche aidant soit contacté et conseillé afin de contribuer à surveiller l’apparition d’effets indésirables jusqu’à ce que la prise du médicament psychotrope soit jugée sécuritaire pour le patient.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandThe health and safety of Canadians is Health Canada’s top priority. The Department's mandate as the regulator of health products involves administering the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) and the Food and Drug Regulations (FDR) to help Canadians maintain and improve their health.Before a health product is approved in Canada, the Department conducts a rigorous scientific review of its safety, efficacy and quality. An authorization is only issued when the benefits of the product outweigh the risks of its use as intended based on the information available at the time.Health Canada continues to monitor the safety of authorized health products available on the Canadian market through the Canada Vigilance Program (CVP) to ensure the benefits of the product continue to outweigh its risks. The CVP is Health Canada’s post-market surveillance program that collects and assesses reports of suspected adverse reactions to health products. Adverse reaction reports are submitted by healthcare professionals and consumers on a voluntary basis, whereas hospitals, manufacturers and distributors are required to report by law. The CVP provides a variety of tools to support adverse reaction reporting, which can be done online, by phone or by submitting the Side Effect Reporting Form by fax or mail. To search the Canada Vigilance Adverse Reaction Online Database, please visit the following website. When new safety issues are identified, Health Canada takes action, which could include communicating new safety information to Canadians and healthcare professionals, changing the recommended use of the health product, or, if warranted removing the health product from the Canadian market.Health Canada works closely with manufacturers to implement risk mitigation measures for risks associated with the use of authorized health products. The Department uses several tools to inform and educate patients on these risks including, but not limited to, product labelling, and distribution of patient education and counselling materials. In addition, Health Canada encourages manufacturers to engage with physicians and pharmacists to ensure the appropriate implementation of these measures. The options considered should fit the clinical situation and also take into account patient confidentiality and access to medications.The safe use of a medication is a shared responsibility. While Health Canada evaluates the overall benefits and risks of a health product and communicates those risks to help the public make informed decisions, individual benefits and risks are considered by the treating healthcare professional. The prescribing of drugs and patient counseling are part of the ‘practice of medicine’ or ‘practice of pharmacy’ and are regulated provincially and territorially by the various professional colleges.Health Canada also funds the Canadian Medication Incident Reporting and Prevention System (CMIRPS). Under CMIRPS, hospitals report medication errors to the National System for Incident Reporting (NSIR); community pharmacies report medication errors to the National Incident Data Repository for Community Pharmacies, and individual practitioners and consumers can report medication errors to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada). Reports of medication errors, as well as near misses and other reports of concern are collected and analyzed for shared learning in an effort to prevent medication errors. Further, amendments to the Food and Drug Act through the Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (also known as Vanessa’s Law) have strengthened the regulation of therapeutic products and improve the reporting of adverse reactions by healthcare institutions.Detailed information, including side effects associated with a marketed health product, is provided in its official Canadian Product Monograph (CPM), which is updated to reflect new safety information as required and can be accessed using the Drug Product Database. This information helps to ensure that both prescribers and patients have access to information to guide their decisions about whether or not to use a particular product. Suicidal ideation is a  known risk for various psychotropic medications. The Canadian product monographsfor these medications note the potential risk for suicidal ideation associated with their use in the Warning and Precautions section, and in the patient counselling information section.In addition, the federal government focuses its efforts, through its funding for Healthcare Excellence Canada (formerly the Canadian Patient Safety Institute) on collaborative work with all jurisdictions and system stakeholders to support the different legal, regulatory, and care delivery processes that can be used to reduce the occurrence of unintentional harm. One example of this work is the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics collaborative, which has leveraged a person-centered approach to care as a means to deprescribing antipsychotics that no longer benefit and potentially cause harm for people living with dementia. This approach can improve the person’s quality of life and safety, providers’ work–life balance, and family and care partners’ satisfaction.Health Canada will continue to monitor the safety of health products available on the Canadian market, including psychotropic medications to identify and assess potential harms. Health Canada will take appropriate and timely action should any new health risk, or changes in known risks, be identified.
Effets indésirables d'un médicamentPsychotropesSoignants et professionnels de la santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01651441-01651 (Affaires étrangères)JamieSchmaleHaliburton—Kawartha Lakes—BrockConservateurON21 septembre 20233 novembre 20239 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01650441-01650 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON21 septembre 20233 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
   
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01649441-01649 (Affaires étrangères)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON21 septembre 20233 novembre 20234 novembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01646441-01646 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB21 septembre 20233 novembre 202320 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01645441-01645 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB21 septembre 20233 novembre 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023e-4470e-4470 (Travail et emploi)WesleyLesoskyTaylorBachrachSkeena—Bulkley ValleyNPDBC6 juin 2023 à 15 h 11 (HAE)6 juillet 2023 à 15 h 11 (HAE)21 septembre 20233 novembre 202310 juillet 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Au Canada, les agents de bord remplissent des fonctions essentielles à la sécurité et au confort des passagers aériens; ils ne sont pas rémunérés pendant l’embarquement, les vérifications de sécurité avant le départ et les retards au sol, entre autres; ou ils touchent seulement la moitié de leur salaire horaire lorsqu’ils suivent les formations obligatoires de Transports Canada;Selon un sondage du Syndicat canadien de la fonction publique mené auprès de plus de 9 000 agents de bord, les agents de bord au Canada font en moyenne 35 heures de travail non rémunéré par mois;Le gouvernement du Canada accorde actuellement, en vertu du Code canadien du travail, une certaine souplesse aux employeurs du Canada pour définir le travail et ce qui doit être payé, y compris la formation, le temps passé sur le lieu de travail à attendre de se faire attribuer du travail, et le temps passé en pause tout en restant à la disposition de l’employeur.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de modifier les lois et la réglementation pertinentes afin que tout employé qui suit une formation exigée par son employeur, ou par le gouvernement fédéral ou l'organisme de réglementation; qui est tenu d’être sur le lieu de travail en attendant qu’on lui attribue du travail; ou qui est sur le lieu de travail en restant à la disposition de son employeur, soit rémunéré au taux de salaire contractuel de l’employé, et pas moins que le salaire minimum fédéral, de sorte que l’employé qui est au travail, en uniforme, dans l’exercice de ses fonctions professionnelles, soit payé pour son temps à partir du moment où les fonctions professionnelles commencent.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada recognizes that more than 17,000 petitioners have expressed their concerns over the working conditions and pay of federally regulated flight attendants. We understand that these citizens and residents of Canada have called upon the Government of Canada to make legislative and regulatory changes to ensure that an employee who is at work, in uniform, performing work duties is being paid for their time from the moment work duties begin. This is an issue the Labour Program is aware of and continues to monitor. The Labour Program will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that working conditions of employees are respected in all federally regulated workplaces.Part III of the Canada Labour Code (the Code) establishes employment conditions such as hours of work, payment of wages including the minimum wage, overtime pay, general holidays, protected leaves and rights on termination of employment for employees under federal jurisdiction. The provisions of the Code set the minimum labour standards for all federally regulated workplaces.Under Part III, employers must pay employees no less than the minimum wage for all hours of work performed. While the Code leaves some scope for employment contracts to define what constitutes paid work in certain circumstances, the Labour Program’s interpretations, policies and guidelines related to hours of work provides a general interpretation of work, which includes any trial periods, training required by the employer, time spent at the employer’s disposal at the worksite waiting to be assigned work, and time spent while on break but remaining at the employer’s disposal.Collective agreements also govern a wide range of employment-related matters, including wages, working hours, benefits, and dispute resolution processes. The provisions of the Code merely set the floor for what the minimum allowable labour standards are. Collective agreements can provide different benefits and rights if they are equal or more favourable to the employees than what they would be entitled to under the Code.For flight attendants – approximately 90% of whom are unionized – the definition of work and what work is to be paid for is negotiated between employers and bargaining agents. The terms and conditions of employment agreed to during collective bargaining, including hours of work and compensation, are then prescribed in their respective collective agreements.All employees in federally regulated workplaces, regardless if they are unionized, who believe that their employer has contravened the provisions of the Code, have a right to file a complaint with the Labour Program. Unionized workers who experience challenging working conditions should also follow the recourse options available in their collective agreement and seek recourse through the grievance process. If a complaint is filed with the Labour Program, all allegations will be rigorously analyzed and investigations will be conducted. The Labour Program will assess whether the collective agreement provides for entitlements that meet the minimum standards of the Code. If an employer has contravened the Code, the compliance continuum will be followed and enforcement measures applied, if necessary. The compliance continuum includes education sessions, issuing payment orders for any wages and other amounts owed, compliance orders, and the potential use of administrative monetary penalties.The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders, employers, and unions to strengthen Canada’s federally regulated workplaces and is committed to fairer and safer working conditions for everyone across the country.
Conditions et horaires de travailRevenus et salaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01643441-01643 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 septembre 20233 novembre 20239 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief. This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01642441-01642 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 septembre 20233 novembre 202314 septembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01641441-01641 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 septembre 20233 novembre 202320 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01640441-01640 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB20 septembre 20233 novembre 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01639441-01639 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB20 septembre 20233 novembre 20231 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action. 
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01638441-01638 (Animaux)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB20 septembre 20233 novembre 202313 décembre 2022Pétition à l’honorable PattyHajdu, ministre de la SantéAttendu que :Les populations incontrôlées de spermophiles de Richardson pourraient exposer les Canadiens à des risques de dommages ou de blessures dans les régions rurales;Les populations incontrôlées de spermophiles de Richardson peuvent représenter une menace sérieuse pour le secteur agricole canadien et causer des blessures graves au bétail;La strychnine, lorsqu’elle est utilisée comme il se doit, constitue le moyen le plus efficace et le plus rentable de contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson;Il n’y a actuellement aucune option autre que la strychnine pour contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson;La décision de Santé Canada d’interdire l’utilisation de la strychnine aura des conséquences préjudiciables non désirées sur l’économie canadienne et en particulier sur l’économie des provinces des Prairies; Les gouvernements de la Saskatchewan et de l’Alberta ont déclaré qu’elles s’opposent à la décision de Santé Canada, invoquant les effets environnementaux limités de la strychnine lorsqu’elle est utilisée comme il se doit.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à Santé Canada et à l’honorable Patty Hajdu, ministre de la Santé, de revenir sur leur décision d’interdire la vente et l’utilisation de la strychnine sous le régime de la Loi sur les produits antiparasitaires, et de mener des recherches pour étudier d’éventuelles solutions de rechange à la strychnine qui permettraient contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson et seraient comparables à la strychnine pour ce qui est de l’efficacité, de la rentabilité et des coûts.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandIn Canada, the regulation of pesticides is shared among all levels of government. Federally, pesticides are regulated under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The Agency’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when pesticides are used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from numerous scientific studies (in some cases hundreds of studies) are reviewed to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people, animals (including birds, beneficial insects such as pollinators, mammals, and other wildlife), or plants, including organisms in the soil and water. This assessment also takes into consideration sensitive populations, such as pregnant and nursing women, infants, children and seniors.Health Canada also periodically re-evaluates pesticides that are on the market to determine whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards and hence whether they should continue to be registered and permitted for use in Canada.As outlined in Re-evaluation Decision RVD2020-06, Strychnine and Its Associated End-use Products (Richardson’s Ground Squirrels) published on March 4, 2020, Health Canada concluded that the environmental risks associated with the use of strychnine for the control of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (RGS) (also known as gophers) were not shown to be acceptable when used according to label directions and that no further feasible mitigation measures could be implemented by users of the product. Consequently, the registration of products containing strychnine used to control RGS was cancelled with a 3-year phase-out period, which ended on March 4, 2023.In its decision, Health Canada recognized the value of strychnine because it is easy to use, cost effective and manages RGS in a single feeding. However, there are alternatives to strychnine registered to control RGS available to users: chlorophacinone, diphacinone, zinc phosphide, and aluminum phosphide. While these alternatives may have some limitations compared to strychnine, they were found to be efficacious against the target pest during the scientific review that led to their registration.Efforts to identify new products and to conduct additional research into RGS control should involve grower groups, registrants and manufacturers of potential alternative products, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and/or provincial representatives. Health Canada will continue to be available to provide information and guidance regarding the registration process, and information on currently registered alternative products.
Loi sur les produits antiparasitairesPesticidesRecherche et chercheursSpermophiles de RichardsonStrychnine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023e-4368e-4368 (Environnement)RorySaweczkoMikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON29 mars 2023 à 14 h 32 (HAE)27 juillet 2023 à 14 h 32 (HAE)20 septembre 20233 novembre 20232 août 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Nous vivons une crise climatique;Le Canada dépense chaque année au moins 4,8 milliards de dollars en subventions aux combustibles fossiles;En subventionnant les combustibles fossiles nous rendons moins chères la production et la consommation accrues de combustibles fossiles;L’extraction, la création et l’utilisation de combustibles fossiles contribuent considérablement au changement climatique;Le Canada doit réduire drastiquement ses niveaux de pollution.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre immédiatement un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles, y compris les subventions internationales et nationales aux sociétés, aux acheteurs, aux vendeurs et aux utilisateurs de combustibles fossiles.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTIn 2009, Canada and other G20 countries committed “to phase out and rationalize over the medium-term inefficient fossil fuel subsidies (IFFS) while providing targeted support for the poorest.” At the North American Leaders’ Summit on June 29, 2016, Canada, the United States, and Mexico, publicly committed to phase out IFFS by 2025. In June 2021, G7 leaders reaffirmed the commitment to phase out IFFS by 2025. Canada has since committed to accelerate this commitment to 2023.On December 8, 2022, the Government of Canada published policy guidelines to implement its commitment to the Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition (Glasgow Statement), which committed to ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector. Canada signed onto the Glasgow Statement at the Conference of the Parties (COP26) (November 2021) alongside 38 other countries and institutions and was one of only two net exporters of energy to do so. These guidelines have been in effect since January 1, 2023, and will ensure that Canada meets – and in some cases exceeds – the ambition outlined at COP26.In support of Canada’s commitment to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector have been, or are in the process of being, phased out or rationalized, including:
  • Rationalizing the tax treatment of expenses for successful oil and gas exploratory drilling (announced in Budget 2017);
  • Phasing out a tax preference that allows small oil and gas companies to reclassify certain development expenses as more favorably treated exploration expenses (announced in Budget 2017); and
  • Phasing out flow-through shares for oil, gas, and coal activities (announced in Budget 2022).
On July 24, 2023, the Government of Canada released the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self-Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, which were jointly developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Finance Canada. The Guidelines apply to all federal departments and agencies.The Guidelines will be used to prevent the creation of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies in the future. Moving forward, fossil fuel subsidies will not be provided unless they meet one or more of the following six criteria:
  1. Enable significant net greenhouse gas emissions reductions in Canada or internationally in alignment with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
  2. Support clean energy, clean technology, or renewable energy.
  3. Provide essential energy service to a remote community.
  4. Provide short-term support for emergency response.
  5. Support Indigenous economic participation in fossil fuel activities.
  6. Support abated production processes, such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage, or projects that have a credible plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
The framework and guidelines fulfill our domestic, G7 and G20 commitments to phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. Canada is the first country to release a rigorous analytical guide that both fulfils its commitment to phase out and rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and transparently supports action. Inefficient fossil fuel subsidies enable and support the wasteful use and production of unabated fossil fuels, impeding the transition toward a net-zero economy. By eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, the Government of Canada is providing greater support for clean growth and accelerating efforts to decarbonize important Canadian industries, including the oil and gas sector, which continues to play an important role in the Canadian economy.Canada is also committed to phasing out public financing of the fossil fuel sector domestically. The Government’s work will identify current public financing by 2024 and announce by fall 2024 the implementation plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector. Taken together, these federal policies will align government programs and spending that support the fossil fuel sector with Canada’s ambitious climate goals.  
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteCombustibles fossiles
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01636441-01636 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB20 septembre 20233 novembre 202325 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab. The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions. The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022 and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries agreed to remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.  In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.  Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have raised Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts.  The former Minister of Transport?pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyoti Aditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.?Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions. On March 3, 2023, these Ministers met and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interest in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).  Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory.  The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion and Economic Development also spoke with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023, regarding this issue. The former Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.  With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01635441-01635 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB20 septembre 20233 novembre 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01634441-01634 (Animaux)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservateurSK20 septembre 20233 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition à l’honorable PattyHajdu, ministre de la SantéAttendu que :Les populations incontrôlées de spermophiles de Richardson pourraient exposer les Canadiens à des risques de dommages ou de blessures dans les régions rurales;Les populations incontrôlées de spermophiles de Richardson peuvent représenter une menace sérieuse pour le secteur agricole canadien et causer des blessures graves au bétail;La strychnine, lorsqu’elle est utilisée comme il se doit, constitue le moyen le plus efficace et le plus rentable de contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson;Il n’y a actuellement aucune option autre que la strychnine pour contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson;La décision de Santé Canada d’interdire l’utilisation de la strychnine aura des conséquences préjudiciables non désirées sur l’économie canadienne et en particulier sur l’économie des provinces des Prairies; Les gouvernements de la Saskatchewan et de l’Alberta ont déclaré qu’elles s’opposent à la décision de Santé Canada, invoquant les effets environnementaux limités de la strychnine lorsqu’elle est utilisée comme il se doit.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à Santé Canada et à l’honorable Patty Hajdu, ministre de la Santé, de revenir sur leur décision d’interdire la vente et l’utilisation de la strychnine sous le régime de la Loi sur les produits antiparasitaires, et de mener des recherches pour étudier d’éventuelles solutions de rechange à la strychnine qui permettraient contrôler les populations de spermophiles de Richardson et seraient comparables à la strychnine pour ce qui est de l’efficacité, de la rentabilité et des coûts.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Minister Mark HollandIn Canada, the regulation of pesticides is shared among all levels of government. Federally, pesticides are regulated under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). The Agency’s number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when pesticides are used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from numerous scientific studies (in some cases hundreds of studies) are reviewed to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people, animals (including birds, beneficial insects such as pollinators, mammals, and other wildlife), or plants, including organisms in the soil and water. This assessment also takes into consideration sensitive populations, such as pregnant and nursing women, infants, children and seniors.Health Canada also periodically re-evaluates pesticides that are on the market to determine whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards and hence whether they should continue to be registered and permitted for use in Canada.As outlined in Re-evaluation Decision RVD2020-06, Strychnine and Its Associated End-use Products (Richardson’s Ground Squirrels) published on March 4, 2020, Health Canada concluded that the environmental risks associated with the use of strychnine for the control of Richardson’s Ground Squirrels (RGS) (also known as gophers) were not shown to be acceptable when used according to label directions and that no further feasible mitigation measures could be implemented by users of the product. Consequently, the registration of products containing strychnine used to control RGS was cancelled with a 3-year phase-out period, which ended on March 4, 2023.In its decision, Health Canada recognized the value of strychnine because it is easy to use, cost effective and manages RGS in a single feeding. However, there are alternatives to strychnine registered to control RGS available to users: chlorophacinone, diphacinone, zinc phosphide, and aluminum phosphide. While these alternatives may have some limitations compared to strychnine, they were found to be efficacious against the target pest during the scientific review that led to their registration.Efforts to identify new products and to conduct additional research into RGS control should involve grower groups, registrants and manufacturers of potential alternative products, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and/or provincial representatives. Health Canada will continue to be available to provide information and guidance regarding the registration process, and information on currently registered alternative products.
Loi sur les produits antiparasitairesPesticidesRecherche et chercheursSpermophiles de RichardsonStrychnine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01633441-01633 (Justice)KarenVecchioElgin—Middlesex—LondonConservateurON20 septembre 20233 novembre 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01632441-01632 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC20 septembre 20233 novembre 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • La pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées (Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis) est une espèce figurant sur la liste bleue qui pousse uniquement dans les forêts anciennes de haute altitude et riches en nutriments composées de cyprès jaunes et de thuyas géants;
  • La Loi sur les espèces en péril (LEP) désigne la pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées, que l’on retrouve uniquement en Colombie-Britannique, comme une espèce dont la situation est préoccupante, étant menacée par l’exploitation forestière industrielle;
  • L’objectif de la LEP et de protéger les espèces en péril, mais ni le gouvernement fédéral ni le gouvernement provincial ne sont intervenus pour protéger ces écosystèmes anciens fragiles et irremplaçables;
  • Le Conservation Data Centre (CDC) de la Colombie-Britannique ne documente que 52 populations actuelles de pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées présentes en Colombie Britannique, certaines en voie de disparaître, tandis que le plan de gestion de la Colombie-Britannique pour la pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées vise à maintenir toutes les populations actuelles connues;
  • En 2021, la plus grande population de pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées découverte en Colombie Britannique, composée de plus de 600 individus dans le bassin hydrographique de Granite Creek près de Port Renfrew (concession de ferme forestière 46, bloc de coupe 8022), a été rasée, et en août 2022, une population de cinq individus a été découverte dans la concession de ferme forestière 46, bloc de coupe 4733, une partie de forêt ancienne sectionnée par une nouvelle route forestière aménagée dans le bassin hydrographique de Bugaboo Creek près de Port Renfrew et destinée à être coupée.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de protéger immédiatement toutes les populations actuelles de pseudocyphellie des forêts surannées (Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis) et d’exiger immédiatement que la Colombie-Britannique respecte et applique les mesures de protection pour cette espèce partout sur les terres de la Couronne.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada is committed to halting and reversing the loss of our country’s rich biodiversity. In support of this commitment, Environment and Climate is leading the development of Canada's 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy. The 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy will establish a shared vision for halting and reversing biodiversity loss in Canada, reflect Canada’s domestic priorities for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use, and guide how Canada implements the Global Biodiversity Framework domestically.The Government of Canada recognizes that the environment and the conservation of biodiversity is a shared responsibility in Canada, and that real progress can only be made if all levels of governments share objectives and work in collaboration to achieve them.Species at risk are on the front line of biodiversity loss, and the federal, provincial and territorial governments have been working cooperatively to protect and recover Canada’s imperiled species for close to three decades. The Government of Canada respects provincial and territorial jurisdiction and therefore first looks to them to protect terrestrial species and their habitat on non-federally administered lands.Federally, the Species at Risk Act (SARA) is the Government of Canada's key legislative tool to protect and recover endangered and threatened species and their habitats. SARA provides a legal framework for identifying, listing, and recovering species at risk. The legislation mandates the development and implementation of recovery strategies and action plans, with the goal of preventing species extinction and promoting their recovery. SARA also includes provisions for critical habitat protection and cooperation between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, intending a coordinated effort to safeguard Canada's diverse wildlife and ecosystems, and supports the Government of Canada’s international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen is listed as a species of Special Concern on Schedule 1 of SARA andis identified as a Blue listed species by the British Columbia provincial government. The distribution of Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen overlaps with that of several other federally listed species at risk within old-growth forests throughout coastal British Columbia including Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii.As required under SARA, a Management plan for the oldgrowth speclebelly lichen (Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis) https://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.833290/publication.html was published in 2017; in addition, measures to achieve the management objective for the species have been set out in the Multi-species action plan for Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and 2 other sites www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/species-risk-public-registry/action-plans/gwaii-haanas-national-park-reserve.htmlIn addition to fulfilling its obligations under SARA for the species, the Government of Canada recognizes that more needs to be done to protect the old-growth forests that support the Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen.Canada’s forests, and in particular British Columbias’s old-growth forests, are rich with biodiversity and provide important habitat for a range of wildlife. In addition to these habitat functions, forests are key to the health of our climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old-growth forests, like those in British Columbia also function as important carbon reservoirs.Forest management is the jurisdiction of provincial governments, and the vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia, approximately 96% of forests are on provincial crown land. At the same time, the federal government is committed to supporting the province’s effort to manage and conserve old-growth forests given their significance for migratory birds, species at risk and their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and their associated wildlife.To demonstrate federal support, the 2022 federal Budget established a $50 million Old Growth Nature Fund, which will focus on protecting at-risk, high productivity old-growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value and identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding will support planning and collaboration with British Columbia and Indigenous communities, and provide incentives for third-party funders, to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. The Old Growth Nature Fund will also contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieving Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of British Columbia are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada. High productivity old-growth supports critical habitat for SARA-listed species such as the Oldgrowth Specklebelly Lichen, Marbled Murrelet and Northern Spotted Owl.Federal officials are also working with their provincial and Indigenous colleagues and partners both to finalize a Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation and to explore additional ways to encourage and support the province in its efforts to protect and restore habitat.The federal government has also contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 ha of forest habitat in British Columbia. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, and the Ecological Gifts Program.The federal government is also working to ensure forests, including old-growth forests, are considered in the context of ongoing species at risk and nature-related engagement with provincial and territorial partners. For example, Environment and Climate Change Canada, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders are engaged in the development of a forest sector action plan that will help guide collaborative efforts to recover species at risk under the Pan Canadian Approach to Species at Risk.   
Espèces en voie de disparitionLoi sur les espèces en péril
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023e-4349e-4349 (Santé)LannaLastiwkaBonitaZarrilloPort Moody—CoquitlamNPDBC29 mars 2023 à 14 h 20 (HAE)27 juillet 2023 à 14 h 20 (HAE)20 septembre 20233 novembre 20232 août 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d’offrir un congé payé financé par l’État (3 à 5 jours par mois) aux personnes souffrant de règles douloureuses.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada recognizes that citizens of Canada have petitioned the House of Commons to offer three to five days a month of state-funded paid leave for people who suffer from painful periods.The Government of Canada acknowledges that no one should have to choose between staying home when they are suffering from health issues or paying their bills. This is why the Government of Canada delivered on its commitment to provide medical leave with pay for employees in federally regulated workplaces.Since December 1, 2022, the Canada Labour Code (Code) gives employees in federally regulated workplaces the right to earn and take up to ten days of medical leave with pay per year. These days are paid for by the employer. Access to medical leave with pay empowers employees to prioritize their health and improves working conditions for the nearly one million employees in the federally regulated private sector.In addition to these leaves, there are other protections that exist under the Code that could support an employee experiencing painful periods. These include:•           Unpaid breaks for medical reasons if needed during the working day, subject to obtaining a medical  certificate from a health care practitioner;•           The right to an unpaid break of 30 minutes for every five hours of work; and•           A right to request flexible work arrangements for employees with six months of continuous employment. This right allows employees to request a change to their hours of work, work schedules or location of work.Furthermore, for Canadian employed and self-employed workers, on December 18, 2022, Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits were permanently extended from 15 weeks to 26 weeks. The change to EI sickness benefits will provide approximately 169,000 Canadians per year with additional time and flexibility to recover so they can return to work after an illness, injury or quarantine. EI sickness benefits are paid at 55% of the applicant’s average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum entitlement of $650 for 2023.To align with this permanent extension of EI sickness benefits, the maximum length of unpaid medical leave available to federally regulated private-sector employees was also increased from 17 to 27 weeks under the Code.Individuals unable to work due to painful periods can access this leave. They may also qualify for the sickness benefit if, among other things, their weekly earnings from work are decreased by more than 40% for at least one week. Information for eligibility to EI sickness benefits is available at: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-sickness/qualify.htmlThe Government of Canada will continue to work closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders, employers and unions to strengthen Canada’s federally regulated workplaces and is committed to fairer and safer working conditions for everyone across the country. The Government of Canada will continue to encourage the provinces and territories to introduce or expand paid sick leave legislation for employees in their respective jurisdictions. This would benefit employees covered under provincial and territorial employment standards and who need to access paid leave for any personal health issue or injury, including those suffering from painful periods. 
Congés de maladieDouleurs et douleurs chroniquesSanté de la reproduction
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01630441-01630 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservateurAB20 septembre 20233 novembre 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 novembre 2023441-01629441-01629 (Affaires étrangères)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC20 septembre 20233 novembre 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • Dans le monde entier, près d’un demi-million de retraités reçoivent une pension de l’État britannique dont les prestations demeurent au montant de la première prestation versée, c’est-à-dire qu’elles ne sont jamais indexées sur le coût de la vie;
  • Le Royaume-Uni est le seul pays membre de l’OCDE à faire de la discrimination fondée sur le pays de résidence lorsqu’il s’agit d’indexer les prestations de son régime de pension sur le coût de la vie;
  • Sa politique est discriminatoire et inégalement appliquée : les prestations de retraite des ressortissants britanniques qui habitent aux États-Unis (environ 127 000 personnes) ne sont pas gelées, tandis que celles des ressortissants britanniques qui habitent au Canada (environ 128 000 personnes) le sont;
  • La Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners demande depuis longtemps le dégel des prestations du régime de retraite du Royaume-Uni;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada ne prend aucune initiative pour résoudre ce problème; en avril 2021, l’ancienne ministre des Aînés a simplement déclaré : « Le Canada reste prêt à dialoguer avec les responsables britanniques si ces derniers décident de revoir leur politique de non-indexation. » L’Accord de continuité commerciale Canada–Royaume-Uni qui est entré en vigueur le 1er avril 2021 est venu succéder à l’Accord économique et commercial global entre le Canada et l’Union européenne en conséquence du Brexit, et un nouvel accord est attendu;
  • Tout nouvel accord commercial conclu entre le Canada et le Royaume-Uni nécessite une mesure de réciprocité en matière de services sociaux pour forcer le « dégel » des prestations de retraite des ressortissants britanniques au Canada, afin que ces personnes ne soient pas victimes de discrimination et bénéficient de droits égaux.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de veiller au dégel des prestations de retraite versées aux ressortissants britanniques au Canada dans tout accord commercial futur avec le Royaume-Uni, et prions les ministres compétents de faire régulièrement rapport des efforts faits en ce sens auprès de la Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada.The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada.In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK. UK officials declined the request, but noted they would continue to consider this matter carefully.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions. This showcases the continued support to resolve this long-standing issue.In June 2021, the Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. No response was received from the UK Government.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live. The British High Commissioner re-confirmed that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions. The UK Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion responded to the letter of June 2022, re-confirming that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy. No response was received from the UK Government to the letter of October 2022.In April 2023, the Minister of Labour, met with the UK Minister for Employment. The Minister of Labour raised the issue of the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada. The UK Minister for Employment noted the concern of the Minister, however, he re-confirmed that the UK Government has no plans to change its current policy.Also in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, requesting her assistance in encouraging the UK government to resolve this issue. To date, no response has been received from the UK GovernmentNegotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-UK Free Trade Agreement are focused on advancing specific trade-related issues. Canada’s negotiating objectives were tabled in Parliament in 2022 and were informed by extensive public consultations across Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate.
Response by the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada.The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada.In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK. UK officials declined the request, but noted they would continue to consider this matter carefully.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions. This showcases the continued support to resolve this long-standing issue.In June 2021, the Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. No response was received from the UK Government.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live. The British High Commissioner re-confirmed that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions. The UK Minister for Pensions and Financial Inclusion responded to the letter of June 2022, re-confirming that the UK Government had no plans to change its current policy. No response was received from the UK Government to the letter of October 2022.In April 2023, the Minister of Labour, met with the UK Minister for Employment. The Minister of Labour raised the issue of the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada. The UK Minister for Employment noted the concern of the Minister, however, he re-confirmed that the UK Government has no plans to change its current policy.Also in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, requesting her assistance in encouraging the UK government to resolve this issue. To date, no response has been received from the UK Government.Negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-UK Free Trade Agreement are focused on advancing specific trade-related issues. Canada’s negotiating objectives were tabled in Parliament in 2022 and were informed by extensive public consultations across Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate.
Accords réciproques sur la sécurité socialeIndexation des pensionsRelations internationalesRoyaume-Uni
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01628441-01628 (Santé)LarryMaguireBrandon—SourisConservateurMB19 septembre 20232 novembre 202316 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que : L’incidence de la dysphorie de genre s’accroît rapidement au Canada, en particulier chez les jeunes et les jeunes adultes n’ayant pas d’antécédents de dysphorie de genre dans l’enfance;Le modèle de traitement axé sur l’affirmation de genre qui est actuellement suivi au Canada ne repose pas sur des données probantes puisqu’il n’a jamais été validé par une revue systématique; Les autorités sanitaires de la Finlande, de la Suède et du Royaume-Uni, qui ont toutes effectué une revue systématique, ont conclu que les données à l’appui du modèle axé sur l’affirmation de genre sont de piètre qualité et ont adopté des lignes directrices faisant de la psychothérapie d’exploration le traitement de première intention.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de charger le Groupe d’étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs de réaliser sa propre revue systématique puis d’élaborer des lignes directrices fondées sur des données probantes pour le traitement de la dysphorie de genre chez les enfants, les adolescents et les jeunes adultes.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandThe Minister of Health has a responsibility to protect and promote the health of all Canadians, including of trans and non-binary people in Canada. Our Government is committed to working towards a more equitable, diverse and inclusive country, where everyone is free to be themselves and participate fully in society.Everyone, regardless of their gender identity, has the right to be their authentic self, which includes having access to the care that they need to lead a happy and healthy life.Gender dysphoria refers to the distress that trans and non-binary people experience resulting from a difference between a person’s gender identity and the person’s assigned sex at birth, associated gender role, and/or primary and secondary sex characteristics.Gender-affirming care refers to culturally competent health care that is provided to an individual across their lifespan in support of their gender identity, which may include medical, surgical, social and/or psychological services and refrains from directing a person towards any particular identity. It is important to note that the provision of transition-related care, such as medical gender affirmation via hormones or surgery, does not alone ensure that the care provided is gender-affirming.Standards and guidelines are set by disciplinary professional associations and are based on the best available evidence at the time. There are several widely accepted practice guidelines/position statements on gender-affirming care that have been produced by a range of clinical organizations to provide information and support to their members (e.g., An affirming approach to caring for transgender and gender-diverse youth | Canadian Paediatric Society (cps.ca) and Canadian Psychological Association 2023 Position Statement on Promotion of Gender Diversity and Expression and Prevention of Gender-Related Hate and Harm).The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) offers guidelines called “Standards of Care” (SOC) to provide clinical guidance for health professionals to assist transgender and gender diverse children, youth, and adults with safe and effective pathways to care. WPATH’s eighth edition of the Standards of Care (SOC8) were released in September 2022. WPATH outlines how the guidelines were developed, and that the process followed recommendations on clinical practice guideline development from the World Health Organization and the US’s National Academies of Medicine. Notably, a team of independent researchers at Johns Hopkins University conducted the systematic reviews of research evidence that underpin the WPATH guidelines.There is a lack of data available to confirm if there has been an increase in numbers of people experiencing gender dysphoria in Canada. However, younger people may be more willing to disclose their gender identity to organizations such as Statistics Canada. This may be due, in part, to improvements in the social supports, greater acceptance and visibility, increasing human rights protections, and other forms of supportive legislation for transgender, non-binary and other 2SLGBTQI+ people in Canada.The?Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care?was established by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) as an independent and arms-length group to develop?clinical practice guidelines?that support primary care providers in delivering preventive health care. The mandate of the Task Force is to develop and disseminate evidence-based guidelines that can be used to improve clinical preventive interventions, such as screening for certain cancers, in primary care practice in Canada. Given the Task Force operates at arm’s length, PHAC and Health Canada do not assign topics for its consideration. The Task Force is an independent body of 15 primary care and prevention experts from across Canada who recognize and support the need for evidence-informed preventive activities in primary care.The Government of Canada stands firm against misinformation and disinformation regarding the care of trans people and reiterates the importance of shared decision-making between the patient and their health provider based on the best evidence available and the unique needs of individuals.
EnfantsIdentité de genre et expression de genreTechniques et interventions médicales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01627441-01627 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01626441-01626 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 202330 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit.Attendu que :
  • La soi-disant « politique d’aide internationale féministe » du gouvernement libéral traite avec mépris les valeurs culturelles et l’autonomie des femmes dans les pays en développement, en soutenant des organisations qui violent les lois locales sur l’avortement et qui favorisent l’avortement au détriment de priorités en matière de développement international comme l’accès à de l’eau potable, l’accès à des aliments de base et le développement économique;
  • L’approche libérale en matière de développement international ciblant les femmes et les filles a récemment été critiquée par la vérificatrice générale parce qu’elle n’est assortie d’aucune mesure des résultats;
  • Dans le cadre de l’Initiative de Muskoka (lancée par le précédent gouvernement conservateur), des investissements historiques ont été faits pour favoriser le bien-être des femmes et des filles dans le monde entier. Cette initiative mettait l’accent sur l’optimisation des ressources et garantissait que les investissements soient consacrés aux priorités définies par les femmes localement.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’aligner les dépenses en matière de développement international sur l’approche adoptée dans le cadre de l’initiative de Muskoka, en consacrant les fonds de développement international à la satisfaction des besoins fondamentaux des femmes vulnérables dans le monde, plutôt qu’à la promotion de programmes idéologiques susceptibles d’être contraires aux valeurs locales des pays en développement, et en mesurant les résultats obtenus.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is a global leader in protecting and advancing the health, rights and well-being of the poorest and most vulnerable, with the empowerment of women and girls at the core of Canada’s international assistance policies and programmes. Canada spearheaded the Muskoka Initiative for Maternal, Newborn, and Child health (MNCH) during its G8 presidency in 2010, and committed $2.85 billion between 2010 and 2015. In 2015, Canada renewed its support for MNCH by committing an additional $3.5 billion over the 2016 to 2020 period. In 2016-2017, Under the Her Voice Her Choice initiative, Canada committed a further $650 million for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) programming between 2017 and 2020. The added focus on SRHR was informed by consultations with Canadian and international stakeholders, the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), and research evidence published in the 2018 Guttmacher-Lancet Commission on SRHR. Canada’s current commitment, the 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights (10YC), builds on decades of Canadian leadership in global health. Through this commitment, Canada will reach an average of $1.4 billion annually by 2023 to support women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health around the world, of which $700 million is allocated to SRHR. This is Canada’s longest, largest, and most comprehensive global health commitment to date and is a key vehicle for implementing Canada’s FIAP, strengthening health systems post COVID-19, and supporting the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.Through the 10YC, Canada continues to advance these priorities, while also promoting a complementary emphasis on comprehensive SRHR that supports country-led efforts to advance the health and rights of women and girls and address the socio-economic and cultural barriers that limit their attainment of gender equality. Through the 10YC, Canada is supporting interventions such as school meals programs, water and sanitation programming, micronutrient supplementation, community-based nutrition programs, midwifery training, and enhanced neo-natal care. Canada also continues to support large-scale investments to combat infectious diseases and strengthen health systems with key global health players, including the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria ($5.3 billion, 2002-2025) Gavi Vaccine Alliance ($2.3 billion, 2000-2025), and the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents ($630 million, 2015-2025).Canada is committed to ensuring its interventions in developing countries are locally-led. Canada’s work is built on the value it places on local partnerships, and partners are carefully selected to ensure that government, local organizations and women and youth themselves, are central in the design and delivery of international assistance programming. This approach is consistent with the principles outlined in Canada’s Official Development Assistance Accountability Act (ODAAA), which requires that Canada’s aid responds to local perspectives and priorities. Aligned with the FIAP and ODAAA principles, Canada supports local ownership and works to ensure that all initiatives are grounded in local needs, priorities and contexts, which are the basis for deep and relevant engagement with local communities, including being designed and implemented with and by local partners and aligned with national legislation and country priorities. Within Canada’s global health investments, all efforts are made to ensure that, where feasible and appropriate, government, local organizations and beneficiaries, including youth and women’s-rights organizations, are involved throughout the project cycle, from design to evaluation. This ensures that programming remains responsive to local needs, values and priorities.Under the 10YC Accountability Framework, Canada has committed to publishing annual reports on the 10YC implementation progress, including tracking of funding and results achieved. The inaugural 2020-21 Report on the 10-Year Commitment is an example of Canada’s commitment to transparency, dialogue and partnership, moving beyond discussions about money committed and spent to a different conversation about using evidence and experience to improve and drive results and impact for communities around the world. The 2021-2022 Report on the 10-Year Commitment will be published in November 2023.
Aide au développement internationalFemmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01625441-01625 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 202316 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • La junte militaire illégitime de Birmanie continue de tuer, de torturer, de violer, d’emprisonner et de déplacer des civils sans discrimination, notamment par des frappes aériennes, ce qui accroît les besoins en aide humanitaire vitale;
  • Les infrastructures de communication à l’intérieur du pays, souvent utilisées pour avertir les civils d’une attaque imminente, ont été détruites par l’armée;
  • La société d’État Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises (MOGE) est à l’origine de la majeure partie du financement que l’armée reçoit pour commettre des atrocités sur le plan des droits de la personne;
  • Le Canada a souligné sa propre obligation d’aide relativement à la crise au Myanmar, comme en témoignent la « Stratégie du Canada pour répondre aux crises des Rohingyas et du Myanmar (2021 à 2024) » de même que notre engagement au titre du principe de la responsabilité de protéger.
À ces causes, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Appeler la junte militaire de Birmanie à cesser immédiatement toutes les exécutions, atrocités et violations des droits de la personne commises à l’encontre de civils;
  • Accroître l’aide humanitaire apportée à la Birmanie, notamment par l’intermédiaire d’organisations locales de la société civile travaillant à partir de pays voisins, afin de répondre plus adéquatement aux besoins des communautés vulnérables;
  • Apporter un soutien technologique et logistique relativement aux infrastructures de communication, afin de mettre en place des systèmes d’alerte rapide et des systèmes de défense aérienne pour avertir et protéger les civils des attaques aériennes, pour sauver des vies et pour prévenir les violations des droits de la personne;
  • Appeler les compagnies d’assurance à cesser d’offrir une couverture d’assurance pour la livraison de carburant d’aviation à la Birmanie;
  • Imposer des sanctions à la MOGE, notamment en bloquant les achats directs et indirects de pétrole et de gaz qui soutiennent le régime birman;
  • Mettre rapidement en œuvre les objectifs définis dans la stratégie susmentionnée et respecter notre obligation internationale relative à la responsabilité de protéger;
  • Refuser de nouer le dialogue avec le Conseil d’administration d’État de la junte, ou de le reconnaître, au sein de toute instance régionale ou internationale;
  • Promouvoir un dialogue continu entre les groupes pro-démocratiques et les groupes de la diaspora, en vue d’aider le peuple birman à développer une démocratie inclusive reconnaissant et représentant pleinement toutes les communautés ethniques minoritaires, y compris les Rohingyas;
  • Apporter une aide aux politiciens et aux citoyens birmans afin de soutenir le développement d’un système démocratique fédéral et d’un partage du pouvoir qui offriraient une solution à ce pays composé de populations multiethniques qui vivaient ensemble avant que le pays ne s’appelle la Birmanie.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has unequivocally condemned the February 2021 military coup against the democratically elected government of Myanmar, and supports the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations in the face of brutality and egregious international human rights and humanitarian law violations. Canada continues to call for the cessation of violence and armed conflict; the release of all who are unjustly detained; immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access; and a halt on sales and transfer of arms, military equipment and technical support which fuel the conflict and undermine stability in the country and the region. Canada is concerned by a growing humanitarian crisis, democratic and economic reversals, worsening violations of international law and what the UN Commissioner referred to as the systematic negation of human rights, human life and human dignity, and the potential for growing instability and insecurity in Myanmar, with implications for the region and diminished prospects for the safe, voluntary, and dignified return for Rohingya currently in Bangladesh. Canada condemns escalating attacks against civilians, including airstrikes of populated and civilian areas with heavy weaponry, and the arbitrary detention, and deaths of civilians, all of which have deepened the humanitarian crisis.Canada is also concerned by the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) findings of far-reaching violations of freedom of association and forced labour, and by the politicization of the judiciary and the precipitous decline in human rights protections and media freedoms. The erosion of the right to free, fair and impartial trials, and the resumption of capital punishment after a 30-year de facto moratorium is of particular concern. Canada opposes the death penalty at all times, everywhere. Canada, along with international partners, condemned the execution of pro-democracy opposition leaders and supporters in 2022, underscoring that these actions exemplify the regime’s efforts to silence political opposition and exemplify blatant disregard for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law.Canada supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) and its resolute efforts to address this crisis through the ASEAN Five-Point-Consensus, while remaining increasingly concerned by lack of progress on this agreement’s implementation in the face of the regime’s intransigence. Full and timely implementation of the Five-Point-Consensus remains critical as is ASEAN’s continued downgrading of Myanmar representation at ASEAN high-level meetings and fora.Responding to the interlinked Myanmar and Rohingya crises remains a priority for Canada. On June 20, 2022, Canada announced the second phase of its Strategy to respond to the Myanmar and Rohingya crises, dedicating $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024) to address the medium- and longer-term needs and human rights of Rohingya refugees and other conflict-affected populations in Myanmar. Of this amount, $83 million supports development programming in Myanmar; $145 million for development programming for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh; and $24 million for Peace and Stabilization Operations programming. The Strategy supports at-risk and affected populations in Myanmar and Bangladesh, particularly Rohingya refugees, internally displaced persons, and impacted host communities; intensifies efforts to advance an inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar; supports efforts to advance a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Myanmar, including engagement with pro-democracy stakeholders; and, increases pressure on malign actors, including through continued pursuit of accountability for human rights violations and targeted sanctions efforts.While ensuring that no funding or support is going to the regime, Canada continues to provide development and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable, working through UN and civil society organizations, including local networks and alliance-based partners. Canada continues to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for crisis-affected populations, in accordance with needs on the ground. For example, in 2022, Canada has contributed $10.3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to address the needs of crisis-affected people in Myanmar, including support to the Rohingya population. Canada has also contributed $15.3 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh, to help address the needs of Rohingya refugees. In addition, on June 1, 2023, Canada announced $4 million in additional humanitarian assistance funding in Myanmar, and $1 million in funding for Bangladesh in response to Cyclone Mocha. Cross-border in Bangladesh, Canada continues to play a leading role in marshalling the response to the refugee crisis, leveraging a strong position on accountability and credibility as a top international donor.Canada has a legacy of support for democracy and federalism globally and in Myanmar, continuing to support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people and those who work peacefully to advance an inclusive democratic future. Canada engages with the range of pro-democracy stakeholders advancing and modelling a democratic peaceful and inclusive vision for Myanmar, including with high-level engagement such as the recent meeting between Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a senior appointed representative of the National Unity Government of Myanmar. Canada is a steadfast supporter of the need to address the root causes in Myanmar that led to the violent expulsion of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, the coup, and decades of conflict with ethnic minority armed groups. The Government of Canada’s current Strategy and commitments are centred on the meaningful participation and diverse representation, including Rohingya, women and youth.Canada prioritizes ending impunity and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations in Myanmar and justice for survivors, including Rohingya. Canada does this through support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), and our announced intention to intervene, with the Netherlands, in The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Canada strongly supported the historic United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2669 – Security Council Demands Immediate End of Violence in Myanmar, Urges Restraint, Release of Arbitrary Detained Prisoners (December 2022), and co-sponsored the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/52/L.19 - Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar (April 2023). At the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Prosecutor’s investigation into allegations of forced deportation as a crime against humanity has presented an opportunity for accountability, although Canada continues to call for the UNSC to refer the situation to the ICC, so that the commission of all serious international crimes under the Rome Statute can be investigated.Canada, in close coordination with international partners, has imposed seven rounds of sanctions since the coup as part of Canada’s commitment to support democracy and ending impunity in Myanmar, most recently January 31, 2023. Canada’s sanctions are in direct response to the regime’s continued disregard for the human rights of the people of Myanmar and target senior members of the regime who are using their respective roles to abuse the rule of law and remove political opposition, thus contributing to a grave breach of international peace and the deteriorating security situation. Through these sanctions, Canada has also targeted arms and aviation fuel procurement, and was the first country to impose a prohibition on aviation fuel in respond to the regime’s continued targeting of civilians in violation of international law. Canada, alongside its international partners, will continue to respond to actions that constitute a grave breach of international peace and security, threaten stability in the region, and subvert the rights and dignity of Myanmar people. Canada will continue to monitor the situation, assessing the effectiveness of additional policy measures, taking further actions in coordination with our partners as the situation evolves.There is no immediate solution to this protracted crisis, and Canada acknowledges that an effective ongoing response requires sustained effort, attention, commitment, and leadership on the part of Canada; the meaningful participation of Myanmar people, including Rohingya; and sustained coordination and engagement with key national, regional and international allies and partners. In this regard, we strongly welcome the petition and its calls for continued and strengthened engagement on the part of the Government of Canada.
Droits de la personneMyanmarPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01624441-01624 (Culture et patrimoine)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 202318 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le passeport canadien actuel contient des images marquantes du patrimoine canadien, y compris les Pères de la Confédération, le Mémorial de Vimy et Terry Fox;Le gouvernement compte effacer ces images du passeport canadien.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement d’annuler son projet d’effacer ces symboles de l’identité et du patrimoine nationaux du passeport canadien.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAUL CHIANG, M.P.The passport is a secure travel document with the primary purpose of facilitating Canadians’ travel, preventing counterfeiting to maintain its credibility and ensuring it is recognized at global border crossings.The new passport has been redesigned from cover to cover with state-of-the-art security features and new artwork, maintaining its status as one of the most secure and universally accepted travel documents in the world for all Canadians.When the previous version of the Canadian passport was launched in 2013, it was part of the first generation of passports that introduced an illustrative theme as part of the interior pages. Document security enhancements since 2013 have allowed countries to move to the second generation of thematic imagery using enhanced techniques aimed at improving the security of the document. The techniques Canada adopted are aligned with our counterparts across the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Belgium and Sweden.Public surveys were conducted annually between 2016 and 2018 to consult Canadians on possible themes for the new passport. Consultations were also done with the Government of Canada’s forensic specialists, Canadian Heritage, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.Industry standards and best practice are to refresh passport booklet design and security features every five years. This aligns with the recommendations set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Changing the theme and the design of our passport is an important step in preventing counterfeiting by integrating new and more advanced security features and design techniques. The change also ensures that there is a clear distinction of imagery between each passport (old and new series), which ensures ease of validation of the travel document and security features by border services agencies globally. Given the advances in terms of document security, Canada will be continuing with the new passport as designed. As the Department embarks on the conceptualization of the subsequent passport, Canadians will be consulted on the new thematic. 
Passeports et visasSymboles culturels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01623441-01623 (Citoyenneté et immigration)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 20239 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Alors que l’invasion illégale non provoquée à grande échelle de l’Ukraine par la Russie est toujours en cours, les nouveaux arrivants ukrainiens au Canada ont besoin de soutien de la part du gouvernement canadien;
  • Les Ukrainiens qui ont trouvé refuge au Canada grâce à l’Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) ne peuvent pas prendre part au programme Emploi d’été Canada (EEC), qui offre des expériences de travail rémunérées au Canada à des jeunes âgés de 15 à 30 ans pour les aider à se préparer pour le moment où ils seront prêts à intégrer le marché du travail;
  • Les jeunes originaires de l’Ukraine sont confrontés à des obstacles uniques et ont besoin de l’aide du gouvernement du Canada pour parfaire et améliorer leurs compétences, ce qui leur permettra d’acquérir de la confiance et de devenir des membres productifs de nos collectivités.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à permettre aux jeunes ukrainiens arrivés au pays dans le cadre du programme Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) de postuler des emplois dans le cadre du programme EEC.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is steadfast in its commitment to help Ukrainians and their family members seeking a safe haven in Canada. Since the introduction of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) in March 2022, Canada has welcomed over 181,000 individuals under this program. The Government of Canada has implemented a number of support measures to help these individuals settle in Canada, including providing temporary accommodations for up to 14 nights to eligible clients, offering one-time transitional financial assistance to help eligible CUAET holders meet their immediate needs, as well as extending access to federally-funded settlement services to all Ukrainian temporary residents. In 2022, three federally-organized charter flights helped nearly 1,000 Ukrainians and their family members travel to Canada. In addition, CUAET holders are eligible for a free open work permit or study permit, which allows them to take a job with almost any Canadian employer or enroll in an education program in Canada.Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has also supported the Government’s efforts for Ukraine by establishing Jobs for Ukraine, a dedicated channel on the Job Bank website for Canadian employers who wish to provide jobs to Ukrainian nationals in Canada. It has also supported those arriving to obtain a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada.The Government supports labour market programs that foster greater inclusion of underrepresented groups, such as youth, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, Black Canadians and other racialized groups. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) provides flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians to develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. Canada Summer Jobs is a program under YESS that provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer job placements for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Canada Summer Jobs is currently oversubscribed as domestic need continues to exceed available resources in the context of helping young Canadians transition into the labour market. As such, eligibility under the Terms and Conditions of the program remains focused on Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those granted refugee status in Canada. While this does not include temporary residents, recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.The Department continues to work closely with Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, one of 12 YESS federal partners, in delivering programs that help reduce systemic barriers for equity-deserving youth, including recent immigrants and newcomers, to gain the skills, abilities, and experience they need to enter the Canadian labour market.
Emplois d'été CanadaPasseports et visasPermis de travailUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01622441-01622 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 20239 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01621441-01621 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 202312 décembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Les Canadiens sont déterminés à protéger les droits internationaux de la personne; Les Canadiens reconnaissent que les groupes ethniques, religieux et autres groupes minoritaires sont souvent la cible, partout dans le monde, d’individus qui violent leurs droits;Le projet de loi C 281, Loi sur les droits de la personne à l’échelle internationale, prévoit des protections supplémentaires contre les violations des droits de la personne et confère au Parlement un rôle accru dans cette lutte.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 281, Loi sur les droits de la personne à l’échelle internationale.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is consistently a strong voice for the promotion and protection of human rights which is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Human rights are indivisible, universal and interdependent; they are inherent to everyone regardless of their race, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or other identifying factors.Canada works with a range of partners, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support other countries in upholding their human rights commitments and advance accountability for human rights violations. Canada also continuously strives to further promote and protect human rights at home, in keeping with fundamental commitments contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its many international obligations.The fight against all forms of systemic racism and discrimination requires ongoing commitment and cooperation. The engagement from members of all parties during the study of Bill C-281 by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development is a positive sign in that respect. The Government looks forward to continuing to monitor the progress of the bill which has passed through the House of Commons and is, at this present time, in its second reading in the Senate.
C-281, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le ministère des Affaires étrangères, du Commerce et du Développement, la Loi sur la justice pour les victimes de dirigeants étrangers corrompus (loi de Sergueï Magnitski), la Loi sur la radiodiffusion et la Loi interdisant les armes à sous-munitionsDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01620441-01620 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 septembre 20232 novembre 202317 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01619441-01619 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON19 septembre 20232 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The HonourableThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
 
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01618441-01618 (Affaires étrangères)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON19 septembre 20232 novembre 20234 novembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01617441-01617 (Transport)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON19 septembre 20232 novembre 202318 septembre 2023PÉTITION AU MINISTRE DES TRANSPORTS Attendu que :
  • Au Canada, les amateurs qui pilotent des modèles réduits d’avions radiocommandés sont distincts de ceux qui pilotent des drones;
  • Le pilotage de modèles réduits d’avions radiocommandés est un mode de vol séparé et distinct de celui des drones;
  • L’Association de modélisme aéronautique du Canada compte plus de 13 000 membres et des centaines de clubs d’aéromodélisme à travers le Canada;
  • Avant 2023, les pilotes de modèles réduits d’avions radiocommandés ont longtemps été exemptés des règles et réglementations relatives aux systèmes d’aéronefs pilotés à distance en vertu du Règlement de l’aviation canadienne;
  • En 2023, Transports Canada et NAV CANADA ont modifié les règles relatives au vol des modèles réduits d’avion et des drones afin d’unifier les réglementations applicables à ces deux types d’aéronefs et de les considérer comme un seul et même mode de vol;
  • Cette action a eu pour effet d’imposer aux amateurs de modèles réduits d’avions radiocommandés des exigences et des charges administratives nouvelles, supplémentaires et inutiles.
Nous, soussignés, demandons au ministre des Transports de :
  • Séparer les réglementations applicables aux modèles réduits d’avions radiocommandés des réglementations applicables aux drones;
  • Supprimer toutes les charges administratives et réglementaires inutiles imposées aux amateurs de modèles réduits d’avions radiocommandés en rétablissant une dérogation aux règles et réglementations relatives aux systèmes d’aéronefs téléguidés.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pablo RodriguezIn 2019, with the coming into force of Part IX – Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems of the Canadian Aviation Regulations,Transport Canada issued an Exemption to the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada that allowed its members to operate model aircraft between 250 grams and 35 kilograms while abiding by all applicable safety guidelines and conditions set out in the Exemption. The decision to issue an exemption to the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada was based on an assessment of their safety policies and procedures, which were assessed as providing an acceptable level of safety to Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, which sets out registration, pilot licensing, and operational requirements for remotely piloted aircraft system in Canada. The Exemption included several conditions designed to further mitigate potential safety risks, including that it would no longer be valid should any of the conditions be breached.On February 3, 2023, Model Aeronautics Association of Canada was notified that the Exemption was rendered invalid due to a breach of Condition #3, which read that “Prior to sanctioning a field in Class C, D, E, F, or any other type of restricted airspace,  Model Aeronautics Association of Canada shall obtain an authorization through a written agreement from the appropriate controlling agency or user agency for the area, [and] shall include operational boundaries, maximum altitudes, and communication protocols to facilitate the safe operation of remotely piloted aircraft system at the field”. Since the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada did not receive written authorization from the controlling agency (NAV CANADA) prior to sanctioning some fields in controlled airspace, the Exemption is no longer valid. As such, members of the Model Aeronautics Association of Canadaare now required to follow the rules set out in Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations.Canadian Aviation Regulations 101.01(1) defines a remotely piloted aircraft as “a navigable aircraft, other than a balloon, rocket, or kite that is operated by a pilot who is not on board.” This includes drones and model aircraft.All Canadian pilots of remotely piloted aircraft systems, including recreational operators, must understand that they are sharing the skies with other aircraft and follow the rules set out in Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations. They are encouraged to consult Transport Canada’s safety resources to ensure their operations are safe, legal, and avoid harming others.In parallel, in June 2023 Transport Canada pre-published proposed amendments to Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, which would allow for routine beyond visual line-of-sight operations with remotely piloted aircraft systems up to 150 kg away from populated areas in uncontrolled airspace at low altitudes and includes routine visual line-of-sightoperations with remotely piloted aircraft systems up to 150 kilograms. Although distinct from the cancellation of the Exemption, Transport Canada has received substantial feedback from the Canadian model aircraft community that will be taken into consideration as it navigates next steps.  Transport Canada will continue to work with Model Aeronautics Association of Canada and the broader model aircraft community to determine appropriate next steps and facilitate the safe and legal use of Canadian airspace by its members. To date, no replacement application has been received from Model Aeronautics Association of Canada. Anyone may apply for an exemption at any time if they can demonstrate that their proposed operation is in the public interest and would not negatively affect aviation safety. For more information, please send an email to ExemptionsAviation@tc.gc.ca.   
Aéronefs téléguidésBureaucratie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023e-4484e-4484 (Santé)BiancaMammarellaFrancescoSorbaraVaughan—WoodbridgeLibéralON16 juin 2023 à 8 h 35 (HAE)15 août 2023 à 8 h 35 (HAE)19 septembre 20232 novembre 202315 août 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes </Addressee>Attendu que :Ces dernières années, l’utilisation de cigarettes électroniques (communément appelées « vapes ») chez les jeunes a augmenté partout au Canada. On sait que les arômes de liquide de vapotage encouragent les jeunes à commencer à vapoter;De nombreux individus choisissent d’utiliser des cigarettes électroniques, car ils croient erronément qu’elles sont inoffensives, mais leur utilisation peut avoir des conséquences à court et à long terme. Les preuves s’accumulent selon lesquelles la vapeur secondaire des cigarettes électroniques peut avoir des conséquences néfastes, révélant ainsi le problème que ces produits représentent pour la santé publique;Certains individus souhaitent utiliser les cigarettes électroniques comme un moyen de renoncement au tabagisme, mais il est également possible d’atteindre cet objectif sans arômes de liquide de vapotage;Le gouvernement fédéral a proposé un règlement qui interdirait tous les arômes de liquide de vapotage, hormis les arômes de tabac et de menthe/menthol, mais ces progrès sont en perte de vitesse. De plus, ce règlement exclut les arômes de menthe/menthol, qui sont parmi les arômes de liquide de vapotage les plus populaires chez les jeunes; En réglementant ces arômes de liquide de vapotage, non seulement le gouvernement fédéral soutiendrait les provinces et territoires qui ont déjà décidé d’agir pour réduire l’utilisation des cigarettes électroniques chez les jeunes, mais il appuierait les efforts visant à empêcher dès le départ les jeunes Canadiens à acquérir cette dangereuse habitude, tout en s’assurant que les adultes qui souhaitent abandonner le tabagisme continuent d’avoir accès aux cigarettes électroniques.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’élargir la portée de toute urgence du règlement sur les arômes de liquide de vapotage annoncé dans la partie 1 de la Gazette du Canada pour inclure les arômes de menthe et de menthol et de le publier dans la partie 2 de la Gazette du Canada.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Government of Canada is committed to preventing youth vaping and has taken a number of measures to that effect. The Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA) prohibits the sale of vaping products to young persons and bans advertising that could be appealing to young persons. The TVPA also contains certain restrictions with regard to flavours to help protect young persons from enticement to use vaping products. Confectionery, dessert, cannabis, soft drink and energy drink are flavours that cannot be promoted or sold in relation to vaping products.The proposed Order Amending Schedules 2 and 3 of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act and the proposed Standards for Vaping Products’ Sensory Attributes Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, Volume 155, Number 25 on June 19, 2021. The proposed Order and Regulations would restrict the promotion of flavours in vaping products to tobacco, mint and menthol, prescribe a sensory attribute standard to prevent sensory perception other than ones typical of tobacco or mint/menthol and prohibit sugars, sweeteners and most flavouring ingredients in vaping products. The consultation period for the proposed Order closed on September 2, 2021. Health Canada received over 25,000 submissions and continues to assess the input it received. The proposed regulations are included on Health Canada’s published 2023-2025 Forward Regulatory Plan.The Government of Canada has adopted four sets of vaping-related regulations to address high rates of youth vaping that came into effect between 2020 and 2023: the Vaping Product Labelling and Packaging Regulations, the Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations, the Vaping Products Promotion Regulations and the Vaping Products Reporting Regulations. The Vaping Product Labelling and Packaging Regulations require a standardized nicotine concentration statement and a health warning about the addictiveness of nicotine as well as a toxicity warning. The Nicotine Concentration in Vaping Products Regulations cap nicotine at 20 mg/mL. The Vaping Products Promotion Regulations prohibit advertising and display of vaping products at retail locations, including online, that can be seen by youth. Finally, the Vaping Products Reporting Regulations require manufacturers and importers to report on their sales of vaping products and the ingredients used in them.Health Canada continues its efforts to improve compliance with TVPA provisions on youth access to vaping products and promotions. In fiscal year 2022-2023, for example, these efforts included: a) inspecting 1,180 vaping product retailers and seizing non-compliant products at 177 establishments; b) inspecting 80 vaping manufacturers and seizing non-compliant products at 23; and, c) conducting inspections of 255 online vaping product retailers.With respect to public education, Health Canada has invested more than $14 million in its “Consider the Consequences of Vaping” campaign. The campaign has included several waves of online advertising in locations such as cinema, transit and malls with over 938 million impressions, as well as an interactive learning tour in schools and community venues or virtually, reaching 158,000 youth in over 968 schools. In addition, vaping awareness kits were provided to all middle and high schools, and resources sent to health care professionals. Since spring 2023, a self-led module is available for youth and teachers, which includes risks associated with vaping cannabis.A new federal excise duty on vaping products came into effect on October 1, 2022.
Produits de vapotage
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023e-4501e-4501 (Justice)GurmeetToorSukhDhaliwalSurrey—NewtonLibéralBC4 juillet 2023 à 9 h 45 (HAE)3 août 2023 à 9 h 45 (HAE)19 septembre 20232 novembre 20233 août 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Le 18 juin 2023, un membre éminent de la communauté sikhe canadienne, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a été abattu à l’extérieur du temple Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, à Surrey, C.-B.;Nijjar était un membre droit, croyant, respectueux des lois et pacifique de la communauté sikhe canadienne qui n’a jamais participé à aucune activité criminelle, et il servait sa communauté avec dévouement et sans relâche en tant que président du temple Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara et coordonnateur en chef du chapitre canadien du Global Khalistan Referendum;L’assassinat de Nijjar a non seulement causé une perte irréparable pour la communauté sikhe mais il a également soulevé de sérieuses craintes qui méritent la plus grande attention immédiate des plus hautes sphères du gouvernement canadien; Cette affaire doit faire l’objet d’une enquête approfondie afin de garantir la sécurité de tous les Canadiens.Nous soussignés, membres de la communauté sikhe canadienne de la Colombie-Britannique, prions le gouvernement du Canada de lancer une enquête pour faire la lumière sur le meurtre de Nijjar, pour dévoiler le véritable mobile et les acteurs qui se cachent derrière ce meurtre horrible, et pour répondre aux allégations très sérieuses rapportées dans le Toronto Star et le Vancouver Sun, sorties à peine quelques semaines après que le conseiller à la sécurité nationale du premier ministre ait décrit l’Inde comme étant l’une des principales sources d’ingérence étrangère visant les Canadiens.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Prime Minister was unequivocal that any involvement of a foreign government in the killing of a Canadian citizen on Canadian soil is an unacceptable violation of Canadian sovereignty.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is committed to safeguarding Canada and Canadians from foreign interference, including from state-backed and state-directed threat and criminal actors targeting Canadians. The RCMP has an active and ongoing investigation into the homicide of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, BC, therefore, no further comment on the investigation will be provided. This investigation remains a priority for the Integrated Homicide Investigative Team. They have and will continue to work closely with local, provincial and national police agencies and partners to advance this investigation.The RCMP actively leverages all tools at its disposal to combat foreign interference. The RCMP has strong relationships with security and intelligence communities and law enforcement agencies domestically and around the world and, work closely with Five Eyes partners to respond to and maintain situational awareness of all threats to national security.The RCMP wants to assure the Canadian Sikh community and all Canadians that this Government has taken measures to ensure that Canada is clear with respect to its expectations on the rule of law, and the protection of its citizens. 
Activités influencées par l'étrangerEnquêtes et enquêtes publiquesHomicideInde
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01614441-01614 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC19 septembre 20232 novembre 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Le 20e rapport du département d’État américain sur la traite de personnes mentionne que le Canada respecte les normes minimales pour l’élimination de la traite;
  • Le rapport mentionne que les gouvernements, au Canada, n’ont pas fourni de données exhaustives sur les enquêtes, les poursuites, les condamnations et les services aux victimes;
  • La gamme, la qualité et les délais de prestations des services en matière de traite varient à l’échelle du Canada et sont l’objet d’une insuffisance de fonds chronique;
  • La coordination entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux sur les mesures de lutte contre la traite de personnes est mauvaise;
  • Le rapport américain exhorte les gouvernements au Canada à recourir davantage à des techniques proactives d’application de la loi,à la formation des procureurs et des juges et à des partenariats avec le secteur privé pour prévenir la traite de personnes.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : Renforcer la Loi sur la protection des collectivités et des personnes victimes d’exploitation pour combler les lacunes du Canada relevées dans le rapport américain afin que le Canada surpasse les normes minimales pour l’élimination de la traite;Établir une collaboration et une coordination plus étroites avec les provinces, le secteur privé et les autres intervenants dans la lutte contre la traite de personnes au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the issue of human trafficking seriously and is committed to the protection of children, women, girls, and other vulnerable members of society from all forms of exploitation and abuse, including sexual exploitation and labour trafficking in Canada and abroad.The protection of victims of human trafficking is a shared responsibility among all levels of government. Provinces and territories provide services such as health and social services, emergency housing, and legal aid to victims and survivors and in some cases have established their own local strategies and action plans to address human trafficking in their jurisdictions. Similarly, civil society and other non-governmental actors play a critical role in Canada’s response to this crime. The Government of Canada recognizes that human trafficking is a multifaceted issue which requires cooperation with the provinces and territories, the private sector and civil society actors.In 2019, the Government of Canada launched the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (National Strategy), which brings together federal efforts under one strategic framework, and is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing. The National Strategy includes measures aligned with the internationally recognized pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships. Expanding on these pillars, the National Strategy includes empowerment as a fifth pillar to enhance supports and services to victims of human trafficking. As a whole-of-government approach, the National Strategy sets out a comprehensive way forward to address human trafficking and brings together all federal efforts that aim to address human trafficking under one strategic plan to ensure a collaborative and coordinated national response.Under the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, the Federal Government has developed an enhanced governance structure to enable a more coordinated response to human trafficking. The Human Trafficking Taskforce (HTT), comprised of all relevant federal departments, was established to ensure effective coordination, implementation and management of existing and enhanced efforts to address human trafficking in Canada and abroad. Further, the HTT serves to support the alignment of anti-human trafficking initiatives with other federal government priorities (i.e. Gender-Based Violence and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls). Public Safety Canada has also established robust mechanisms to bolster existing governance through the federal HTT, these include an Assistant Deputy Ministers meeting, and a Director-General Steering Committee on Human Trafficking which provide oversight of the horizontal initiative.Collaboration and information sharing with federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments through the Public Safety Canada-led FPT Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Working Group remains central to the Government’s efforts. The Government of Canada also hosts a Justice Canada led-FPT Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials on Human Trafficking. These meetings facilitate information sharing and collaboration, and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned to inform policy and program development.Furthermore, under the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to hosting stakeholder engagements to ensure ongoing outreach and information sharing and to address emerging trends. The purpose of these engagements is to bring together experts, civils society organizations, service providers and other external stakeholders to enhance knowledge and information sharing; better understand stakeholder concerns and priority issues; and, inform forward looking policy and program development. These meetings also provide Public Safety Canada and federal partners with an opportunity to strengthen key relationships and establish new ones as well as identify opportunities for new partnerships.In addition, Public Safety Canada launched a Human Trafficking public awareness campaign targeting Canadian youth (16-19) and young adults (20-25), including Indigenous peoples, as well as parents/ caregivers of youth. The goal of this campaign is to increase awareness of human trafficking, address public misconceptions of the crime, and raise awareness of warning signs and ways to report suspected incidences. The Government of Canada is committed to combating human trafficking and will continue to work diligently to better understand gaps in Canada’s collective response to this crime to build stronger and safer communities across Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe 2022 Annual Report on Trafficking in Persons, prepared by the US Government, recognizes that Canada, as a Tier 1 country, fully meets the standards outlined in the report to combat trafficking in persons and that Canada continues to demonstrate sustained and serious efforts. Combating trafficking in persons in Canada requires concerted action by all levels of government and a broad range of stakeholders.The Government of Canada continues to demonstrate national leadership and is committed to ensuring a whole-of-government approach and comprehensive way forward to address human trafficking. The Criminal Code provides a robust framework for human trafficking with six specific human trafficking offences, including trafficking in adults, child trafficking, materially benefitting from human trafficking and withholding or destroying identity documents to facilitate this crime, with maximum penalties of up to life imprisonment. Additionally, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act includes a human trafficking-specific offence, which applies where victims are brought into Canada. This offence has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Justice Canada provides training to law enforcement through the Human Trafficking Investigators Course, offered regularly through the Canadian Police College.The federal government works closely with provinces and territories to support victims of crime, including victims of human trafficking. Specifically, the Justice Canada Victims Fund makes grants and contributions funding available to provincial and territorial governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other eligible recipients for the creation and enhancement of services for victims of crime and to enhance the knowledge and capacity of those who work with victims of crime so that these professionals and volunteers can better meet victims’ needs.In support of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking led by Public Safety Canada, Justice Canada makes $1 million per year available through the Victims Fund to NGOs to develop or enhance services for victims of human trafficking. In particular, Justice Canada is providing funding to nine projects in fiscal year 2022-2023 through the Victims Fund. These projects include the establishment or enhancement of services for victims of human trafficking, as well as the development and delivery of training for law enforcement officers and frontline service providers. A total of $1,164,157 in funding was committed in fiscal year 2022-2023 to support victims of human trafficking.
Loi sur la protection des collectivités et des personnes victimes d'exploitationTraite de personnes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 novembre 2023441-01613441-01613 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC19 septembre 20232 novembre 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • le charbon thermique, celui que l’on brûle pour produire de l’électricité, est le combustible fossile le plus sale au monde;
  • le charbon thermique est à l’origine de la moitié des émissions de carbone dans le monde, et la pollution qu’il génère tue plus de 800 000 personnes chaque année;
  • le gouvernement a un plan pour mettre fin progressivement aux exportations de charbon thermique, mais ce plan est dépassé et insuffisant;
  • le monde doit se détourner rapidement du charbon thermique pour avoir une chance de limiter le réchauffement planétaire à 1, 5 degrés Celsius, qui est l’objectif de Paris;
  • les effets physiques des changements climatiques présentent des risques sérieux pour la population, la faune et la flore ainsi que l’économie du Canada, notamment en raison de la fonte du pergélisol, des sécheresses, des vagues de chaleur, des feux de forêt, des inondations, de l’élévation du niveau des mers, de l’augmentation des maladies à transmission vectorielle, des perturbations dans les chaînes d’approvisionnement, de la destruction des infrastructures et des dommages causés à des secteurs clés, comme l’agriculture et la foresterie;
  • le Canada a connu une augmentation des émissions de gaz à effet de serre depuis la signature de l’Accord de Paris, de sorte qu’il affiche le pire bilan de tous les pays du G7 depuis la Conférence des Parties de 2015 à Paris, en France.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • 1. d’ajouter le charbon thermique à la Liste des substances d’intérêt prioritaire de la Loi canadienne sur la protection de l’environnement (LCPE) et, dès que possible par la suite, à la Liste des substances toxiques de la LCPE;
  • 2. de réglementer l’exploitation minière, l’utilisation, l’exportation et l’importation du charbon thermique au Canada, conformément à nos engagements internationaux visant à réduire les émissions de carbone au pays et à l’étranger.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTPhasing out coal use in our electricity sector is another critical component of Canadian and global efforts to tackle climate change. The clean energy transition will not only cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), it will also protect our air, our water and our health.In December 2018, Canada published regulations to phase out conventional coal-fired electricity by 2030. This is expected to result in cumulative GHG reductions of 94 million tonnes over the 2019 to 2055 period, including 12.8 million tonnes in 2030.At the 26th United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of the Parties, the Canadian Prime Minister stated Canada’s goal of establishing a net-zero emissions electricity grid by 2035. This commitment was reflected in the mandate letter for the Minister of the Environment in December 2021. Achieving that goal will be transformational, and will require multiple measures and all levels of government working together. At the federal level, the new Clean Electricity Standard is being complemented by numerous investment programs for the electricity sector administered by Natural Resources Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Infrastructure Canada, including those announced in Budget 2022. These measures are intended to help ensure that Canada achieves a clean, reliable and affordable electricity system. For further information regarding the development of the Clean Electricity Standard, please see A clean electricity standard in support of a net-zero electricity sector: discussion paperwww.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/canadian-environmental-protection-act-registry/achieving-net-zero-emissions-electricity-generation-discussion-paper.htmlThe Government of Canada is also addressing GHG emissions from electricity generation globally. Burning thermal coal is the single largest contributor to climate change globally and a major source of toxic pollution that harms human health. In 2019, Export Development Canada committed to no new financing for international coal-fired power plants, thermal coal mines or dedicated thermal coal-related infrastructure. In May 2021, all G7 countries, following Canada’s leadership, also agreed to take concrete steps to end government investment for unabated thermal coal power generation projects. In the aforementioned mandate letter of December 2021, the Minister of Environment was also mandated to work with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development to continue Canada’s leadership on the global effort to phase out coal-powered electricity and the mining of thermal coal and ban thermal coal exports from and through Canada as swiftly as possible, and no later than 2030.    
CharbonCommerce internationalIndustrie minièreLoi canadienne sur la protection de l'environnement (1999)Protection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01612441-01612 (Sécurité publique)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB18 septembre 20231 novembre 202312 novembre 2020Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Nous, les soussignés, Citoyens et résidents du Canada, portons à l'attention du gouvernement du Canada cette situation :
  • Qu'il est reconnu que des niveaux de bruit préjudiciables peuvent affecter l'audition des utilisateurs d'armes à feu et ce, malgré l'utilisation de la protection auditive habituelle;
  • Que l'article 7 de la Charte des Droits et Libertés reconnaît le droit d'une personne à la santé et à la sécurité personnelle;
  • Que les silencieux sont les seuls dispositifs de santé et de sécurité universellement reconnus qui comportent une interdiction criminelle au Canada;
  • Que, comme l'a confirmé Bedford c. Canada devant la Cour suprême du Canada, on ne peut empêcher que des mesures raisonnables soient prises pour améliorer la sécurité des personnes dans une situation dangereuse;
  • Que la majorité des pays du G7 et bien d'autres pays encore reconnaissent les avantages en matière de santé et de la sécurité et autorisent l'utilisation légale de ce dispositif pour les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;
  • Que les silencieux entrainent une réduction marquée de la pollution sonore et des plaintes relatives au bruit dans les collectivités où les champs de tir sont situés, dans les collectivités rurales et agricoles et dans les zones de loisirs où la chasse et le tir à la cible se pratiquent de façon légale;
  • Que ces silencieux facilitent un traitement plus humain des animaux de chasse, du bétail et des animaux domestiques en tant que fidèles compagnons de chasse;
  • Que les dommages auditifs représentent un problème important de qualité de vie et de santé publique qui coûte des millions de dollars par année aux contribuables.
PAR CONSÉQUENT, les signataires de cette pétition demandent au gouvernement du Canada :
  • De prendre position et de reconnaître les Canadiens comme étant responsables de leur propre santé et sécurité en supprimant l'interdiction des silencieux du Code criminel du Canada;
  • De permettre l'acquisition, la possession et l'utilisation légales de silencieux avec les armes à feu par tous les utilisateurs d'armes autorisés au Canada;
  • D'exhortez les provinces et les territoires à modifier les interdictions provinciales et territoriales et à permettre l'utilisation de silencieux lors de participation à toutes activités légales de chasse et de tir sportif.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government believes in implementing effective measures with respect to firearms that prioritize public safety, while remaining mindful of the impact of such measures on firearms owners and businesses.Any device or contrivance designed or intended to muffle or stop the sound or report of a firearm has been unlawful in Canada since the early 1900s. These items are prescribed as prohibited devices in the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited or Restricted. Sound reduction or elimination diminishes the public’s ability to react to gun shots and makes it difficult for law enforcement to become aware of a possible criminal incident.         Firearms owners can make use of other forms of hearing protection that are commonly available and that do not adversely impact public safety.
Contrôle des armes à feuSanté auditive
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01610441-01610 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB18 septembre 20231 novembre 20238 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementATTENDU QUE : Le Parti libéral s’est fait élire entre autres en promettant de révoquer le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie, dont les centres d’aide à la grossesse, qui conseillent de jeunes femmes et sauvent un nombre incalculable de vies chaque année; La révocation du statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie est une première étape vers des mesures encore plus tyranniques pour enrayer les valeurs et les principes des Canadiens de confession chrétienne, ce qui veut dire que les églises pourraient être la prochaine cible; La révocation du statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie provoquera une explosion du nombre d’avortements commis brutalement au Canada tous les ans, tuant des milliers de bébés innocents.PAR CONSÉQUENT, qu'il soit résolu que les soussignés exhortent, par la présente, les députés à faire tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour empêcher, bloquer, dénoncer et refuser tout effort fait par le gouvernement pour révoquer le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie au Canada.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right.
AvortementOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01609441-01609 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB18 septembre 20231 novembre 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • Aucune loi n’oblige les producteurs, les distributeurs et les annonceurs de matériel pornographique commercial à vérifier l’âge et le consentement des personnes représentées dans le matériel et à consigner ces données;
  • La recommandation no 2 du rapport sur MindGeek que le Comité permanent de l'accès à l'information, de la protection des renseignements personnels et de l'éthique a publié en 2021 dit ceci : « Que le gouvernement du Canada oblige les plateformes offrant des services d’hébergement de contenu au Canada à exiger de toutes les personnes figurant dans du contenu pornographique la confirmation qu’elles sont majeures et qu’elles consentent à la diffusion du contenu, avant que celui-ci soit téléversé sur un site »;
  • Le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet, crée deux nouvelles infractions dans le Code criminel : le fait de produire du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée, et le fait de distribuer du matériel pornographique à des fins commerciales sans avoir vérifié l’âge et le consentement des personnes dont l’image est représentée ou lorsque le consentement a été refusé par écrit;
  • Plusieurs organismes, dont Defend Dignity, le Conseil national des femmes du Canada, le London Abused Women’s Centre, le Conseil des femmes de Montréal, Parents Aware et le National Centre on Child Exploitation, se sont exprimés en faveur du projet de loi C 270;
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions donc la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 270, Loi visant à mettre fin à l’exploitation sexuelle sur Internet.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThere is no room in Canada for sexual exploitation. Our Government is committed to ensuring that all individuals are safe from sexual exploitation, including online. It is for this exact reason that the Minister of Canadian Heritage’s December 2021 mandate letter commits to introducing legislation to combat serious forms of harmful online content, taking into consideration the feedback received from the Canadian public in 2021.In 2022, we took it a step further, which included an expert advisory group, a Citizens’ Assembly, Indigenous engagement, which involved a sharing circle and one-on-one interviews, and 20 Ministerial roundtables across Canada. Our Government is committed to putting in place a regulatory framework to reduce the risk of exposure to harmful content online. Online services have a role to play to make the Internet a safer place for all users in Canada.Furthermore, the Criminal Code includes a strong and comprehensive approach that protects against sexual exploitation, including offences that prohibit non-consensual distribution of intimate images (section 162.1), as well as child-specific sexual offences, including child pornography (section 163.1), making sexually explicit material available to a child (section 171.1) and luring a child (section 172.1). Canada’s laws addressing child sexual offending also apply extra-territorially, which means that prosecutions can happen in Canada for crimes allegedly committed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents abroad.An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide Internet service came into force on December 8, 2011. This Act requires a Canadian provider of Internet services to report to police when they have reasonable grounds to believe that their Internet service is being or has been used to commit a child pornography offence, such as making child pornography available, or distributing child pornography. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection (C3P) is responsible under the Act for another measure to protect the Canadian public. It receives, and processes, reports of child pornography and child abuse on the Internet from Canadian providers of Internet services. C3P is a registered charitable organization that operates Cybertip.ca, which receives and processes tips from the public about potentially illegal material online related to child sexual exploitation and then refers any potentially actionable reports to the appropriate authorities. C3P also provides public education and awareness materials, as well as support and referral services for those who need it. In addition, C3P operates Project Arachnid, an automated web crawler, which scans the internet and automatically detects and processes tens of thousands of images per second and sends take down notices to online service providers to remove child sexual abuse material globally. When service providers, subject to the Act, are advised of a location on the Internet where child pornography may be made available to the public, the providers are required under this Act to report to C3P. All of these efforts together make C3P an effective organization that provides tools to protect children and combat child sexual exploitation.
Âge légalC-270, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (matériel pornographique)ConsentementPornographie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01608441-01608 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB18 septembre 20231 novembre 202315 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La commission américaine des libertés religieuses internationales a signalé que divers acteurs en Inde ont préconisé, institué et appliqué des politiques sectaires visant à établir l’Inde à titre d’état ouvertement hindou, à l’encontre de la fondation séculaire et pluraliste de l’Inde, ce qui pose un grave danger aux minorités religieuses de l’Inde;
  • Les chrétiens en Inde font l’objet d’attaques ciblées de la part d’extrémistes, avec 486 incidents d’attaques anti-chrétiennes en 2021 selon le United Christian Forum, et plus de 300 attaques en date de juillet 2022, en plus de cas bien documentés de vandalisme dans les églises, d’agressions contre des personnes travaillant pour des églises et de menaces et d’humiliations à l’encontre de congrégations chrétiennes;
  • Selon un rapport de 2021 du Bureau indien d’information sur les crimes, on signale toutes les heures des crimes contre des groupes dalits, y compris contre des femmes et des filles dalits, les cas étant passés de 50 291 en 2020 à 50 900 en 2021;
  • Les musulmans indiens sont à risque de génocide selon l’ONG Genocide Watch, qui a documenté des « signes et des processus » de génocide en Inde, ce que confirment d’autres rapports crédibles selon lesquels de plus en plus de minorités musulmanes sont victimes de menaces, d’agressions, de violence sexuelle et d’assassinats, le tout de manière organisée et ciblée.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. Veiller officiellement à ce que tous les accords commerciaux avec l’Inde, dont l’Accord commercial des premiers progrès (ACPP), l’Accord de partenariat économique global (APEG) et l’Accord sur la promotion et la protection des investissements étrangers (APIE), contiennent des dispositions obligatoires sur le respect des droits de la personne;2. Imposer des sanctions ciblées contre les extrémistes reconnus coupables d’incitation à la violence contre les minorités religieuses en Inde;3. Promouvoir un dialogue mutuellement respectueux et mutuellement avantageux sur les droits de la personne entre le Canada et l’Inde.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is committed to creating economic opportunities through initiatives such as trade agreements so that more Canadians can engage in, and benefit from, trade, while at the same time advancing broader social, labour, and environmental priorities in Canada, such as inclusive growth and the promotion of human rights. Fostering greater engagement and closer ties with countries through trade agreements is also an effective way of promoting Canadian values, such as human rights, democracy, openness, respect for the rule of law, and rules-based international trade. With respect to trade agreement negotiations, the Government of Canada has paused negotiations with India to further review and reflect. The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting exporters to find opportunities to expand into international markets, including in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific Region. The promotion and protection of human rights has long been an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Canada believes that human rights are the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world. Canada remains a firm and consistent voice, speaking up for the protection and promotion of human rights and the advancement of democratic values. Canada’s autonomous sanctions regime is one of many tools that support this important work. The government remains committed to monitoring issues of human rights, such as freedom of religion or belief and the protection of the rights of persons belonging to minority groups around the world, on an ongoing basis. Canada is also committed to promoting freedom of religion or belief internationally and at home, working with partners to create a climate of inclusion and respect for diversity and against the persecution of minorities on the grounds of religion or belief. No person or group should face restrictions on the freedom to practise their faith or belief, whether in the form of laws, policies, or actions or through harassment or violence. It causes suffering and division and leads to a climate of fear, intolerance, and stigmatization. Canada will continue to stand up for this freedom while promoting diversity and inclusion for all.
Commerce internationalDroits de la personneIndeMinorités religieuses
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01607441-01607 (Environnement)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC18 septembre 20231 novembre 202314 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • Plus de 1 600 feux de forêt ont brûlé plus de 860 000 hectares en Colombie-Britannique au cours de la saison 2021, y compris l’incendie de Lytton Creek qui a ravagé la Première Nation de Lytton et le village de Lytton;
  • Les phénomènes météorologiques de « rivière atmosphérique » de novembre 2021 qui ont provoqué des inondations extrêmes et des glissements de terrain dans tout le Sud de la Colombie-Britannique ont causé :
    • Le décès de quatre personnes;
    • L’évacuation forcée de dizaines de milliers de résidents;
    • La mort de plus d’un demi-million d’animaux d’élevage;
    • Le barrage de toutes les principales autoroutes et voies ferrées desservant le Lower Mainland;
    • Des dommages aux pipelines qui ont nécessité la mise en œuvre de mesures de rationnement de l’essence;
    • De graves répercussions sur les activités portuaires et la réduction des importations et des exportations;
    • La constatation de lacunes dans la gestion des urgences en Colombie-Britannique, surtout en ce qui a trait aux citoyens autochtones;
    • La destruction d’infrastructures essentielles, de commerces, d’exploitations agricoles et d’habitations dont le coût estimatif s’élève à des milliards de dollars.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconnaître le rôle indispensable des régions touchées dans la sécurité alimentaire du Canada et de s’associer financièrement à la province de la Colombie-Britannique, ainsi qu’aux gouvernements autochtones et administrations locales concernés, afin de fournir tout le soutien nécessaire dans l’immédiat aux mesures de rétablissement d’urgence, et à moyen et long terme, aux efforts de reconstruction à grande échelle pour réparer les dommages causés par une succession de catastrophes naturelles.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): SHERRY ROMANADO, M.PThe Government of Canada recognizes the significant loss and hardship residents of British Columbia have suffered due to the 2021 atmospheric river storm and wildfires which caused widespread damage. We remain committed to ensuring that the people of British Columbia, including those in remote and Indigenous communities have the support and resources they need to deal with these challenging situations.Following a natural disaster, provinces and territories are responsible for the design and delivery of financial assistance to those who are affected. In turn, Public Safety Canada administers the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program on behalf of the Government of Canada. The DFAA program is intended to assist provinces and territories with response and recovery costs that exceed what they might reasonably be expected to bear on their own.All decisions regarding financial assistance to individuals, small businesses, and local governments affected by a natural disaster are taken by the affected province or territory, and the DFAA sets out which costs will be eligible for cost-sharing with the federal government.British Columbia submitted requests for financial assistance under the DFAA for the 2021 atmospheric river and fire disasters. To date, the Government of Canada has contributed over $1 billion to British Columbia to support their recovery efforts.Furthermore, the Government of Canada joined the Government of British Columbia in matching donations to the Canadian Red Cross to support disaster relief and recovery efforts. Through this initiative, the Government of Canada has committed $33,251,399.29 towards 2021 British Columbia Floods Recovery and $4,635,385 towards 2021 British Columbia Wildfires Appeal.In recognition of the fact that disasters are increasing in frequency and severity across Canada, the Government of Canada recently completed a review of the DFAA to ensure there is an updated, comprehensive system available to provinces and territories for disaster recovery and to support the safety and well-being of Canadians. The modernized DFAA program, set to launch in 2025, will increase focus in improving recovery outcomes, mitigating risk, and building resilience to future disasters in Canada.
Response by the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern OntarioSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENICA ATWINThe Minister of Indigenous Services would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in emergency recovery and rebuilding in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, and Indigenous and local governments.Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) supports First Nations who have experienced emergencies directly through the Emergency Management Assistance Program, and provides other services in partnership with the Province of British Columbia, and the First Nations’ Emergency Services Society.Many First Nations communities in British Columbia were significantly impacted by the atmospheric river event in 2021. ISC is providing financial support to these communities for recovery including $27.7 million in funding to date to assess flood risks and mitigate future flooding impacts.ISC has also worked closely with Lytton First Nation to support recovery efforts following devastating wildfires in 2021. The department has provided over $55 million to date towards recovery projects including recovery staffing, interim community buildings, environmental remediation, and debris removal. All community members who lost homes in Lytton First Nation are in interim housing in their community, while ISC works with the community on plans to rebuild permanent housing.
Response by the President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of CanadaSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sherry RomanadoAs the effect of climate change is impacting Canadians, the Government of Canada is committed to effective and efficient responses to wildfire and flooding events to ensure the safety and security of Canadians and is aware of the many issues that can arise from these disasters and disruptions.Through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), program administered by Public Safety Canada, the Government of Canada helps the provinces and territories with response and recovery costs that exceed their ability to bear on their own in the face of disasters. Due to the increasing costs, and increasing numbers of extreme weather events cause by Climate Changes the Government of Canada recently completed a review of the DFAA. This review aims to ensure there is an updated, comprehensive system available to provinces and territories for disaster recovery and to support the safety and well-being of Canadians.To address food security issues resulting from natural disasters, the AgriRecovery framework aims to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters, including wildfire, flooding, and drought. The AgriRecovery framework is part of a suite of federal-provincial-territorial business risk management tools designed to help producers deal with the income and production losses they experience when disasters occur. The AgriRecovery framework aims to mitigate the impact of a disaster and resume production and farming operations as quickly as possible after a natural disaster.In February 2022, the Governments of British Columbia and Canada announced $228 million in funding through the Canada-BC Flood Recovery Program for Food Security to help farmers return to production and support British Columbia’s food security and agricultural communities following historic flooding in the region. Additionally, in October 2023, after an intense summer of wildfires and drought, the Government of British Columbia launched the 2023 Canada-British Columbia Wildfire and Drought AgriRecovery Initiative that offers as much as $71 million in joint federal-provincial funding to help producers throughout the province return to full operation.Since 2021, communities in British Columbia (BC) have dealt with successive severe fire and flooding seasons. To help the Province, the Government of Canada has announced over $1.2 billion in DFAA payments to B.C. for both their 2021 flooding and wildfire recovery work so far, and a total of $5 billion was set aside in 2021’s Fall Economic Statement.The Government of Canada approaches emergency recovery measures considering the needs of people, and the need to mitigate damage from future severe events. The Lytton Creek Fire is an example of an event that was particularly devastating. To help the community rebuild, Minister Sajjan, now Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan) announced over $77 million to support homeowners and business impacted by the wildfires. This included :•           $64 million, through Infrastructure Canada, to support the rebuilding of Lytton through the construction of net-zero, fire-resistant public buildings,•           $6 million for the Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program to support insured homeowners who will rebuild within net-zero and fire-resistant standards•           And $7.2 million to create the Lytton Business Restart program, delivered by PacifiCan, to help small- and medium-sized businesses get back on their feet including Indigenous-owned businesses, and those operated by women, youth and other underrepresented groups.These programs are designed to promote community resilience as fire-resistant and net-zero homes are more resilient to future fire seasons, highly energy efficient, significantly reduce heating and cooling costs for homeowners, and improve indoor air quality. In addition, these programs aim to promote job creation and local trade.As the cost of climate change will grow over the years, with more severe fire, flooding, and drought the Government of Canada is committed in reducing emissions. Emissions have decreased by over 8% since 2005 and the Federal Government is committed in achieving net-zero by 2050The federal government is committed to working with its provincial and local government counterparts to help communities recover and mitigate damage from disasters when they occur. The Government of Canada is further committed to learning and improving preparedness, response, and recovery efforts as Canadians are increasingly faced with wildfires, floods, and other natural hazard events. One only needs to look to this year and the events experienced across the country with flooding, wildfires, and drought as examples of the importance of this continued effort.Any loss of life from severe weather events and disasters is a tragedy that is mourned by many Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to help Canadians prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The above programs and initiatives are a few of the ways that the Government of Canada continues to learn and apply the lessons of adapting to climate change, severe weather events, and to respond to the needs of communities to prevent further loss of life and destruction.
Catastrophes naturellesColombie-BritanniqueIntervention d'urgence et intervenants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01606441-01606 (Justice)LarryBrockBrantford—BrantConservateurON18 septembre 20231 novembre 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023e-4514e-4514 (Affaires sociales et égalité)JeffreySalisburyMikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON12 juillet 2023 à 8 h 40 (HAE)10 septembre 2023 à 8 h 40 (HAE)18 septembre 20231 novembre 202313 septembre 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Les personnes handicapées font souvent face à des obstacles à l’emploi ainsi qu’à des coûts plus élevés associés aux soins de santé et au logement;L’instauration de la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées a été retardée de plus de deux ans, car la première tentative d’adoption de la loi établissant la prestation, connue sous le nom de projet de loi C-35, a été reportée en raison du déclenchement de l’élection de 2021;La prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées fournira un soutien financier indispensable aux personnes handicapées, dont un grand nombre vivent dans la pauvreté;L’instauration de la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées devrait prendre au moins 18 mois après l’adoption du projet de loi C-22, Loi sur la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées, en juin 2023;D’ici à ce que la réglementation relative à la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées soit établie, aucun programme ne fournit de soutien financier provisoire aux personnes handicapées.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de créer et de mettre en œuvre une prestation d’aide d’urgence afin de fournir un soutien immédiat aux personnes handicapées en attendant l’instauration de la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Sameer ZuberiThe Government is committed to reducing poverty and supporting the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities. Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, was introduced in the House of Commons on June 2, 2022, and received Royal Assent on June 22, 2023.The Act is framework legislation, establishing the benefit and providing the legal authorities to detail the benefit’s design in future regulations. Regulations made under the Act will prescribe benefit amounts, eligibility criteria and other design and administrative elements. This approach, in the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” will allow the Government to continue to engage with Canadians with disabilities, other stakeholders and provincial and territorial governments to inform the benefit’s design. Support for this approach was voiced by a number of witnesses to the parliamentary study of Bill C-22. They mentioned that the use of framework legislation deeply aligned with the principle of “Nothing Without Us,” by providing persons with disabilities inclusive and accessible opportunities to participate in the design and detail of a benefit specifically targeted to them.The Government is very aware of the fact that many Canadians with disabilities need the additional financial support that the Canada Disability Benefit will provide. The intent, therefore, is to move forward quickly with the regulatory development process. To that end, the 2023 federal budget committed $21.5 million in 2023-24 to continue work on the future delivery of the benefit, including engagement on the regulations. This work will build on engagement activities, including roundtables and an on-line public survey, that took place in 2021 and 2022, as well as community-led consultations which continue into 2023.Since August 2023, the Government has started a new phase of engagement with persons with disabilities and stakeholder organizations excited to provide input to the development of the benefit’s regulations. This new engagement has been through roundtables, bilateral meetings and the future launch of an online engagement tool. As well, engagement will continue with the provinces and territories, who play a central role in providing supports and services for persons with disabilities.An interim measure would require a new program to be established including potential additional legislation to be passed by Parliament, as well as establishment of administrative processes and procedures. Given limited resources, this could have the effect of delaying the development and implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit. The Government is focusing its resources on implementing the benefit as soon as possible, while ensuring the meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities in the development of the regulations.
Personnes ayant des limitations fonctionnellesPrestations d'invalidité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01604441-01604 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB18 septembre 20231 novembre 20237 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, our Government announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): JENNIFER O’CONNELL, M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. In 2022, our Government announced $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) helping municipalities and Indigenous communities to bolster gang-prevention programing to counter the social conditions that lead to criminality. In the Spring 2023, we announced $390 million in programs to provinces and territories under the Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $640 Million from 2022-2028. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of provincial/territorial initiatives, including support for prevention programs and law enforcement. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.In the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01603441-01603 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservateurAB18 septembre 20231 novembre 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary James MaloneyThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023441-01602441-01602 (Environnement)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON18 septembre 20231 novembre 202315 septembre 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) nous a prévenus à maintes reprises que la hausse des températures au cours des vingt prochaines années provoquera une dévastation généralisée et des conditions météorologiques extrêmes;
  • Il ne fait aucun doute que le Canada ressent maintenant ces effets, qui se traduisent par une augmentation des inondations, des feux de forêt et des températures extrêmes;
  • Pour faire face à cette crise climatique, il faut réduire radicalement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (GES) afin de limiter le réchauffement climatique à 1,5 °C. Le secteur pétrolier et gazier est la source d’émissions la plus importante et celle qui croît le plus rapidement;
  • En 2021, le gouvernement fédéral s’est engagé à plafonner et à réduire les émissions provenant du secteur pétrolier et gazier en vue d’atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050.
Nous soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer immédiatement, dans le secteur pétrolier et gazier, des plafonds d’émissions ambitieux, réalistes et de grande portée qui permettront au Canada d’atteindre les objectifs de réduction des émissions qu’il s’est fixés à l’horizon 2030.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe oil and gas sector is a major contributor to Canada's economy. It is also Canada's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and, as such, has a critical role to play in meeting the country's climate objectives.As indicated in the 2030 Emission Reduction Plan (ERP), published in March 2022, a key element of the Government of Canada’s climate plan is to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to Canada’s 2030 climate goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.On July 18, 2022, the Government of Canada published a discussion paper to launch formal engagement on two potential regulatory options to cap and reduce oil and gas sector GHG emissions and has subsequently engaged with provinces, territories, industry, Indigenous organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to inform the approach. The Government of Canada expects to publish a framework on the design of the oil and gas emissions cap before the end of the year.The emissions cap will build upon other significant actions the Government is taking to reduce GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector, including:
  • Canada’s Methane Strategy, which includes new requirements for the oil and gas sector to achieve methane reductions of at least 75% by 2030 from 2012 levels.
  • Carbon pollution pricing, which covers approximately 80% of GHG emissions in Canada, including from oil and gas. Currently, the minimum carbon pollution price is $65/tonne of GHG emissions, rising $15 per year to $170 in 2030.
  • Clean Fuels Regulations, finalized in 2022, will reduce emissions from liquid fossil fuels across the lifecycle—from extraction, through processing, distribution and end-use and incent low-carbon fuels and technologies.
  
Gaz à effet de serrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 novembre 2023e-4415e-4415 (Citoyenneté et immigration)GerardWamaraTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB27 avril 2023 à 9 h 56 (HAE)26 juillet 2023 à 9 h 56 (HAE)18 septembre 20231 novembre 20231 août 2023Pétition au<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Les civils hemas dans la province d’Ituri, en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), subissent des violences quotidiennes extrêmes aux mains de groupes armés, ce qui a forcé le déplacement d’environ deux millions de personnes.Divers groupes armés, y compris Codeco-Lendu, FRPI-Ngiti, FPIC-Chini ya Kilima-Bira et les groupes terroristes ADF Nalu, attaquent des villages de la région;Malgré la présence de Casques bleus de l’ONU, dans de nombreux camps de personnes déplacées à l’intérieur de leur pays, la sécurité n’est pas assurée;La violence continue dans la partie orientale de la RDC a contraint environ six millions de personnes à fuir leur maison, soit l’un des plus grands groupes de personnes déplacées à l’intérieur de leur pays dans le monde;Environ 60?000 personnes ont été tuées dans la province d’Ituri entre 1998 et 2006, en plus de plusieurs milliers de personnes depuis 2017;Le HCR et ses partenaires dans la province d’Ituri fournissent de l’aide d’urgence, mais on ne réussit pas à répondre aux besoins croissants de la population, notamment pour la nourriture, les soins médicaux et les abris;Le Canada a accueilli de nombreux réfugiés afghans et syriens dans le cadre des deux programmes distincts;La situation dans la province d’Ituri est comparable à celle d’autres crises humanitaires en Afghanistan et en Syrie et nécessite des mesures urgentes.Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions legouvernement du Canada de 1. Créer un engagement limité dans le temps afin de réinstaller les réfugiés hemas au Canada en raison de la crise humanitaire en RDC;2. Demander au Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU de créer un tribunal spécial pour la province d’Ituri afin de traduire en justice les auteurs de crimes contre l’humanité et de crimes de guerre commis à l’encontre de la communauté hema depuis 2017;3. Satisfaire aux obligations internationales, conformément à la Convention relative au statut des réfugiés du HCR de 1951 et de prioriser les réfugiés hemas de l’Ouganda en raison de la situation dangereuse dans laquelle se trouve la communauté hema.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is deeply troubled by the current security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the province of Ituri. Canada is closely monitoring the security situation and human rights violations perpetrated against all civilians, including the Hema people. The promotion and protection of human rights, peace and security, and the rule of law remain fundamental elements of Canadian foreign policy. Canada regularly expresses its concerns with governments and organizations in the region, including the United Nations.Through its substantial humanitarian assistance to the DRC, Canada supports trusted partners, international organizations and non-governmental organizations that provide vital assistance to meet the needs of vulnerable and conflict-affected populations. Canada is committed to helping vulnerable populations through its international assistance to the DRC, which totalled $168.3 million in 2021-22, making the DRC Canada’s fifth largest recipient of international assistance. Canada’s initiatives aim to uphold the rights of women and girls, promote their sexual and reproductive health rights, and address sexual and gender-based violence. Canada also supports child protection and education for women and girls living in fragile, crisis and conflict-affected settings. This response targets the most vulnerable regardless of their social or religious affiliation.In 2022, Canada also allocated more than $46 million to the DRC as part of its annual humanitarian funding process. The funding included $1 million to help the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) defend the rights of refugees living in the DRC and meet their immediate needs. Canada’s funding is not earmarked, allowing the UNHCR to prioritize the most urgent needs based on their own assessments.At the request of the UN, Canada has been deploying a team of up to 25 Canadian police officers since 2021, primarily to Goma in the eastern DRC, to support the DRC and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). As part of the Canadian mission, a specialized police team (SPT) on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) supports the Congolese National Police through training on best practices in investigating SGBV cases and bringing cases to justice. The SPT also offers mentoring and awareness-raising sessions in communities to promote the reporting of SGBV to the authorities.Canada intends to continue its engagement with the Congolese authorities, the United Nations, the international community, and civil society, to promote a rules-based international order, human rights, democracy, peace and security, and to prevent and effectively address corruption.Canada will continue to reaffirm its support for regional dialogue mechanisms, such as the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes, to put an end to violence in the region. The Government of Canada will continue to closely monitor the situation regarding ethnic violence in the DRC and the Great Lakes region.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul Chiang, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection of human rights seriously and is concerned with the violence that has affected civilians, including Hema civilians in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. We condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Internationally, the protection of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) is the responsibility of the state in which they reside. The Government of Canada supports IDPs through humanitarian assistance programming, particularly through development programs. In Canada, a legal framework enabling the systematic and ongoing resettlement of IDPs does not presently exist under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).Canada has been a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (Convention) and its 1967 Protocol since 1969. The 1951 Convention is a key international agreement that is foundational to Canada’s humanitarian responsibility to refugee protection, and is also central to work of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The 1951 Convention establishes the internationally recognized definition of a refugee, and outlines the legal protection, rights and supports refugees are entitled to. Canada’s continued international efforts in support of these agreements has positioned it as a leader in providing resettlement options for refugees with the purpose of protecting those seeking asylum and supporting integration.Canada’s Resettlement Program is aligned with international practices on refugee protection. By definition, in international and domestic law, a refugee must be outside of their country of nationality. Refugees have been forced to flee their homes and have crossed an international border to find safety in another country and are unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin for reasons of being persecuted by reason of race, religion, nationality or membership of a particular group or political opinion.Canada works very closely with the UNHCR to identify refugees around the world and, from this caseload, give priority to resettling to Canada those who are the most vulnerable and at risk, mainly through the Government-AssistedRefugees Program. The UNHCR also has the ability to refer a small number of individuals through Canada’s Urgent Protection Program. This program is for those who, if not protected, are likely to be: killed, subjected to violence, torture, sexual assault, arbitrary imprisonment or returned to their country of former nationality or former residence. The Government of Canada acknowledges that these are very difficult decisions to make, given the threatening circumstances many around the world sadly live in, and that millions of refugees are forced to wait each year for durable solutions.Refugees can also be resettled to Canada by a group of people or an organization through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program. Private sponsors can identify and sponsor individuals through the program who either meet the Convention Refugee Abroad Class requirements or the Country of Asylum Class requirements as set out in the IRPAand the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, whereby a person must be outside of their home country or a country they would normally live, and have a well-founded fear of persecution or have been seriously affected by civil war or armed conflict, or have been denied basic human rights on an ongoing basis.Canada is committed to maintaining its humanitarian tradition with respect to the Convention refugees and to affirming its commitment to international efforts to assist those in need of protection and resettlement. This includes continuing its efforts in resettling refugees from Africa, including Uganda, and monitoring the situation faced by Hema refugees. Canada also recognizes the imperative to respect the human rights of all refugees and asylum-seekers. The protection and promotion of human rights domestically and abroad is a priority for Canada and the facilitation of refugee resettlement will continue.
Droit d'asilePolitique étrangèreRépublique démocratique du Congo
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 octobre 2023441-01600441-01600 (Affaires étrangères)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB18 septembre 202319 octobre 20236 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Divers médias ont rapporté que le Parti communiste chinois (PCC) a tenté de s’ingérer dans les élections fédérales canadiennes (CCP);
  • Des rapports contenant des renseignements classifiés du Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité prétendent qu’un ancien agent consulaire du PCC au Canada a célébré la défaite de deux parlementaires et s’en est attribué le mérite;
  • La conseillère à la sécurité nationale du premier ministre, Jody Thomas, a informé les députés que le premier ministre Justin Trudeau était régulièrement mis au courant de tentatives d’ingérence par Beijing dans les élections;
  • Les membres du conseil d’administration et la PDG de la Fondation Trudeau ont démissionné après l’octroi d’un don de 200 000 $ à l’organisation par un homme d’affaires ayant des liens avec le PCC;
  • Le comité parlementaire qui enquête sur l’ingérence étrangère a voté en faveur de la création d’une commission d’enquête publique sur l’ingérence étrangère;
  • Le gouvernement libéral bloque encore la création d’une commission d’enquête publique et nie sa nécessité immédiate;
  • Le rapporteur spécial nommé par le premier ministre est en plein conflit d’intérêt, ayant été membre de la Fondation Trudeau et étant un ami du premier ministre;
  • Le PCC crée des liens avec le Canada en tant qu’adversaire stratégique, pratiquant notamment la diplomatie d’otages avec l’emprisonnement injustifié de Michael Spavor et Michael Kovrig;
  • Le PCC utilise cette position de confrontation pour mener une guerre économique aux exportations canadiennes, notamment les produits céréaliers et oléagineux, ce qui met les producteurs canadiens à risque;
  • Les Canadiens ont droit à des institutions démocratiques dans lesquelles ils ont confiance qu’elles servent leur intérêt, sans ingérence de la part d’agents étrangers.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :mener une enquête publique approfondie, ouverte et indépendante sur l’ingérence par Beijing dans les élections afin de donner aux Canadiens la transparence nécessaire pour leur redonner confiance dans les institutions publiques et parlementaires.
Response by the Prime Minister of CanadaSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to protecting and continuously strengthening Canada’s democracy, including its institutions and processes, in the face of evolving threats. This is why, in the summer of 2023, the Prime Minister asked the then Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities to work to determine a way forward to shine light into the matter of foreign interference in Canada’s elections, and to determine who may be best suited to lead this public work.Following extensive consultations with all recognized parties in the House of Commons, the now Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs on September 7, 2023, announced that a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and democratic institutions would be established under the Inquiries Act. All parties have agreed to the Terms of Reference and the appointment of the Commissioner.The Honourable Marie-Josée Hogue, puisne judge of the Quebec Court of Appeal, has been appointed as the Commissioner to lead the public inquiry. Her mandate began on September 18, 2023. Appointed under the Inquiries Act, the Commissioner operates independently from the government and has a full range of powers, including the power to compel witnesses and testimony on matters within federal jurisdiction, and broad access to classified and unclassified documents.The Commissioner is mandated to examine and assess interference by China, Russia and other foreign states or nonstate actors, including any potential impacts, to confirm the integrity of, and any impacts on, the 43rd and 44th federal general elections at the national and electoral district levels.The Commissioner is also mandated to assess the capacity of federal entities to detect, deter and counter foreign interference targeting Canada’s democratic processes, and to make any recommendations she deems appropriate to better protect Canada’s democratic processes from foreign interference, including in relation to the creation and dissemination of intelligence, relevant supports and protections for members of diasporas, and the mechanisms that were in place to protect the integrity of 43rd and 44th elections.The Commissioner is directed to submit her first report no later than February 29, 2024, and her second report no later than December 31, 2024. As outlined in the Terms of Reference (https://www.canada.ca/en/democratic-institutions/general/terms-reference.html), to foster transparency and a better understanding of the findings, leaders of all parties recognized in the House of Commons with appropriate clearance will be invited to review classified versions of the Commissioner’s reports. The Government of Canada looks forward to receiving the Commissioner’s reports and any recommendations contained therein.The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) each have ongoing, parallel, reviews to assess the state of foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and the flow of information from national security agencies to decision makers during the 43rd and 44th general elections. The Government of Canada looks forward to receiving NSICOP’s and NSIRA’s findings and reports.The Government of Canada also continues to reinforce its efforts to counter any form of foreign interference in our electoral processes and to strengthen trust in Canada’s democratic institutions.  On March 6, 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada announced measures to further these objectives. This included the establishment of a National Counter Foreign Interference Coordinator at Public Safety Canada to coordinate efforts to combat foreign interference; the development of a plan to address recommendations from NSICOP and from the independent assessments of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol by Mr. Morris Rosenberg and Mr. James Judd, and the investment of $5.5 million to strengthen the capacity of civil society partners to counter disinformation.Following the Prime Minister’s announcements, the Government released its report, Countering an evolving threat: Update on recommendations to counter foreign interference in Canada’s democratic institutions, which outlines the recommendations made in the reports to protect Canadian democratic institutions and processes; summarizes the actions that have been taken or are in progress to address the recommendations; and proposes further steps for consideration to bolster Canada’s response to foreign interference threats.These efforts demonstrate the Government’s continued efforts to protect our democratic institutions, including our electoral processes, from any possible threats, and to ensure Canada’s democracy remains one of the strongest in the world. Thank you for taking the time to submit this important petition and for being an active and engaged participant in our democracy.
Activités influencées par l'étrangerChineEnquêtes et enquêtes publiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 octobre 2023441-01611441-01611 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB18 septembre 20235 octobre 202329 novembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to infants under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for infants.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01591441-01591 (Justice)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservateurAB21 juin 202318 septembre 202329 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :Les carabines et armes à feu légales sont utilisées presque exclusivement par les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;Le retrait des armes à feu légales, obtenues à l’issue d’une procédure de contrôle stricte, n’empêchera pas l’importation d’armes illégales, généralement utilisées par les gangs pour commettre des délits; Le gouvernement libéral Trudeau a refusé d’imposer une peine d’emprisonnement plutôt qu’une liberté sous caution aux délinquants violents, y compris ceux qui commettent des crimes avec des armes à feu obtenues illégalement.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le Parlement de rejeter la proposition fédérale de saisir les armes à feu.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C, K.C., M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022.Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns.When Bill C-21 was introduced, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1, 2023 took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measures to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from entering Canada were announced. In addition to proposed amendments, the government also announced its intention to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee, and through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada.On May 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) adopted the revised amendments to Bill C-21. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code;  address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; and include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. Our Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023e-4447e-4447 (Affaires étrangères)SarahRohlederLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNPDON15 mai 2023 à 15 h 11 (HAE)14 juin 2023 à 15 h 11 (HAE)21 juin 202318 septembre 202315 juin 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : La menace nucléaire n’a jamais été aussi élevée, puisque l’horloge de l’apocalypse a été réglée à 90 secondes avant minuit, notamment à cause de la guerre qui persiste en Ukraine et des menaces de recourir aux armes nucléaires; La détonation accidentelle ou volontaire d’une seule arme nucléaire serait catastrophique, car elle provoquerait la mort de millions de personnes et la radiation cancérigène de la terre, de l’eau et de l’air;Les États qui possèdent des armes nucléaires modernisent leur arsenal; à titre d’exemple, les États-Unis ont consacré 1,5 billion de dollars sur 30 ans à la reconstruction de leur triade nucléaire;Les F-35 font partie de cette triade, et le Canada vient d’acheter une flotte de ces aéronefs à double capacité conçus pour transporter des bombes thermonucléaires B61-12; La stratégie de dissuasion nucléaire de l’Organisation du Traité de l’Atlantique Nord (OTAN) que les pays comme le Canada utilisent toujours fait que la menace pèse toujours; Ce danger nucléaire pour l’humanité exige l’élimination complète des armes nucléaires comme le prévoit le Traité sur l’interdiction des armes nucléaires (TIAN); Le TIAN, qui a été ratifié par 68 pays et signé par 95 pays, ne l’est toujours pas par le Canada; Le Canada est en partie responsable de la création et de la prolifération des armes nucléaires, car il a vendu de l’uranium aux États-Unis et au Royaume-Uni.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Signer le TIAN et de s’engager à le ratifier; 2. Envoyer une délégation officielle qui observera la deuxième réunion des États parties au TIAN se tenant du 27 novembre au 1er décembre 2023 à l’ONU, à New York.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mélanie JolyCanada is deeply concerned about the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and has long been committed to achieving a world free from nuclear weapons.Canada recognizes that the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) reflects well-founded concerns about the slow pace of nuclear disarmament – concerns that Canada very much shares.While not a party to the TPNW, Canada has common ground with Treaty states and shares the ultimate goal of a world free from nuclear weapons. For this reason, Canada remains steadfast in advancing implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) across its three mutually re-enforcing pillars (non-proliferation, disarmament, peaceful uses of nuclear energy).Canada is deeply disappointed that Russia blocked consensus at the August 2022 NPT Review Conference, and that it has failed to accept responsibility for the grave situation around Ukraine’s nuclear facilities. However, NPT states parties largely reaffirmed the validity and integrity of the Treaty.In this new review cycle (culminating in the 11th NPT Review Conference in 2026), Canada will work tirelessly to strengthen and uphold the Treaty and advance its implementation. To this end, Canada has presented concrete ideas, in the form of a public working paper, to advance these objectives and foster more transparency, accountability and inclusion. Further, cross-regional groups to which Canada belongs – such as the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament and the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative – have also put forward pragmatic proposals on disarmament, risk reduction, transparency, and reporting, and other measures which garner widespread support amongst NPT State Parties.Canada’s focus is on initiatives that bring together nuclear and non-nuclear armed states. These include notably: commencing long overdue negotiations on a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty, advocating the entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty, building global capacity for disarmament verification, and promoting a more inclusive approach to disarmament and non-proliferation.
Armes nucléairesDésarmementTraité des Nations Unies sur l'interdiction des armes nucléaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01585441-01585 (Fiscalité)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC21 juin 202318 septembre 202316 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • La première taxe sur le carbone, avec la taxe de vente, ajoutera 41 cents au prix du litre d’essence et la deuxième taxe sur le carbone, avec la taxe de vente, en ajoutera 20 cents de plus;
  • La combinaison des deux taxes sur le carbone signifiera que la population canadienne paiera 61 cents de plus par litre d’essence;
  • Le fait de rendre la vie encore plus chère pour la population canadienne en pleine crise du coût de la vie par la mise en œuvre d’une deuxième taxe sur le carbone montre à quel point le premier ministre libéral est déconnecté de la réalité;
  • Le directeur parlementaire du budget confirme que les deux taxes sur le carbone feront augmenter le coût net jusqu’à 4 000 $ selon la province où les gens habitent.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de faire en sorte que la Chambre reconnaisse l’échec de la première taxe sur le carbone et de presser le gouvernement d’annuler tout de suite la deuxième taxe sur le carbone (le Règlement sur les combustibles propres).
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Steven GuilbeaultThe Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR) require gasoline and diesel primary suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of the gasoline and diesel they produce and import for use in Canada. The CFR establish a credit market whereby the annual CI reduction requirement could be met via three main categories of credit-creating actions: (1) projects that reduce the CI of fossil fuel throughout its lifecycle (e.g., carbon capture and storage)(2) supplying low-carbon intensity fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel), and (3) supplying fuel and energy in advanced vehicle technologies (e.g., electricity for EVs). Parties that are not fossil fuel primary suppliers may participate in the credit market as voluntary credit creators by completing certain actions (e.g. low-carbon intensity fuel producers and importers).The CFR will also create opportunities for voluntary parties and supporting industries. The CFR encourages innovation and growth by increasing incentives for the development and adoption of clean fuels and energy efficient technologies and processes. For example, biofuel producers, which are not regulated under the CFR, will see an increased demand for their product. In turn, biofuel feedstock providers, like farmers and foresters, will also have an economic opportunity.The Government of Canada expects that impacts on fuel prices from the CFR will be minimal for the next few years, and will increase gradually over time. By 2030, according to the Regulatory Impact Assessment Statement (found at  https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2022/2022-07-06/html/sor-dors140-eng.html ), Canadians who drive gasoline-powered vehicles may see between an increase in fuel price of $0.06 to $0.13 per litre. However, the final price impacts will depend on refineries. The CFR provides many paths to refineries and importers to clean up the pollution associated with their fuel.The Parliamentary Budget Officer’s report “A Distributional Analysis of the Clean Fuel Regulations” focused assumed the improbable highest cost scenario where regulated parties meet compliance solely through credit purchases. The report did not take into consideration the economic and environmental benefits that the CFR will have in addition to not considering an updated social cost of carbon. The Government of Canada published an updated social cost of carbon estimate that, if used to model the CFR, would estimate a positive economic benefit from avoiding 26 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions in 2030.The CFR complements carbon pricing. While carbon pricing creates a broad incentive across the whole economy to use less energy and improve efficiency, the CFR targets transformational changes in how liquid fuels are produced and used in Canada. Actions taken to meet the obligations set by the CFR can also reduce the overall emissions of a refinery, reducing its exposure to federal or provincial carbon pricing systems for industry.ECCC recommends against simply adding the projected cost impacts of the fuel charge and CFR. The two measures work very differently. In addition, the impact of the CFR on gasoline prices will depend on decisions made by refineries about how to comply.
Règlement sur les combustibles propresTaxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01582441-01582 (Affaires étrangères)LucBertholdMégantic—L'ÉrableConservateurQC21 juin 202318 septembre 202312 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA Attendu que :
  • La Fédération de Russie a déclenché sans provocation une guerre contre le peuple de l’Ukraine;
  • La Fédération de Russie a commis de nombreux crimes de guerre contre le peuple de l’Ukraine;
  • La Fédération de Russie et ses forces se sont, de façon répétitive, livrées à des attaques violentes et aveugles contre des immeubles occupés par des civils en Ukraine, y compris des garderies et des maternelles, des hôpitaux et des complexes résidentiels;
  • La Fédération de Russie cible délibérément le réseau énergétique ukrainien avec ses frappes balistiques afin de causer des pannes et de provoquer un désastre humanitaire pendant l’hiver;
  • Le Parlement européen, l’APCE et l’Assemblée parlementaire de l’OTAN ont déclaré que la Fédération de Russie appui des actes de terrorisme en Ukraine;
  • La Chambre des communes du Canada a, à l’unanimité, reconnu que les actions de la Russie en Ukraine constituent génocide;
  • Le Canada s’est engagé à défendre les principes de droit international et de droit humanitaire international.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de désigner immédiatement et publiquement la Fédération de Russie comme un État qui appuie le terrorisme.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mélanie JolyCanada remains unwavering in its commitment to employ all appropriate means to hold Russia to account for its actions, including war crimes committed in Ukraine.Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, Canada has used a broad range of tools to respond to Russia’s illegitimate and illegal actions. Canada has imposed an unprecedented number of severe and hard-hitting sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Under the Special Economic Measures Act, and since 2014, Canada has sanctioned over 2,600 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova. In addition, numerous measures have been imposed to increase economic pressure on the Putin regime and its allies. These measures include import and export prohibitions on a variety of goods and services, denying Russian ships access to Canadian waters and ports, removing Most Favoured Nation Status, and denying access to Canadian airspace to aircraft operated by or for the benefit of persons connected with the Russian Federation or Belarus.As part of a wider effort to hold Russia accountable for its atrocities and crimes Canada has advocated for international and domestic Ukraine accountability efforts and provided tangible support to the latter. This includes the investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Commission of Inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council, and expert investigations under the OSCE Moscow Mechanism. Canada increased the number of RCMP deployments to 10 officers to support the ICC’s investigations, and is providing $2 million to an ICC Trust Fund to increase the Court’s capacity to investigate sexual and gender-based crimes and crimes against children. Canada has also allocated $9.7 million to improve accountability for human rights violations in Ukraine, with a particular emphasis on cases of sexual and gender-based violence.On July 4, 2023, Canada and the Netherlands filed joint written observations on the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice in Ukraine’s case against Russia, in which Ukraine seeks to establish that Russia has no lawful basis to take military action in Ukraine on the basis of unsubstantiated allegations of genocide. This filing follows the joint declaration of intervention put forth by Canada and the Netherlands in this case in December 2022, which the Court decided was admissible in its order dated June 5, 2023.In addition, Canada recently joined the Atrocity Crimes Advisory Group for Ukraine (ACA) alongside the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union. The ACA will directly support the efforts of the War Crimes Units of the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine to document, preserve, and analyze evidence of war crimes and other atrocities committed in Ukraine.Regarding state supporters of terrorism, the State Immunity Act, is a narrowly defined legal instrument. A state may be considered for listing if there are reasonable grounds to believe the state has provided “support” to a terrorist entity listed under the Criminal Code. “Support” is defined as an act or omission committed in relation to a listed terrorist entity that, had it been committed in Canada, would be punishable under specific counterterrorism provisions of the Criminal Code. This legislation, together with the Justice of Victims of Terrorism Act, lifts state immunity to allow victims of terrorism, who have substantial connection to Canada, to sue for loss or damages resulting from an act of terrorism by the listed state. The legal criteria for listing do not cover acts of human rights abuses by a military. Atrocity crimes are covered by other Canadian legislation, such as the Crimes against Humanity and War Crimes Act.Canada was the first G7 country to adopt new authorities to allow the government to seize and forfeit the assets of sanctioned individuals or entities in Canada. Proceeds of forfeiture may be used to restore international peace and security, to compensate victims of human rights abuses, or to reconstruct states that have been adversely impacted by a grave breach of international peace and security. Canada will make full use of these new authorities with a view to support the victims of Russia’s unprovoked aggression.The Minister of Foreign Affairs has stated that events in Ukraine constitute war crimes and possible crimes against humanity, and has regularly rebutted Russia’s false claims.Canada will continue to work with its allies to hold Russia accountable for its actions and to support the people of Ukraine.
GuerreRussieSupporteurs de terrorismeUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01561441-01561 (Justice)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservateurAB14 juin 202318 septembre 202329 novembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés résidents du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :L'accroissement des craintes quant au trafic international d'organes humains prélevés sur des victimes non consentantes n'a pas mené à une interdiction juridique faite aux Canadiens de voyager à l’étranger afin d'acquérir de tels organes; Des enquêtes internationales ont conclu que le régime communiste de la Chine commet des massacres de prisonniers de conscience du Falun Gong pour en prélever les organes, qui sont ensuite vendus, souvent sur le marché du tourisme international de transplantation, et que des experts juridiques affirment que des crimes contre l’humanité ont lieu; Le projet de loi S-223 proposant d'empêcher le trafic d'organes humains prélevés sans consentement ou résultant d'une transaction financière est actuellement à l’étude au Parlement.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons expressément au Parlement du Canada d'adopter sans tarder le projet de loi proposé afin d’interdire, dans le Code criminel du Canada et dans la Loi sur l'immigration et la protection des réfugiés, aux Canadiens de voyager à l'étranger pour y acquérir des organes prélevés sans consentement ou résultant d'une transaction financière, et d’interdire de territoire tout résident permanent ou étranger ayant participé à cet odieux trafic d'organes humains.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government was pleased to support Senate Public Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in human organs), which received royal assent and came into force on December 15, 2022.In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law. Bill S-223 strengthens that framework.
OrganesTourisme médicalTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humainTransplantation médicale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01553441-01553 (Environnement)LloydLongfieldGuelphLibéralON14 juin 202318 septembre 202330 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique et au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • L’urgence d’une action climatique pour le passage à une économie à faible émission de carbone s’accélère;
  • Les personnes les plus touchées par la crise climatique sont généralement celles qui ont le moins contribué au problème;
  • Le Canada est l’un des plus grands émetteurs de gaz à effet de serre par habitant;
  • La combustion fossile est la principale source d’émissions;
  • Le Canada est le deuxième bailleur de fonds public pour les combustibles fossiles dans le monde, juste derrière le Japon et devant la Chine et les États-Unis;
  • Le passage obligé à une économie à faible émission de carbone freinera les nouveaux investissements dans les combustibles fossiles.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens de Guelph, en Ontario, prions le ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique et le gouvernement du Canada :1. de cesser le développement de l’extraction des combustibles fossiles; 2. d’accélérer le passage à une économie à faible émission de carbone; 3. d’offrir une aide beaucoup plus importante aux pays pauvres et les plus vulnérables.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Steven GuilbeaultOn December 8, 2022, the Government of Canada published policy guidelines to implement its commitment to the Statement on International Public Support for the Clean Energy Transition, which Canada signed at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) (November 2021) alongside 38 other countries and institutions and was one of only two net-exporters of energy to sign.These guidelines will ensure that Canada meets — and in some cases exceeds — the ambition announced at COP26.  The guidelines will:
  • End new, direct public support for international unabated fossil fuel energy projects via federal departments, agencies, and Crown corporations, and federal support programs;
  • Guide Canada’s voting on the boards of multilateral development banks; and
  • Inform Canada’s positions in multilateral forums such as the G7, G20, and The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada has met its commitments under the Glasgow Statement and will ensure its investments abroad are coherent with its domestic and international climate and development goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.Decarbonisation is an economic opportunity for Canada that will also provide co-benefits such as improved health outcomes, improved energy security and price stability, and green job creation.The federal government made investments in clean energy in Budget 2023 such as $16.4 billion in tax credits for clean technology manufacturing, clean electricity, and hydrogen over the next five years and $500 million over ten years to the Strategic Innovation Fund to support the development and application of clean technologies in Canada. The federal government also made investments aimed at speeding the energy transition (e.g., 2023 investment for Volkswagen to build a battery plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, and the 2021 investment to phase out coal-fired processes at Algoma Steel in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario).On July 24, 2023, the Government of Canada released the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Self Review Assessment Framework and the Inefficient Fossil Fuel Subsidies Government of Canada Guidelines, which were jointly developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Finance Canada. Eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and redoubling our focus on clean energy is a key step in building Canada’s net-zero economy by 2050 and supporting good-paying jobs for Canadians for generations to come.The Government of Canada’s commitment to eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies signals both greater support for clean technology as well as emission reductions across the economy from traditional sectors. This will help create and secure middle-class jobs from coast to coast to coast while protecting the environment.The Assessment Framework builds on Canada’s commitment under the 2021 Glasgow statement to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector. Putting the Assessment Framework and Guidelines into force will ensure any government supports for the sector will not delay the transition to renewables, are in compliance with the goals of the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5 °C, and account for the availability of credible alternative energy sources.Canada is also committed to phasing out public financing of the fossil fuel sector. This refers to financing beyond the scope of today’s fossil fuel subsidies commitment. The Government’s work will identify current public financing by 2024 and announce by fall 2024 the implementation plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector.Canada is the only G20 country to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies ahead of the 2025 deadline. It is the first country to release a rigorous analytical guide that both fulfills its commitment and transparently supports action. By eliminating inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, the Government of Canada is enabling greater support for clean technology, clean growth, and accelerated efforts to decarbonize important Canadian industries, including the oil and gas sector, which continues to play an important role in the Canadian economy.
Combustibles fossilesÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01545441-01545 (Justice)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservateurAB14 juin 202318 septembre 202329 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :Les carabines et armes à feu légales sont utilisées presque exclusivement par les chasseurs et les tireurs sportifs;Le retrait des armes à feu légales, obtenues à l’issue d’une procédure de contrôle stricte, n’empêchera pas l’importation d’armes illégales, généralement utilisées par les gangs pour commettre des délits; Le gouvernement libéral Trudeau a refusé d’imposer une peine d’emprisonnement plutôt qu’une liberté sous caution aux délinquants violents, y compris ceux qui commettent des crimes avec des armes à feu obtenues illégalement.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le Parlement de rejeter la proposition fédérale de saisir les armes à feu.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C, K.C., M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022.Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns.When Bill C-21 was introduced, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1, 2023 took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measures to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from entering Canada were announced. In addition to proposed amendments, the government also announced its intention to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee, and through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada.On May 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) adopted the revised amendments to Bill C-21. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code;  address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; and include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. Our Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing.Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01542441-01542 (Justice)TakoVan PoptaLangley—AldergroveConservateurBC13 juin 202318 septembre 20237 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du gouvernement du Canada sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Il n’y a pas de consensus chez les spécialistes de la santé concernant ce qui constitue l’irrémédiabilité d’une maladie mentale;Le gouvernement canadien est tenu, aux termes de la Charte des droits et libertés, de favoriser et de protéger la vie, la liberté et la sécurité de ses citoyens;Le Parlement juge prioritaire de s’assurer que des mesures de soutien adéquates sont en place pour la santé mentale des Canadiens;Le Parlement considère que les Canadiens vulnérables devraient avoir accès à du counseling en prévention du suicide plutôt que d’avoir accès à l’aide médicale à mourir.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à :
  • Soutenir publiquement et sans équivoque le projet de loi d’initiative parlementaire C-314, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (aide médicale à mourir).
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a deeply personal and complex choice that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives. Our Government is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, protect those who may be vulnerable, and support autonomy and freedom of choice.For this reason, we tabled former Bill C-39, to extend the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID for persons suffering solely from a serious mental disorder. Former Bill C-39 was passed in Parliament on March 9, 2023, and as a result, persons suffering solely from a serious mental disorder and who meet all other eligibility criteria will now be eligible for MAID in Canada as of March 17, 2024. This extension will allow additional time to complete and disseminate key resources currently under development for clinicians and other health care system partners to address these more complex MAID requests. The extension will also provide more time to consider the parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID’s interim and final reports.On March 27, 2023 the Government released the Model Practice Standard for MAID to provide clear guidance to clinicians and health professional regulators to help protect those who may be vulnerable, including those whose sole underlying medical condition is a serious mental disorder., and to ensure safety. Our Government will continue to work with all partners to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable populations in this deeply personal issue is prioritized.Bill C-314 will follow the legislative process, and will be studied and debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members’ Bills.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Mark HollandMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal matter that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives. The Government of Canada believes that Canadians deserve to live in comfort and dignity, with access to care, including end-of-life care, that is appropriate to their needs and that respects their wishes. It also recognizes that MAID is a deeply personal choice and is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, support their autonomy and freedom of choice, and protect those who are vulnerable.Supporting the mental health and well-being of everyone in Canada is a priority for the Government of Canada.On February 7, 2023, the federal government announced it will increase health funding to provinces and territories by close to $200 billion over 10 years. The Government of Canada intends to work collaboratively with provinces and territories on four shared health priorities to improve integrated health care for Canadians:
  • Expanding access to family health services, including in rural and remote areas;
  • Supporting our health workers and reducing backlogs;
  • Improving access to quality mental health and substance use services; and
  • Modernizing health systems with standardized health data and digital tools.
These investments, on top of already significant funding, will further help provide Canadians with health care that includes access to timely, equitable and quality mental health, substance use and addictions services to support their well-being.As part of the investments, the Government of Canada announced that it would provide $25 billion over ten years to provinces and territories to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements. The Government of Canada recognizes that provinces and territories have their own unique circumstances. As such, the bilateral agreements are intended to be flexible and tailored, so that provinces and territories can address the unique needs of their populations and geography. As part of these agreements, provincial and territorial governments are asked to develop action plans that will describe how funds will be spent (incremental to existing spending) and how progress will be measured. As there is no health without mental health, an integrated, inclusive approach to investments in health service teams, the health workforce, and data and digital tools will help to meet the health and mental health needs of Canadians.This builds on the government’s previous investment of $5 billion over ten years to improve Canadians’ access to mental health and substance use services. The investment is being provided directly to provinces and territories via negotiated bilateral agreements to help them expand access to community-based mental health and addiction services.Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and Black and other racialized Canadians. The government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.The Government of Canada also recognizes the importance for all Canadians to have access to critical suicide prevention services.Budget 2023 provides $158.4 million over three years to support the launch and implementation of 9-8-8, a three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress. This funding will help ensure that 9-8-8 has the quality and capacity to meet the demand, connecting people to effective crisis support when they need it most. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), with the support of PHAC, will lead the coordination of 9-8-8 service delivery, building on its experience delivering Talk Suicide Canada. This 9-8-8 funding includes the reallocation of $5 million per year in funding for the pan-Canadian suicide prevention service (Talk Suicide Canada), originally announced in Budget 2019.  Talk Suicide Canada currently provides suicide crisis support in English and French to people across Canada over the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week and by text in the evenings.The Government of Canada is also leading the development of the National Suicide Prevention Action Plan aimed at reducing suicide rates and improving mental well-being based on best practices and innovations in suicide prevention and life promotion.Private Member’s Bill C-314 will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
Aide médicale à mourirC-314, Loi modifiant le Code criminel (aide médicale à mourir)Santé mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01536441-01536 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 juin 202318 septembre 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01535441-01535 (Droits de la personne)DanMuysFlamborough—GlanbrookConservateurON13 juin 202318 septembre 202328 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01533441-01533 (Droits de la personne)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservateurBC13 juin 202318 septembre 202327 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01531441-01531 (Droits de la personne)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK13 juin 202318 septembre 202325 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01530441-01530 (Droits de la personne)TedFalkProvencherConservateurMB13 juin 202318 septembre 202326 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01519441-01519 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB8 juin 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE DOMINIC LEBLANC, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01513441-01513 (Droits de la personne)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB5 juin 202318 septembre 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01509441-01509 (Droits de la personne)WarrenSteinleyRegina—LewvanConservateurSK5 juin 202318 septembre 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01506441-01506 (Droits de la personne)PhilipLawrenceNorthumberland—Peterborough-SudConservateurON5 juin 202318 septembre 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01504441-01504 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB5 juin 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE DOMINIC LEBLANC, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01502441-01502 (Droits de la personne)DanAlbasCentral Okanagan—Similkameen—NicolaConservateurBC5 juin 202318 septembre 20233 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01495441-01495 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB1 juin 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE DOMINIC LEBLANC, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01493441-01493 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB31 mai 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action. 
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01487441-01487 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mai 202318 septembre 20234 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES EN PARLEMENT ASSEMBLÉEAttendu que :
  • Il est bien attesté que les femmes enceintes sont exposées à un risque accru de violence;
  • Actuellement, le Code criminel du Canada ne considère pas la grossesse de la femme comme un facteur aggravant aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Cette lacune de la loi doit être corrigée, car il est nécessaire, pour marquer notre condamnation de cette violence, que les peines infligées tiennent compte de la vulnérabilité des femmes enceintes;
  • La majorité des Canadiens appuient l’accès à l’avortement. Il est essentiel d’imposer des peines suffisantes dans les cas de crimes violents contre des femmes enceintes pour protéger leur choix reproductif d’avoir un enfant. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d’inscrire dans le Code criminel que la violence contre une femme enceinte et l’infliction de préjudice à son enfant sont des facteurs aggravants aux fins de la détermination de la peine.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01486441-01486 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mai 202318 septembre 202315 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES EN PARLEMENT ASSEMBLÉEAttendu que :
  • Il est bien attesté que les femmes enceintes sont exposées à un risque accru de violence;
  • Actuellement, le Code criminel du Canada ne considère pas la grossesse de la femme comme un facteur aggravant aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Cette lacune de la loi doit être corrigée, car il est nécessaire, pour marquer notre condamnation de cette violence, que les peines infligées tiennent compte de la vulnérabilité des femmes enceintes;
  • La majorité des Canadiens appuient l’accès à l’avortement. Il est essentiel d’imposer des peines suffisantes dans les cas de crimes violents contre des femmes enceintes pour protéger leur choix reproductif d’avoir un enfant. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d’inscrire dans le Code criminel que la violence contre une femme enceinte et l’infliction de préjudice à son enfant sont des facteurs aggravants aux fins de la détermination de la peine.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01485441-01485 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mai 202318 septembre 202315 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES EN PARLEMENT ASSEMBLÉEAttendu que :
  • Il est bien attesté que les femmes enceintes sont exposées à un risque accru de violence;
  • Actuellement, le Code criminel du Canada ne considère pas la grossesse de la femme comme un facteur aggravant aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Cette lacune de la loi doit être corrigée, car il est nécessaire, pour marquer notre condamnation de cette violence, que les peines infligées tiennent compte de la vulnérabilité des femmes enceintes;
  • La majorité des Canadiens appuient l’accès à l’avortement. Il est essentiel d’imposer des peines suffisantes dans les cas de crimes violents contre des femmes enceintes pour protéger leur choix reproductif d’avoir un enfant. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d’inscrire dans le Code criminel que la violence contre une femme enceinte et l’infliction de préjudice à son enfant sont des facteurs aggravants aux fins de la détermination de la peine.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01484441-01484 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mai 202318 septembre 202316 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01483441-01483 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mai 202318 septembre 202316 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01482441-01482 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mai 202318 septembre 202316 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01481441-01481 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mai 202318 septembre 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01480441-01480 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB30 mai 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01477441-01477 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB29 mai 202318 septembre 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposed aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, was being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The Bill was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons on June 14, 2023. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she was trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would have actually made pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would have only applied where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could have unintentionally resulted in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation was inconsistent with its stated purpose and we had concerns that it was yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01474441-01474 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB29 mai 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01459441-01459 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB16 mai 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023e-4226e-4226 (Justice)Elsjede BoerElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC26 janvier 2023 à 9 h 31 (HAE)26 avril 2023 à 9 h 31 (HAE)16 mai 202318 septembre 202326 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Justice </Addressee>Attendu que : Chaque année au Canada, plus de 2,5 millions de personnes sont victimes de crimes violents; les victimes d’actes criminels ne peuvent pas obtenir de protection parce que : La Charte canadienne des droits des victimes de 2015 stipule que, à l’article 28 : La violation ou la négation d’un droit prévu par la présente loi ne donne pas ouverture à un droit d’action ni au droit d’être dédommagé et, à l’article 29 : Aucun appel d’une décision ou d’une ordonnance ne peut être interjeté au seul motif qu’un droit prévu par la présente loi a été violé ou nié. Or, selon l’article 15 de la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés : 15 (1) La loi ne fait acception de personne et s’applique également à tous, et tous ont droit à la même protection et au même bénéfice de la loi, indépendamment de toute discrimination; La Charte canadienne des droits des victimes est inconstitutionnelle. Elle prive les victimes d’actes criminels du droit à la même protection et au même accès au bénéfice de la loi. Les victimes de crimes violents ne peuvent pas obtenir de protection. Les victimes ou leur avocat n’ont pas la possibilité de faire valoir les droits de la victime ou de remettre en question les déclarations de l’accusé ou de l’avocat de la défense.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Justice de : 1. Modifier la Charte canadienne des droits des victimes pour la rendre conforme à la Charte canadienne des droits et libertés; 2. Donner la possibilité aux victimes ou à leur avocat de défendre les droits de la victime tout au long de l’enquête policière et devant le tribunal, y compris dans les litiges relatifs à la garde des enfants lorsque de la violence familiale est en cause.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniOur Government is committed to ensuring that Canada’s criminal justice system shows compassion to victims, holds offenders to account and upholds the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Healing looks different for every victim and survivor. It is a priority for our Government to ensure that in every case, victims are treated with dignity and respect in the criminal justice process and our government is taking action.The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, 2015 does not draw any distinction or difference, among victims, based on enumerated or analogous grounds contained in section 15 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.Budget 2021 provided $48.75 million over five years, to support a national program for independent legal advice and independent legal representation for victims of sexual assault, as well as to support piloting these programs for victims of intimate partner violence.Through the Victims Fund, more than $28 million is made available annually to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available.Our Government’s way forward will always be guided by the experiences and views of victims and survivors of crime, recognizing and respecting that the needs and concerns of victims—and their pathways to justice—remain varied and multi-faceted.We recognize the unique challenges faced by victims and survivors of crime and remain committed to providing greater support for them with the goal of keeping them safe.
Charte canadienne des droits des victimesVictimes d'actes criminels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée18 septembre 2023441-01448441-01448 (Justice)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB15 mai 202318 septembre 202312 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux de criminalité à Swan River et dans les environs continue d’augmenter et constitue une menace considérable à la sécurité publique, au bien être de la communauté et à la prospérité économique;
  • Depuis 2015, les crimes violents ont augmenté de 32 % et les homicides liés aux gangs, de 92 %; les récidivistes violents obtiennent leur libération sous caution beaucoup plus facilement et chaque jour, les actes criminels et violents en augmentation mettent les Canadiens à risque;
  • L’indice de gravité de la criminalité à Swan River, une mesure qui tient compte des crimes signalés et de leur gravité, a augmenté de 50 % au cours des cinq dernières années;
  • Les entreprises locales ne devraient pas avoir à accepter les conséquences financières et économiques découlant de l’inaction du gouvernement dans le dossier de la criminalité.
Nous, soussignés, résidents de Swan River et des environs, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Présenter un plan détaillé pour lutter contre la hausse de la criminalité dans les régions rurales du Canada;
  • Abroger les politiques laxistes et les politiques d’arrestation-libération qui ont contribué directement à l’augmentation du taux de criminalité au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Arif ViraniEveryone deserves to live in a society where they are safe and feel safe, and to have confidence that the criminal justice system will protect them and work as intended. This principle applies whether they reside in rural, remote, and northern areas or in cities. The Government of Canada is working closely with its provincial and territorial partners to identify ways to better address rural crime and its unique challenges, and recognizes the challenges that victims and survivors of rural crime can face.Our Government is working to improve the experience of victims and survivors of crime in the criminal justice system and to increase access to justice for victims and survivors, including victims of rural crime. The Federal Victims Strategy, which is led by Justice Canada, has designed and delivered a wide range of policy and programmatic initiatives to improve access to justice for victims and survivors of crime across the country, as well as specific actions focused on rural and remote communities and northern Canada. Federal Victims Strategy resources will continue to be used to build partnerships within the criminal justice system, across sectors, and across jurisdictions, as well as to increase and enhance access to services.Our Government is also adding significant resources to fight crime and prevent violence from happening in the first place. Our Government recently announced an additional $250 million to the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF) that will help municipalities and Indigenous communities prevent gun and gang violence by tackling root causes of crime. We had previously announced $390 million in programs to help stop gun crime and gang violence before it starts, bringing our global total to over $500 Million. Our Government will provide this funding, including a $23,120,649 allocation to Manitoba, over the next five years to support a variety of initiatives, including support for law enforcement and prevention programs. This funding builds on the success of the initial Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence, announced in 2017.Our Government also introduced Bill C-48, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (bail reform), which proposes changes to the Criminal Code’s bail provisions designed to focus on violent repeat offenders, gun and knife violence, as well as intimate partner violence. It aims to promote community safety and reinforce public confidence in the administration of justice. Bill C-48 would enact new reverse onuses at bail to address repeat violent offending involving weapons, including firearms, knives and bear spray, as well as make additional firearms offences subject to a reverse onus. Bill C-48 also proposes changes at the bail stage to broaden the law’s response to intimate partner violence.This Bill is the product of collaboration with the provinces and territories. Canada’s bail system is the joint responsibility of federal, provincial and territorial governments. The proposed changes in Bill C-48 are the result of ongoing cooperation and collaboration with the provinces and territories who play a critical role in administering the bail system and in ensuring it operates as intended. The proposed reforms are also informed by engagement with other partners and stakeholders, including law enforcement and Indigenous partners. While law reform is an important part of maintaining and enhancing public safety, programs, policies and investments are also critical in fostering safer communities. Everyone in Canada expects the government to tackle crime, as well as the causes of crime. Bill C-48 is part of our broader strategy to ensure the safety of all Canadians and an example of what we can achieve when we work together.The office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada recently met with the Mayor of Swan River to discuss Bill C-48. The discussion highlighted several considerations, including: the challenges posed by repeat violent offenders, the role of the provinces in the administration of bail hearings and the enforcement of bail conditions, the need for increased social supports to lessen involvement in the criminal justice system, and the importance of robust and systematic data gathering and sharing to objectively ensure that the bail system is working as intended.The Government will continue to create conditions for safer communities by building on past and present investments.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, P.C, K.C., M.P.Crime in rural and remote communities, including small towns, farming or fishing communities, and Indigenous communities, is a significant and growing concern for many Canadians across the country. This is why, federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers responsible for justice and public safety, at their January 2020 meeting, committed to examining and addressing the impact of rural crime and ways to reduce it. To undertake this work, and reflective of the shared responsibility of the federal, provincial, and territorial justice and public safety systems, a Pan-Canadian Strategic Framework on Rural Crime (the Framework) was developed to reflect the diverse and unique regional circumstances of the provinces and territories in Canada.The Framework represents the first comprehensive FPT strategy to better understand, address and combat rural crime to ensure that people in Canada living in rural and remote areas feel safe, secure and protected in their communities. It is designed to be wide in scope. It identifies a combination of objectives and strategies seeking to address both immediate actions that can achieve distinct short-term outcomes, as well as medium-to-long term activities to address complex issues and underlying root causes of crime that require greater levels of resources, time, or consideration. Combined, these objectives and their associated activities seek to result in long-term changes that reduce the incidence of criminal activity in rural and remote communities, including farming, fishing, and Indigenous communities and the northern territories in Canada, and improve the overall safety and well-being of the community.Strategic activities, such as the Aboriginal Community Safety Planning Initiative and the Juristat on Police-reported crime in rural and urban areas in the Canadian provinces, 2021, have been identified, with officials across the country, for inclusion in the Framework to reflect the diverse nature of rural crime. Those activities are centered around the following seven key strategic areas of focus: Knowledge Development, Prevention, Drug Interdiction, Addressing Victim Needs, Offender Management, Criminal Process Reform, and Enhanced Enforcement Practices.The Framework is a living document developed under the guidance and expertise of justice and public safety officials across the country, and co-exists with a number of other key federal, and/or provincial and territorial initiatives and priorities designed to specifically target and address key issues highlighted in this Framework. These strategies include the Government of Canada’s Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People National Action Plan. This is reflective of the diverse nature, impacts and causes of rural crime, and the complex, comprehensive measures necessary to combat it.The seriousness of the issue surrounding crimes in rural and remote communities has recently been highlighted by the publication of the final report of the Mass Casualty Commission (MCC), Turning the Tide Together, on March 30, 2023. This report presents relevant findings for rural and remote communities, such as the existence of urban bias in policy making and service delivery contributing to inadequate public infrastructure and services in rural communities.The MCC was established by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia, as an independent public inquiry tasked to examine the tragedy that took place in Nova Scotia on April 18 and 19, 2020. On May 31, 2023, the federal Minister of Public Safety, and Nova Scotia Attorney General and Minister of Justice, announced the appointment of Linda Lee Oland as Founding Chair of the Progress Monitoring Committee. In addition to this appointment, the Government of Canada is carefully reviewing the recommendations of the MCC final report, recognizing that the findings and recommendations are applicable to all Canadian jurisdictions.Furthermore, in the coming years, FPT officials and Stakeholders will report on the progress of the Framework to FPT Deputy Ministers and Ministers responsible for Justice and Public Safety to inform further action.
Communautés ruralesCrime et criminalité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4199e-4199 (Santé)JaneCoatesL’hon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservateurAB18 novembre 2022 à 10 h 15 (HAE)18 mars 2023 à 10 h 15 (HAE)21 juin 202316 août 202321 mars 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : Comme les enfants interagissent davantage entre eux depuis la levée des restrictions liées à la COVID, les hôpitaux pour enfants et les salles d’urgence de tout le pays connaissent une forte hausse des visites attribuables à des virus respiratoires pédiatriques; Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas anticipé l’augmentation prévisible de la demande pour certains médicaments pédiatriques, y compris les produits à base d’acétaminophène et d’ibuprofène, et on assiste maintenant à une pénurie dont pâtissent d’innombrables familles au Canada; On rapporte que certains parents canadiens vont jusqu’à traverser la frontière pour se procurer des médicaments pédiatriques contre la fièvre et la douleur aux États-Unis, où il n’y a pas de pénurie; Le gouvernement fédéral devrait prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour que le système de santé soit prêt à faire face à une recrudescence des virus pédiatriques; Les parents ne devraient pas avoir à se demander si leurs enfants auront accès à des médicaments de base et si les hôpitaux seront en mesure d’aider leurs enfants lorsqu’ils seront malades.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Faire en sorte que les médicaments pédiatriques soient immédiatement accessibles à chaque enfant qui en a besoin; 2. S’attaquer aux causes premières des pénuries de médicaments pédiatriques; 3. Soutenir les provinces pour qu’elles accroissent les capacités des hôpitaux pour enfants en périodes de pointe, et ce, dans tout le pays.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThe health of Canadians, and in particular our children, is a top priority for the Government of Canada. Health Canada is committed to ensuring that parents and caregivers can access the products they need, and does everything within its power to prevent shortages, when possible, and to mitigate their impacts when they occur.In the fall of 2022, the co-circulation of seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 placed high demands on local healthcare systems and already strained pediatric hospitals, pushing many beyond capacity. This situation created a higher-than-normal demand for pediatric analgesics. As a result, the supply of certain acetaminophen and ibuprofen products for children was constrained starting in August 2022. By March 2023 the supply of acetaminophen and ibuprofen products for infants and children in pharmacies and retail locations across Canada began to significantly improve. In April 2023, products were available and the shortage ended. Upon hearing about possible supply constraints, Health Canada took immediate action using all tools at its disposal to address this shortage and played a leadership role in mobilizing provinces and territories as well as key stakeholders in the supply chain and healthcare system.Between November 2022 and May 2023, over 4.4 million units of children's pain and fever medications were imported into Canada for hospitals, community pharmacies and retail outlets as a result of regulatory action taken by Health Canada. This helped to supplement the increased domestic production of Canadian supply to meet demand, which was at record levels for months. Between November 2022 and May 2023, Canadian manufacturers released 13.9 million units of children's pain and fever medications onto the Canadian market in addition to the 4.4. million units imported from abroad. Health Canada continues to monitor the situation and will take further action if necessary.Over the past decade, the Government of Canada has made significant progress on broader initiatives that will help to strengthen access to drugs for people in Canada and we will continue our efforts to improve access to medicines for children in Canada.  In particular, we developed the Pediatric Drug Action Plan. Under this plan, Canada continues to work to improve access to pediatric medicines and formulations, increase the development of pediatric medicines and formulations, and provide more information to people in Canada on pediatric activities and data.  With input from the pediatric medical community and through public consultations, Health Canada is also developing a National Priority List of Pediatric Drugs (NPLPD) to help address unmet medical needs within Canada’s pediatric population. This builds on other initiatives involving drug shortage regulations to support accessibility.In November 2022, Health Canada created a Drug Shortages Task Force to develop medium- to longer-term options on new tools, measures and approaches to improve access to drugs and other health products in Canada. On June 5, 2023, Health Canada launched a 60-day public consultation to hear from the people of Canada.  The Government will build on the work it has done to date to improve access to drugs and other health products, informed by the input received through this consultation process. The Government of Canada also recognizes that improving children’s health requires system-wide solutions across all levels of government to ensure the best possible outcomes for children’s health.  This is why our government provided the provinces and territories with close to $200 billion over 10 years to improve health care services for Canadians. This investment includes $2 billion to address immediate pressures on the health care system, especially in pediatric hospitals, emergency rooms and long wait times for surgeries. The Government will continue to work closely with provinces and territories as part of its Working Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians plan.
Approvisionnement en médicamentsEnfantsSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01598441-01598 (Affaires étrangères)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK21 juin 202316 août 202314 juin 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : La population du Pakistan et les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise sont de plus en plus préoccupés par les troubles politiques et l’incertitude rapportés dans ce pays; Il est particulièrement inquiétant d’apprendre que des membres de l’armée pakistanaise ont commis des actes de violence et proféré des menaces de violence à motivation politique à l’encontre des partis d’opposition et de leurs partisans à l’approche des élections générales qui se tiendront dans ce pays à la fin de l’année.Par conséquent : nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international de la Chambre des communes du Parlement du Canada d’entreprendre une étude sur la faisabilité d’imposer des sanctions de type Magnitski aux militaires pakistanais qui ont commis de tels actes.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation. The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for our engagement with Pakistan.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts in support of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. Canadian officials in Ottawa, and at our High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these issues with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials also engage in a variety of fora with the aim of advancing media freedom, supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles.Canada also helps develop the capacity of civil society actors in Pakistan. For example, Canada is funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years. Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad also delivers projects as part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally-implemented projects. Among the core themes for CFLI projects in 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. Our two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality, and promoting regional security and stability. In 2022-2023, Canada provided $36 million in bilateral development assistance to Pakistan in support of flood recovery, women’s political participation and economic empowerment, girls’ access to education, women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights, and polio eradication.Finally, Pakistan is an integral part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, including support for democracy, inclusivity, accountable governance and sustained economic growth.Rest assured that Canada will continue to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Government of Pakistan and that the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
PakistanPolitique étrangèreSanctions économiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01597441-01597 (Affaires étrangères)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK21 juin 202316 août 202314 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOVERNMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : La population du Pakistan et les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise sont de plus en plus préoccupés par des informations faisant état de troubles politiques et d’incertitudes dans ce pays;Les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise vivant au Canada sont particulièrement préoccupés par des informations faisant état de mesures de représailles à l’encontre de membres de leur famille vivant au Pakistan, prises à la suite de messages publiés sur les médias sociaux au Canada qui critiquent le régime pakistanais.Par conséquent : nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons à la ministre des Affaires étrangères de rencontrer immédiatement le haut-commissaire pakistanais et de l’aviser sans équivoque qu’il est tout à fait inacceptable que le gouvernement pakistanais intimide des personnes dans ce pays en raison des actions de membres de leur famille au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation. The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for our engagement with Pakistan.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts in support of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. Canadian officials in Ottawa, and at our High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these issues with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials also engage in a variety of fora with the aim of advancing media freedom, supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles.Canada also helps develop the capacity of civil society actors in Pakistan. For example, Canada is funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years. Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad also delivers projects as part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally-implemented projects. Among the core themes for CFLI projects in 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. Our two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality, and promoting regional security and stability. In 2022-2023, Canada provided $36 million in bilateral development assistance to Pakistan in support of flood recovery, women’s political participation and economic empowerment, girls’ access to education, women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights, and polio eradication.Finally, Pakistan is an integral part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, including support for democracy, inclusivity, accountable governance and sustained economic growth.Rest assured that Canada will continue to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Government of Pakistan and that the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
IntimidationPakistanPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01596441-01596 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB21 juin 202316 août 202312 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • La junte militaire illégitime de Birmanie continue de tuer, de torturer, de violer, d’emprisonner et de déplacer des civils sans discrimination, notamment par des frappes aériennes, ce qui accroît les besoins en aide humanitaire vitale;
  • Les infrastructures de communication à l’intérieur du pays, souvent utilisées pour avertir les civils d’une attaque imminente, ont été détruites par l’armée;
  • La société d’État Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises (MOGE) est à l’origine de la majeure partie du financement que l’armée reçoit pour commettre des atrocités sur le plan des droits de la personne;
  • Le Canada a souligné sa propre obligation d’aide relativement à la crise au Myanmar, comme en témoignent la « Stratégie du Canada pour répondre aux crises des Rohingyas et du Myanmar (2021 à 2024) » de même que notre engagement au titre du principe de la responsabilité de protéger.
À ces causes, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Appeler la junte militaire de Birmanie à cesser immédiatement toutes les exécutions, atrocités et violations des droits de la personne commises à l’encontre de civils;
  • Accroître l’aide humanitaire apportée à la Birmanie, notamment par l’intermédiaire d’organisations locales de la société civile travaillant à partir de pays voisins, afin de répondre plus adéquatement aux besoins des communautés vulnérables;
  • Apporter un soutien technologique et logistique relativement aux infrastructures de communication, afin de mettre en place des systèmes d’alerte rapide et des systèmes de défense aérienne pour avertir et protéger les civils des attaques aériennes, pour sauver des vies et pour prévenir les violations des droits de la personne;
  • Appeler les compagnies d’assurance à cesser d’offrir une couverture d’assurance pour la livraison de carburant d’aviation à la Birmanie;
  • Imposer des sanctions à la MOGE, notamment en bloquant les achats directs et indirects de pétrole et de gaz qui soutiennent le régime birman;
  • Mettre rapidement en œuvre les objectifs définis dans la stratégie susmentionnée et respecter notre obligation internationale relative à la responsabilité de protéger;
  • Refuser de nouer le dialogue avec le Conseil d’administration d’État de la junte, ou de le reconnaître, au sein de toute instance régionale ou internationale;
  • Promouvoir un dialogue continu entre les groupes pro-démocratiques et les groupes de la diaspora, en vue d’aider le peuple birman à développer une démocratie inclusive reconnaissant et représentant pleinement toutes les communautés ethniques minoritaires, y compris les Rohingyas;
  • Apporter une aide aux politiciens et aux citoyens birmans afin de soutenir le développement d’un système démocratique fédéral et d’un partage du pouvoir qui offriraient une solution à ce pays composé de populations multiethniques qui vivaient ensemble avant que le pays ne s’appelle la Birmanie.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has unequivocally condemned the February 2021 military coup against the democratically-elected government of Myanmar, and supports the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations in the face of brutality and egregious international human rights and humanitarian law violations. Canada continues to call for the cessation of violence and armed conflict; the release of all who are unjustly detained; immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access; and a halt on sales and transfer of arms, military equipment and technical support, which fuel the conflict and undermine stability in the country and the region. Canada is concerned by a growing humanitarian crisis, democratic and economic reversals, reports of egregious human rights and humanitarian law violations, and the potential for growing instability and insecurity in Myanmar, with implications for the region and diminished prospects for the safe, voluntary and dignified return for Rohingya currently in Bangladesh. Canada condemns escalating attacks against civilians, including airstrikes of populated and civilian areas with heavy weaponry, and the arbitrary detention, and deaths of civilians, all of which have deepened the humanitarian crisis.Canada is also concerned by the politicization of the judiciary and the precipitous decline in human rights protections and media freedoms. The erosion of the right to free, fair and impartial trials, and the resumption of capital punishment after a 30-year de-facto moratorium is of particular concern. Canada opposes the death penalty at all times, everywhere. Canada, along with international partners, condemned the execution of pro-democracy opposition leaders and supporters in 2022, underscoring that these actions exemplify the regime’s efforts to silence political opposition and exemplify blatant disregard for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law.Canada supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) and its resolute efforts to address this crisis through the ASEAN Five-Point-Consensus, while remaining increasingly concerned by lack of progress on this agreement’s implementation in the face of the regime’s intransigence. Full and timely implementation of the Five-Point-Consensus remains critical as is ASEAN’s continued downgrading of Myanmar representation at ASEAN high-level meetings and fora.Responding to the interlinked Myanmar and Rohingya crises remains a priority for Canada. On June 20, 2022, Canada announced the second phase of its Strategy to respond to the Myanmar and Rohingya crises, dedicating $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024) to address the medium- and longer-term needs and human rights of Rohingya refugees and other conflict-affected populations in Myanmar. Of this amount, $83 million supports development programming in Myanmar; $145 million for development programming for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh; and $24 million for Peace and Stabilization Operations programming. The Strategy supports at-risk and affected populations in Myanmar and Bangladesh, particularly Rohingya refugees, internally displaced persons, and impacted host communities; intensifies efforts to advance an inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar; supports efforts to advance a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Myanmar, including engagement with pro-democracy stakeholders; and, increases pressure on malign actors, including through continued pursuit of accountability for human rights violations and targeted sanctions efforts.While ensuring that no funding or support is going to the regime, Canada continues to provide development and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable, working through UN and civil society organizations, including local networks and alliance-based partners. Canada continues to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for crisis-affected populations, in accordance with needs on the ground. For example, in 2022, Canada has contributed $10.3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to address the needs of crisis-affected people in Myanmar, including support to the Rohingya population. Canada has also contributed $15.3 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh, to help address the needs of Rohingya refugees. More recently, on June 1st, 2023 Canada announced $4 million in additional humanitarian assistance funding in Myanmar, and $1 million in funding for Bangladesh in response to Cyclone Mocha. Cross-border in Bangladesh, Canada continues to play a leading role in marshalling the response to the refugee crisis, leveraging a strong position on accountability and credibility as a top international donor.Canada has a legacy of support for democracy and federalism globally and in Myanmar, continuing to support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people and those who work peacefully to advance an inclusive democratic future. Canada engages with the range of pro-democracy stakeholders advancing and modeling a democratic peaceful and inclusive vision for Myanmar, including with high-level engagement such as the recent meeting between Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a senior appointed representative of the National Unity Government of Myanmar. Canada is a steadfast supporter of the need to address the root causes in Myanmar that led to the violent expulsion of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, the coup, and decades of conflict with ethnic minority armed groups. The Government of Canada’s current Strategy and commitments are centred on the meaningful participation and diverse representation, including Rohingya, women and youth.Canada prioritizes ending impunity and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations in Myanmar and justice for survivors, including Rohingya. Canada does this through support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), and our announced intention to intervene, with the Netherlands, in The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Canada strongly supported the historic United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2669 – Security Council Demands Immediate End of Violence in Myanmar, Urges Restraint, Release of Arbitrary Detained Prisoners (December 2022), and co-sponsored the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/52/L.19 - Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar (April 2023). At the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Prosecutor’s investigation into allegations of forced deportation as a crime against humanity has presented an opportunity for accountability, although Canada continues to call for the UNSC to refer the situation to the ICC, so that the commission of all serious international crimes under the Rome Statute can be investigated.Canada, in close coordination with international partners, has imposed seven rounds of sanctions since the coup as part of Canada’s commitment to support democracy and ending impunity in Myanmar, with the most recent on January 31, 2023. Canada’s sanctions are in direct response to the regime’s continued disregard for the human rights of the people of Myanmar and target senior members of the regime who are using their respective roles to abuse the rule of law and remove political opposition, thus contributing to a grave breach of international peace and the deteriorating security situation. Through these sanctions, Canada has also targeted arms and aviation fuel procurement, and was the first country to impose a prohibition on aviation fuel in respond to the regime’s continued targeting of civilians in violation of international law. Canada, alongside its international partners, will continue to respond to actions that constitute a grave breach of international peace and security, threaten stability in the region, and subvert the rights and dignity of Myanmar people. Canada will continue to monitor the situation, assessing the effectiveness of additional policy measures, taking further actions in coordination with our partners as the situation evolves.There is no immediate solution to this protracted crisis, and Canada acknowledges that an effective on-going response requires sustained effort, attention, commitment, and leadership on the part of Canada; the meaningful participation of Myanmar people, including Rohingya; and sustained coordination and engagement with key national, regional and international allies and partners. In this regard, we strongly welcome the petition and its calls for continued and strengthened engagement on the part of the Government of Canada.
Droits de la personneMyanmarPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01592441-01592 (Fiscalité)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservateurAB21 juin 202316 août 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Les coûts de chauffage et de transport sont déjà trop élevés pour de nombreux Canadiens;L’imposition d’une taxe fédérale sur le carbone coûtera à la famille canadienne moyenne plus de 847 $ par année après les soi-disant rabais;Le gouvernement libéral de Trudeau a déjà annoncé qu’il triplerait ces taxes sur les travailleurs canadiens.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent au Parlement d’abolir la taxe fédérale sur le carbone.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as an effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving a portion of proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal pollution pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain four quarterly payments.Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 percent supplement beyond the base amount. 
Taxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01590441-01590 (Travail et emploi)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservateurAB21 juin 202316 août 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Les parents qui subissent la perte d’un enfant sont souvent laissés sans soutien financier ou sans sécurité d’emploi pendant leur période de deuil;La motion 110 (42-1) demandait au gouvernement du Canada d’améliorer la compassion et le soutien offerts aux parents en deuil par le gouvernement fédéral;La Chambre des communes a adopté la motion 110 (42-1) à l’unanimité;Le Comité permanent des ressources humaines, du développement des compétences, du développement social et de la condition des personnes handicapées a entrepris une étude sur la motion 110 (42-1);Le Comité permanent des ressources humaines, du développement des compétences, du développement social et de la condition des personnes handicapées a déposé un rapport intitulé Soutenir les familles après la perte d'un enfant, qui contient sept recommandations clés visant à améliorer la compassion et le soutien offerts aux parents en deuil par le gouvernement fédéral;Les signataires de la présente pétition reconnaissent que le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé son intention de mettre en œuvre certaines de ces recommandations dans le budget fédéral de 2023;Le gouvernement du Canada n’a toujours pas mis en œuvre toutes les recommandations du rapport. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :1- Mettre en œuvre une prestation de deuil pour tous les parents endeuillés par la perte d'une grossesse ou d’un enfant en bas âge;2- Mettre en œuvre les sept recommandations contenues dans le rapport du Comité permanent des ressources humaines, du développement des compétences, du développement social et de la condition des personnes handicapées intitulé Soutenir les familles après la perte d’un enfant.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to implement a bereavement benefit for all grieving parents of pregnancy and infant loss and to implement all seven of the recommendations contained within the report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities entitled Supporting Families After the Loss of a Child.The Government welcomed the recommendations of the committee and responded along the key themes of:
  1. enhancing information and services for grieving families in a compassionate way;
  2. reducing financial hardships and supporting flexible return-to-work for parents who suffered the loss of a child; and,
  3. conducting policy analysis regarding supports for parents who have suffered the loss of a child.
For the full Government response to the committee, please visit: ourcommons.ca/content/Committee/421/HUMA/GovResponse/RP10555719/421_HUMA_Rpt14_GR/421_HUMA_Rpt14_GR-e.pdf.The Government acknowledges that grieving the loss of a child is difficult and that these events can have implications for Canadians’ mental and physical health, and that this can make it difficult to return to work. The Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits are available to eligible parents who need to step away from work due to the emotional or psychological distress caused by the loss of a loved one, including a child. On December 18, 2022, the Government announced an extension of EI sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 26 weeks for new claims beginning on or after this date.In addition, in the tragic event that the infant dies during the 15-week period surrounding childbirth, a parent who has established an EI maternity claim will continue to be eligible to receive benefits to support their recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. Maternity benefits are also payable to eligible parents in the event of a pregnancy loss (e.g., a stillbirth) that occurs during or after the 20th week of pregnancy.Part III of the Canada Labour Code (the Code) includes leave provisions to ensure that federally regulated private sector employees (about 6% of all Canadian employees) have job-protected leave while claiming an EI special benefit, including maternity and sickness benefits. Job protection is a federal-provincial/territorial responsibility and leave provisions included in PT labour standard legislation generally align with those from the Code.Since 2019, several changes have been made to the Code that can support grieving parents. These changes include:
  • the enhancement of bereavement leave, from three days with pay, immediately following the death of an immediate family member, to ten working days (including three days with pay) that can be taken up to six weeks after the funeral, memorial service or burial. An Act to Amend the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canada Labour Code (Bill C-3), which received Royal Assent in December 2021, includes amendments to bereavement leave that will provide up to eight weeks of unpaid leave for employees who experience a stillbirth or the death of a child. An order of the Governor in Council will be necessary to bring these provisions into force;
  • the addition of a new personal leave of five days (including three days with pay) that can be used by parents to attend to any urgent matter concerning their family members, including following the death of their child or a pregnancy loss;
  • the enhancement of medical leave without pay from 17 weeks to 27 weeks to align with the extension of EI sickness benefits, and entitling employees to earn and take up to 10 days of medical leave with pay per year; and,
  • the introduction of a right to request flexible work arrangements, which can help employees to cope with the death of their child by allowing them to formally request a change to the terms and conditions of their employment related to the number of hours they work, their work schedule, and the location of their work.
In addition, as announced in Budget 2023, the Government is committed to amend the Code to create a new stand-alone leave for employees who experience a pregnancy loss. This new leave will provide employees with time to begin their physical and emotional recovery without risk of losing their job or forfeiting income security.Building a modernized EI program remains an important part of the Government’s commitment to support workers. Work is underway to modernize the program, informed by the feedback received from individuals and stakeholders through substantive consultations held through 2021 and 2022, as well as changing economic conditions so that Canadians continue to be supported.Once again, the Government wishes to thank the petitioners.  Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiCongésDécès et funéraillesNourrissons
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01588441-01588 (Affaires étrangères)KevinWaughSaskatoon—GrasswoodConservateurSK21 juin 202316 août 202320 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • Le gouvernement du Bangladesh a aboli son système de gouvernement intérimaire constitutionnel et a organisé deux élections générales (2014 et 2018) dans le cadre desquelles il a falsifié des bulletins de vote;
  • Les forces de l’ordre et les hommes du parti au pouvoir ont rempli des urnes dans la nuit précédant les élections générales de 2018 pour rester au pouvoir sans avoir obtenu le mandat du peuple;
  • Les quatre élections générales organisées sous le gouvernement intérimaire (1991, 1996, 2001 et 2008) ont été libres, équitables et crédibles;
  • En l’absence d’indépendance et de pouvoir administratif de la commission électorale, aucune élection libre et équitable ne pourra jamais être organisée sous le gouvernement en place;
  • Des milliers de cas de disparitions forcées, d’exécutions extrajudiciaires et d’actes de torture commis en situation de détention provisoire, des mesures de répression contre la société civile et les médias et des attaques perpétrées contre des représentants de l’opposition politique, des communautés minoritaires et des manifestants pacifiques, y compris des étudiants, s’observent toujours, même après les sanctions imposées par les États Unis au Bataillon d’action rapide (RAB);
  • La police a arrêté des milliers de militants des partis d’opposition, dont de nombreux dirigeants politiques, alors qu’ils manifestaient pacifiquement pour demander le rétablissement du gouvernement intérimaire;
  • Au cours des derniers mois, la police a tué au moins une douzaine de militants politiques, dont un ex membre du Parlement;
  • Le gouvernement au pouvoir exerce une mainmise sur toutes les institutions fondamentales, y compris le système judiciaire, de manière à bafouer les droits de la personne, les droits démocratiques et le droit de vote des citoyens.
EN CONSÉQUENCE, nous, soussignés, résidants du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de prendre toutes les mesures possibles pour aider le Bangladesh à rétablir les droits de la personne et la démocratie, et pour garantir que la prochaine élection générale sera libre, équitable et crédible.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada attaches great importance to protecting and promoting human rights and democracy, including respect for diversity, inclusive and accountable governance, and the rule of law. Canada recognizes the critical need to continue to strengthen human rights and democratic norms around the world, which is reflected in Canadian engagement with all international partners. As these values remain a priority for Canada’s engagement at home and abroad, they will also continue to be a core component of Canada’s engagement with the Government of Bangladesh.Canada was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh’s independence and has continued to work in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh since then. In that period, Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in economic and social development. Additionally, during this period, Bangladeshis have demonstrated that they share many of the same values that are important to Canadians, including human rights, democracy and good governance.The Government of Canada, as part of the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review in 2018, recommended that the Government of Bangladesh ensure freedom of assembly and expression for all people, media, civil society and political parties. For the upcoming Universal Periodic Review process for Bangladesh in 2023, Canada will again take the opportunity to advocate for core human rights.As it was with its economic and social development, Bangladeshis should be and will continue to be the most important actors in determining the progress of democracy, and human rights within Bangladesh. As with other bilateral partners, the Government of Canada will continue to engage the Government of Bangladesh on shared interests and issues in-line with these democratic principles in bilateral and multilateral fora.
BangladeshDroits de la personnePolitique étrangèreSystème électoral
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01587441-01587 (Affaires étrangères)SameerZuberiPierrefonds—DollardLibéralQC21 juin 202316 août 202314 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • La junte militaire illégitime de Birmanie continue de tuer, de torturer, de violer, d’emprisonner et de déplacer des civils sans discrimination, notamment par des frappes aériennes, ce qui accroît les besoins en aide humanitaire vitale;
  • Les infrastructures de communication à l’intérieur du pays, souvent utilisées pour avertir les civils d’une attaque imminente, ont été détruites par l’armée;
  • La société d’État Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises (MOGE) est à l’origine de la majeure partie du financement que l’armée reçoit pour commettre des atrocités sur le plan des droits de la personne;
  • Le Canada a souligné sa propre obligation d’aide relativement à la crise au Myanmar, comme en témoignent la « Stratégie du Canada pour répondre aux crises des Rohingyas et du Myanmar (2021 à 2024) » de même que notre engagement au titre du principe de la responsabilité de protéger.
À ces causes, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Appeler la junte militaire de Birmanie à cesser immédiatement toutes les exécutions, atrocités et violations des droits de la personne commises à l’encontre de civils;
  • Accroître l’aide humanitaire apportée à la Birmanie, notamment par l’intermédiaire d’organisations locales de la société civile travaillant à partir de pays voisins, afin de répondre plus adéquatement aux besoins des communautés vulnérables;
  • Apporter un soutien technologique et logistique relativement aux infrastructures de communication, afin de mettre en place des systèmes d’alerte rapide et des systèmes de défense aérienne pour avertir et protéger les civils des attaques aériennes, pour sauver des vies et pour prévenir les violations des droits de la personne;
  • Appeler les compagnies d’assurance à cesser d’offrir une couverture d’assurance pour la livraison de carburant d’aviation à la Birmanie;
  • Imposer des sanctions à la MOGE, notamment en bloquant les achats directs et indirects de pétrole et de gaz qui soutiennent le régime birman;
  • Mettre rapidement en œuvre les objectifs définis dans la stratégie susmentionnée et respecter notre obligation internationale relative à la responsabilité de protéger;
  • Refuser de nouer le dialogue avec le Conseil d’administration d’État de la junte, ou de le reconnaître, au sein de toute instance régionale ou internationale;
  • Promouvoir un dialogue continu entre les groupes pro-démocratiques et les groupes de la diaspora, en vue d’aider le peuple birman à développer une démocratie inclusive reconnaissant et représentant pleinement toutes les communautés ethniques minoritaires, y compris les Rohingyas;
  • Apporter une aide aux politiciens et aux citoyens birmans afin de soutenir le développement d’un système démocratique fédéral et d’un partage du pouvoir qui offriraient une solution à ce pays composé de populations multiethniques qui vivaient ensemble avant que le pays ne s’appelle la Birmanie.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has unequivocally condemned the February 2021 military coup against the democratically-elected government of Myanmar, and supports the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations in the face of brutality and egregious international human rights and humanitarian law violations. Canada continues to call for the cessation of violence and armed conflict; the release of all who are unjustly detained; immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access; and a halt on sales and transfer of arms, military equipment and technical support, which fuel the conflict and undermine stability in the country and the region. Canada is concerned by a growing humanitarian crisis, democratic and economic reversals, reports of egregious human rights and humanitarian law violations, and the potential for growing instability and insecurity in Myanmar, with implications for the region and diminished prospects for the safe, voluntary and dignified return for Rohingya currently in Bangladesh. Canada condemns escalating attacks against civilians, including airstrikes of populated and civilian areas with heavy weaponry, and the arbitrary detention, and deaths of civilians, all of which have deepened the humanitarian crisis.Canada is also concerned by the politicization of the judiciary and the precipitous decline in human rights protections and media freedoms. The erosion of the right to free, fair and impartial trials, and the resumption of capital punishment after a 30-year de-facto moratorium is of particular concern. Canada opposes the death penalty at all times, everywhere. Canada, along with international partners, condemned the execution of pro-democracy opposition leaders and supporters in 2022, underscoring that these actions exemplify the regime’s efforts to silence political opposition and exemplify blatant disregard for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law.Canada supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) and its resolute efforts to address this crisis through the ASEAN Five-Point-Consensus, while remaining increasingly concerned by lack of progress on this agreement’s implementation in the face of the regime’s intransigence. Full and timely implementation of the Five-Point-Consensus remains critical as is ASEAN’s continued downgrading of Myanmar representation at ASEAN high-level meetings and fora.Responding to the interlinked Myanmar and Rohingya crises remains a priority for Canada. On June 20, 2022, Canada announced the second phase of its Strategy to respond to the Myanmar and Rohingya crises, dedicating $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024) to address the medium- and longer-term needs and human rights of Rohingya refugees and other conflict-affected populations in Myanmar. Of this amount, $83 million supports development programming in Myanmar; $145 million for development programming for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh; and $24 million for Peace and Stabilization Operations programming. The Strategy supports at-risk and affected populations in Myanmar and Bangladesh, particularly Rohingya refugees, internally displaced persons, and impacted host communities; intensifies efforts to advance an inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar; supports efforts to advance a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Myanmar, including engagement with pro-democracy stakeholders; and, increases pressure on malign actors, including through continued pursuit of accountability for human rights violations and targeted sanctions efforts.While ensuring that no funding or support is going to the regime, Canada continues to provide development and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable, working through UN and civil society organizations, including local networks and alliance-based partners. Canada continues to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for crisis-affected populations, in accordance with needs on the ground. For example, in 2022, Canada has contributed $10.3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to address the needs of crisis-affected people in Myanmar, including support to the Rohingya population. Canada has also contributed $15.3 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh, to help address the needs of Rohingya refugees. More recently, on June 1st, 2023 Canada announced $4 million in additional humanitarian assistance funding in Myanmar, and $1 million in funding for Bangladesh in response to Cyclone Mocha. Cross-border in Bangladesh, Canada continues to play a leading role in marshalling the response to the refugee crisis, leveraging a strong position on accountability and credibility as a top international donor.Canada has a legacy of support for democracy and federalism globally and in Myanmar, continuing to support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people and those who work peacefully to advance an inclusive democratic future. Canada engages with the range of pro-democracy stakeholders advancing and modeling a democratic peaceful and inclusive vision for Myanmar, including with high-level engagement such as the recent meeting between Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a senior appointed representative of the National Unity Government of Myanmar. Canada is a steadfast supporter of the need to address the root causes in Myanmar that led to the violent expulsion of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, the coup, and decades of conflict with ethnic minority armed groups. The Government of Canada’s current Strategy and commitments are centred on the meaningful participation and diverse representation, including Rohingya, women and youth.Canada prioritizes ending impunity and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations in Myanmar and justice for survivors, including Rohingya. Canada does this through support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), and our announced intention to intervene, with the Netherlands, in The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Canada strongly supported the historic United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2669 – Security Council Demands Immediate End of Violence in Myanmar, Urges Restraint, Release of Arbitrary Detained Prisoners (December 2022), and co-sponsored the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/52/L.19 - Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar (April 2023). At the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Prosecutor’s investigation into allegations of forced deportation as a crime against humanity has presented an opportunity for accountability, although Canada continues to call for the UNSC to refer the situation to the ICC, so that the commission of all serious international crimes under the Rome Statute can be investigated.Canada, in close coordination with international partners, has imposed seven rounds of sanctions since the coup as part of Canada’s commitment to support democracy and ending impunity in Myanmar, with the most recent on January 31, 2023. Canada’s sanctions are in direct response to the regime’s continued disregard for the human rights of the people of Myanmar and target senior members of the regime who are using their respective roles to abuse the rule of law and remove political opposition, thus contributing to a grave breach of international peace and the deteriorating security situation. Through these sanctions, Canada has also targeted arms and aviation fuel procurement, and was the first country to impose a prohibition on aviation fuel in respond to the regime’s continued targeting of civilians in violation of international law. Canada, alongside its international partners, will continue to respond to actions that constitute a grave breach of international peace and security, threaten stability in the region, and subvert the rights and dignity of Myanmar people. Canada will continue to monitor the situation, assessing the effectiveness of additional policy measures, taking further actions in coordination with our partners as the situation evolves.There is no immediate solution to this protracted crisis, and Canada acknowledges that an effective on-going response requires sustained effort, attention, commitment, and leadership on the part of Canada; the meaningful participation of Myanmar people, including Rohingya; and sustained coordination and engagement with key national, regional and international allies and partners. In this regard, we strongly welcome the petition and its calls for continued and strengthened engagement on the part of the Government of Canada.
Droits de la personneMyanmarPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4271e-4271 (Santé)CatherineConnellyLoriIdloutNunavutNPDNU31 janvier 2023 à 15 h 14 (HAE)31 mai 2023 à 15 h 14 (HAE)21 juin 202316 août 20231 juin 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Nous soussignés, résidents de Rankin Inlet, au Nunavut, résidents des communautés voisines et personnes appuyant l’égalité de l’accès à des soins de santé de qualité attirons l’attention du gouvernement du Canada sur les points suivants : Les services de sages-femmes et de garde d’enfants à Rankin Inlet ne sont pas viables et sont pratiquement absents, et tous les Canadiens ont droit à l’égalité de l’accès à des soins de santé de qualité; Les sages-femmes jouent un rôle essentiel en appuyant les droits reproductifs et la promotion de la santé des personnes pendant toute leur vie. De plus, les sages-femmes offrent des soins complets pendant la grossesse ainsi qu’une aide à l’accouchent pour les grossesses à faible risque;Sans une offre constante de services de sages-femmes, beaucoup plus de grossesses seront à risque élevé; Tous les Canadiens ont droit à l’égalité de l’accès à des soins de santé de qualité. Dévaloriser le programme de sages-femmes à Rankin Inlet entraîne la dévalorisation de la santé des Autochtones et de la santé des femmes, ce que l’on doit empêcher;Les femmes et les familles de Rankin Inlet méritent des services de sages-femmes stables et uniformes dans leur communauté, des services qui appuieront les femmes dans tous les aspects de leur santé reproductive.Par conséquent, vos pétitionnaires prient le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer des services de sages-femmes uniformes, équitables, viables, complets et dirigés par des personnes inuites à Rankin Inlet.
Response by the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern OntarioSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): VANCE BADAWEYAll Canadians, including Indigenous Peoples who live in the North, must have fair and equitable access to quality and culturally safe healthcare services, from any health professional, anywhere they are and any time they need it. While the territorial government is responsible for the delivery of health care in Nunavut, and would be best placed to speak to midwifery services in Nunavut, I can speak to the federal initiatives currently underway and support provided by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). Since 2015, ISC, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, has provided over $968.6 million in Grants and Contributions funding to support the provision of health care for Inuit and First Nations residents of Nunavut.In 2021, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $126.7 million over three years for ISC and Health Canada to take action to foster health systems free from racism and discrimination where Indigenous Peoples are respected and safe. Implementation of this funding, alongside ongoing discussions with provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, and health systems partners over the following two years, were intended to develop a more comprehensive, longer-term and national approach to address anti-Indigenous racism in health systems and develop options by 2023-24.The funding was distributed to the Inuit Land Claim Organizations as per the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Board of Directors approved general funding allocation formula. ISC has flowed a total of $2,680,851 over three years, starting in 2021-22, to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as a result of Budget 2017 and Budget 2021 to support the expansion of midwifery and doula services, including the staffing of a midwifery policy analyst as part of the anti-Indigenous racism initiative. This will enable Inuit-led research and engagement of partners  and subject matter experts on the creation of a new legislative, regulatory, and training framework to support the restoration of traditional birthing and pathways to re-establishing an Inuit midwifery training program in Nunavut.In addition, work is well underway in Nunavut for the co-development of the distinctions-based Indigenous health legislation. ISC provided funding to Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated to conduct their engagement process with their members. Throughout this phase, Inuit partners raised a number of priority areas for Indigenous health legislation to address, one of which was midwifery and reproductive health.ISC then moved into the co-development phase for the Indigenous Health Legislation initiative. This phase is now wrapping up. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the four Inuit regions, and Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada created an Indigenous Health Legislation sub-working group stemming from the Inuit-Crown Partnership Committee that met bi-weekly. The Inuit table focused on thematic discussions, including on Inuit midwifery and reproductive health, and was guided by the “Inuit-Crown Co-development Principles”.Although co-development discussions are wrapping up, there are various upcoming opportunities to inform the proposed legislation should you be interested. We will be looking to share proposed legislative key elements with Indigenous partners in late summer for feedback, followed by consultation drafts in late fall/early winter. It is anticipated that the bill will be tabled in winter 2024. ISC will continue to work very closely with partners on this very important initiative.While progress is being made, please be assured that we recognize that gaps remain and that more help is needed. We continue to be committed to working with Indigenous leaders, partners and organizations to improve First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community health and wellness, including through enhancing access to culturally-relevant programs and services.I appreciate you taking the time to raise your concerns and advocate for the needs of Nunavummiut.
InuitProfession de sage-femme et sages-femmesSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01584441-01584 (Transport)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON21 juin 202316 août 202316 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que:
  • Les modalités de stationnement gratuit pour les personnes handicapées devraient être uniformisées dans l’ensemble du Canada;
  • Le Canada applique des règles fédérales et provinciales cohérentes dans la plupart des domaines concernant les droits en matière d’accessibilité;
  • La question de la gratuité du stationnement pour les personnes handicapées n’est pas abordée dans les textes législatifs actuels de manière uniforme, bien qu’il s’agisse d’un aspect très important en ce qui concerne l’accessibilité;
  • Le coût et la difficulté de stationner pour les personnes handicapées et à mobilité réduite constituent un obstacle à l’accessibilité;
  • L’absence de permis de stationnement gratuit pour les personnes handicapées et le manque d’uniformité à cet égard posent un défi important pour les personnes ayant des problèmes de mobilité qui se rendent dans de nouvelles régions, villes et provinces;
  • La situation peut être encore plus difficile pour les personnes qui viennent d’autres pays où le problème a déjà été résolu;
  • Le personnel soignant et les familles ont besoin d’une telle continuité quand ils doivent fournir de l’aide pour le transport;
  • Plusieurs villes canadiennes, dont Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Hamilton, St Catharines, Windsor, Sarnia, Sault Ste Marie, Cornwall, London, Brampton, Halifax et Québec, offrent le stationnement gratuit aux détenteurs d’un permis pour personnes handicapées;
  • Plusieurs pays, dont la Suisse, la Turquie, le Costa Rica, l’Islande, l’Argentine, l’Australie et la Grande-Bretagne ainsi que l’ensemble de l’Union européenne et d’autres encore, reconnaissent tous la gratuité du stationnement pour les personnes handicapées, même celles qui viennent d’autres pays et nous devrions faire de même.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de travailler en collaboration avec les provinces et les territoires pour que tous les détenteurs de permis de stationnement pour personnes handicapées puissent se stationner gratuitement partout au pays.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Annie KoutrakisWhile Transport Canada has a mandate to ensure that the federal transportation network is without barriers for persons with disabilities, in Canada, policies for accessible parking (including accessible parking permits) fall under provincial and territorial government authority. The responsibility for enacting and enforcing bylaws on parking permits and the use of designated accessible parking spaces is then delegated to cities and municipalities. This means that there is variation of policies from one province or territory to another.The Government of Canada has a Mutual Recognition of Parking Badges Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/policies/mutual-recognition-parking-badges-agreement-persons-disabilities), which was first established in 1978 at the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) Council of Ministers, and later updated in 1997. All ECMT Member Countries, as well as ECMT Associated Countries have the right to the same parking concessions as nationals in all ECMT countries, with the only condition being that the vehicle must display a valid badge showing the international wheelchair symbol.Transport Canada remains committed in ensuring an accessible transportation system for all Canadians and will continue to work with other government departments, and provinces and territories towards that goal. 
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is committed to identifying, removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and improving financial security for persons with disabilities.The Accessible Canada Act (ACA), which came into force in 2019, requires regulated entities to proactively identify, remove and prevent barriers to accessibility in seven (7) priority areas. While transportation is one of the priority areas set out in the ACA, the issuance of accessible parking passes, including applicable fees, is a provincial/territorial matter.In addition, municipal governments are responsible for setting parking regulations, including whether accessible parking pass holders must pay for parking. Recognizing the importance of creating seamless experiences for persons with disabilities, harmonization of accessible parking requirements and/or fees may be an area for future multi-jurisdictional collaboration.The Government of Canada understands that there are many extra costs associated with having a disability. These costs can be a significant hardship for Canadians with disabilities who are already living on a low income. According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, working age Canadians with disabilities experience poverty at nearly twice the rate of working age Canadians without disabilities (23% vs 12%).To better support persons with disabilities, the Government released its first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan?a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to disability inclusion. A cornerstone of the Action Plan is the Canada Disability Benefit initiative. The Canada Disability Benefit Act (Bill C-22) received Royal Assent on June 22, 2023. The Act is framework legislation that establishes the Canada Disability Benefit to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities. 
Permis et licencesPersonnes ayant des limitations fonctionnellesRoutes et transport routier
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4397e-4397 (Transport)StanisSmithBonitaZarrilloPort Moody—CoquitlamNPDBC18 avril 2023 à 10 h 55 (HAE)17 juin 2023 à 10 h 55 (HAE)21 juin 202316 août 202319 juin 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">ministre des Transports</Addressee>Attendu que :Transports Canada établit le cadre réglementaire de NAV CANADA;Ce cadre réglementaire prévoit notamment de minimiser l’impact du bruit et des émissions des avions sur les collectivités;Les modifications que NAV CANADA propose d’apporter aux trajectoires de vol dans la grande région de Vancouver se traduiront par une intensification du bruit et des émissions dans de nombreux quartiers résidentiels non touchés jusqu’à présent par ces problèmes.Nous soussignés, résidents de la grande région de Vancouver, prions le ministre des Transports de préparer une évaluation environnementale indépendante sur les impacts des trajectoires de vol proposées relativement au bruit et aux émissions, y compris des recommandations destinées à minimiser ces impacts, avant la mise en œuvre des changements proposés. Cette évaluation environnementale devrait s’appuyer sur les plus récentes recherches et recommandations mondiales en matière de limites applicables au bruit et aux émissions, se tenir de manière indépendante de NAV CANADA, et ses résultats devraient être rendus publics lorsque complétés.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Annie Koutrakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of TransportNAV CANADA is undertaking the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project to modernize the airspace over the Greater Vancouver Region and Southern Vancouver Island to enhance aviation safety by introducing new procedures based on current design standards and modern satellite-based navigation technologies, while reducing the industry’s environmental impacts. This project is to ensure the modernized airspace can safely and efficiently support long-term demand for air travel, which is a key driver for the local and Canadian economy.  NAV CANADA is a private, arm's length corporation responsible for the provision of air navigation services in Canada. This responsibility was transferred from Transport Canada to NAV CANADA in 1996 in accordance with the Civil Air Navigation Services Commercialization Act. Transport Canada provides safety oversight for these services and the focus is on the safety and security of the civil aviation system, which is regulated through the Aeronautics Act and Canadian Aviation Regulations.  Redesigning airspace to accommodate the increasing demands for passenger, cargo, flight training and recreational operations with a wide range of aircraft types, in an area with many airports,  in the mountainous terrain and coastal region weather in the Vancouver Lower Mainland  is a complex matter. The project involves detailed analyses that assess the safety and efficiency of the flight paths within the context of changing technology and safety requirements, all while considering the impact of noise and emissions in the communities in the vicinity of an airport. Aircraft noise is a complicated and often difficult issue faced by airport authorities and communities around the world and it is essential that the public has the opportunity to provide their feedback on potential changes.  That is why the Government of Canada put forward Bill C-52, which if passed, would create a process for airports to notify and consult the public on changes to airport design that could affect aircraft noise.Some aircraft, like cars, can be noisier than others due to age, model, modifications, and how close they are to public and private spaces. However, Canadian aircraft must meet noise standards outlined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations at the time of certification. Further information can be found here: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/operating-airports-aerodromes/managing-noise-aircraft   In the matter of authority to require an environmental assessment of the potential airspace change, such authority is vested with Environment and Climate Change Canada. This department has confirmed that airspace changes are not included in the Physical Activity Regulations that would trigger an assessment under the Impact Assessment Act. Inquiries regarding activities that are outside of the Physical Activity Regulations can be made by email at: enviroinfo@ec.gc.caTransport Canada previously worked with Canadian airports and NAV CANADA to develop a voluntary protocol for the aviation industry entitled Airspace Change Communications and Consultation Protocol that was published in 2015. This protocol amplified the aviation industry’s commitment to include environmental considerations to communicate and consult with communities. More information can be found here: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/aviation-industry-airspace-change-communications-and-consultation-protocol-en.pdf  NAV CANADA is already following this voluntary protocol for the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project to assess noise and emissions impacts. NAV CANADA has also been communicating and consulting with stakeholders and the public and they will continue until all recommendations are formalized. Reports on the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project are anticipated to be released in late August or early September 2023. The Reports will be made public and additional discussions will occur early this Fall. Noise related issues and suggestions for airport operating restrictions are discussions that would be best addressed with Vancouver International Airport’s management. Contact details for their executive team can be found here: https://www.yvr.ca/en/about-yvr/leadership-and-accountability/the-executive-committee. 
Bruit et pollution par le bruitCirculation aérienneÉvaluation environnementaleVancouver
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01581441-01581 (Environnement)PeterFragiskatosLondon-Centre-NordLibéralON21 juin 202316 août 20233 mars 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit s’attaquer à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des mesures législatives pour une transition équitable qui :
  • Réduisent les émissions d’au moins 60 % sous les niveaux de 2005 d’ici 2030, et qui apportent une importante contribution à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Réduisent progressivement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et l’infrastructure connexe, mettent un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et prévoient la transition vers une économie décarbonée;
  • Créent de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et développent la propriété publique des services d’utilité publique à l’échelle de l’économie afin de mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créent de bons emplois verts et favorisent le développement d’un effectif diversifié, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs concernés et des communautés, et assurent des emplois convenables et à faibles émissions de carbone pour tous les travailleurs;
  • Protègent et renforcent les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respectent les droits des Autochtones, leur souveraineté et leur savoir en les intégrant dans la création et la mise en oeuvre de ces mesures législatives, assurent la justice pour les migrants et mettent l’accent sur l’aide aux communautés qui vivent une marginalisation de longue date;
  • Élargissent le filet de sécurité sociale avec de nouvelles mesures d’aide au revenu, des logements sociaux décarbonés et des fonds de soutien pour des services de transport en commun abordables et accessibles à l’échelle du pays;
  • Financent la transition en augmentant l’impôt des plus riches et des sociétés et mettant sur pied une banque publique nationale.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. It understands that accelerated efforts are crucial to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, its current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy-efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.        
Response by the Minister of Energy and Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykOn June 15, 2023, the Government of Canada introduced a bill entitled An Act respecting accountability, transparency and engagement to support the creation of sustainable jobs for workers and economic growth in a net-zero economy (Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act). The legislation will put workers and communities at the centre of policy and decision-making by establishing a federal framework for accountability, a governance structure and engagement mechanisms — all guided by the principles of equity, fairness and inclusion. These include:
  • creating a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide the government, through a process of ongoing social dialogue and engagement, with independent advice on the most effective measures to encourage sustainable job creation and to support workers and communities in the transition to a low-carbon economy;
  • publishing a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years, beginning in 2025, to put in place measures to invest in the net-zero emissions economy and support the workers in accessing the skills they need to participate in this economy; and,
  • establishing a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to support the implementation of the proposed Act, support the Council, and coordinate work across Government departments.
The Act will hold future governments to account with respect to supporting Canada’s workers in a changing global economy. Similar to the Net-Zero Accountability Act, it will put into place structures, guidelines and accountability mechanisms to help Canadians judge the performance of this and future governments in this space.On February 17, the Government released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan and the Act are informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to moving forward with sustainable jobs legislation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand;
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01580441-01580 (Environnement)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC21 juin 202316 août 202313 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • L’écume produite par les infrastructures maritimes constitue une source croissante de pollution sur les plages du Canada;
  • Dans les milieux marins, la mousse de polystyrène, plus connue sous le nom de « styromousseTM », peut causer d’immenses dommages à la vie marine, aux fruits de mer et aux écosystèmes;
  • Une fois qu’elle s’étiole, la mousse de polystyrène est très difficile, voire impossible à retirer des rivages et elle risque fort de contaminer les milieux environnant les infrastructures maritimes endommagées, qu’elles soient enclavées ou pas;
  • Le district régional de Qathet et l’association des localités côtières et insulaires de Vancouver ont adopté à l’unanimité une motion demandant l’interdiction de la mousse de polystyrène dans les milieux marins.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’interdire l’utilisation de la mousse de polystyrène dans les milieux marins.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Government of Canada recognizes that plastic pollution affects wildlife and habitats, burdens economies, threatens livelihoods, and impacts the spaces Canadians cherish. This is a critical global challenge that requires prompt action. As such, the Government of Canada is committed to working with all levels of government, industry, civil society and others to reduce plastic pollution from land and aquatic sources and transition to circular and sustainable systems where plastics stay in the economy and out of the environment.The Government is implementing its comprehensive plan through a range of complementary actions spanning the plastics lifecycle to reduce plastic waste, enable a circular plastics economy and protect the environment from plastic pollution. This includes:
  • strengthening plastics economy and pollution science and investing in innovations;
  • banning certain categories of single-use plastics, including expanded and extruded polystyrene foam foodservice ware;
  • developing minimum recycled content requirements for plastic items;
  • introducing rules to enhance the labelling of recyclable and compostable plastics and better inform consumers;
  • establishing a recycling target for plastic beverage containers;
  • designing a federal plastics registry that will require producers to report on plastics they place on the Canadian economy to support provincial and territorial extended producer responsibility efforts; and
  • working with countries and other stakeholders to develop a new legally-binding global instrument on plastic pollution.
The Government is also working with provinces and territories through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment to implement the Canada-wide Strategy on Zero Plastic Waste and its associated Action Plan. This includes the recent publication of a roadmap to manage single-use and disposable plastics as well as guidance to facilitate consistent extended producer responsibility programs for plastics. Additional work is underway to create guidance to inform consumer behaviours and target plastic pollution sources.Expanded polystyrene (EPS), due to its buoyancy, functionality and cost, is often used in the marine environment for floating structures (e.g. docks and buoys), boat stands, storage, seafood packaging, or in recreational items like surfboards. EPS is also used in consumer goods and packaging such as food containers, cups and lids, and in other sectors (e.g. construction). The Government recognizes that the mismanagement of these materials can result in its breakdown and release into the environment as a form of plastic pollution.Some efforts are currently in place to target the use of EPS in marine infrastructure. In 2021, the Province of Ontario adopted legislation to prohibit unencapsulated expanded or extruded polystyrene in floating docks, floating platforms and buoys. In addition, some dock manufacturers no longer offer unencapsulated foam.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ (DFO) Small Craft Harbours program is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of Canada’s network of fishing harbours, which are used by commercial fish and seafood harvesters. Over the past 20 years, the program has been moving away from using uncoated polystyrene and adopting other, more environmentally friendly floating mechanisms in the construction of its floating docks. All polystyrene currently installed at these harbours is coated with high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which is a water resistant material that reduces product breakdown and is more durable in the marine environment.Another source of EPS pollution in the marine environment is from abandoned, lost or discarded shellfish aquaculture gear in the form of floats and buoys, or as large pieces of floatation for raft structures. While aquaculture is a shared jurisdiction in Canada, the Government of Canada issues aquaculture licences under the Pacific Aquaculture Regulations in British Columbia. In 2021, DFO introduced new shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence, which directly address the issue of marine plastic litter and ghost gear in British Columbia’s coastal waters. The new licence conditions support lost gear identification, foam floatation pollution reduction, and regular clean-ups of licensed facilities. DFO also secured $1.3 million in funding for the removal of 13,000 cubic metres of degraded polystyrene floatation from British Columbia’s waters, replacing it with highly durable, air-filled, foam-free floatation. This is the equivalent of 52 billion foam microbeads being removed from the ocean. These efforts contribute to the Government of Canada’s commitments under the Ocean Plastics Charter and the implementation of its comprehensive plan to reduce plastic pollution, including leading several large-scale clean-ups of abandoned and degrading shellfish farm facilities. On the West Coast of Vancouver Island and in the Pendrell Sound Rockfish Conservation Area.The Government of Canada does not intend to prohibit the use of EPS in the marine environment at this time. The Government will continue to review the performance of existing management measures and will work with partners and stakeholders to identify areas where further action is needed.  
InterdictionPollutionPolystyrène expanséZones littorales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01579441-01579 (Affaires étrangères)ClaudeDeBellefeuilleSalaberry—SuroîtBloc QuébécoisQC21 juin 202316 août 202316 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • La junte militaire illégitime de Birmanie continue de tuer, de torturer, de violer, d’emprisonner et de déplacer des civils sans discrimination, notamment par des frappes aériennes, ce qui accroît les besoins en aide humanitaire vitale;
  • Les infrastructures de communication à l’intérieur du pays, souvent utilisées pour avertir les civils d’une attaque imminente, ont été détruites par l’armée;
  • La société d’État Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises (MOGE) est à l’origine de la majeure partie du financement que l’armée reçoit pour commettre des atrocités sur le plan des droits de la personne;
  • Le Canada a souligné sa propre obligation d’aide relativement à la crise au Myanmar, comme en témoignent la « Stratégie du Canada pour répondre aux crises des Rohingyas et du Myanmar (2021 à 2024) » de même que notre engagement au titre du principe de la responsabilité de protéger.
À ces causes, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Appeler la junte militaire de Birmanie à cesser immédiatement toutes les exécutions, atrocités et violations des droits de la personne commises à l’encontre de civils;
  • Accroître l’aide humanitaire apportée à la Birmanie, notamment par l’intermédiaire d’organisations locales de la société civile travaillant à partir de pays voisins, afin de répondre plus adéquatement aux besoins des communautés vulnérables;
  • Apporter un soutien technologique et logistique relativement aux infrastructures de communication, afin de mettre en place des systèmes d’alerte rapide et des systèmes de défense aérienne pour avertir et protéger les civils des attaques aériennes, pour sauver des vies et pour prévenir les violations des droits de la personne;
  • Appeler les compagnies d’assurance à cesser d’offrir une couverture d’assurance pour la livraison de carburant d’aviation à la Birmanie;
  • Imposer des sanctions à la MOGE, notamment en bloquant les achats directs et indirects de pétrole et de gaz qui soutiennent le régime birman;
  • Mettre rapidement en œuvre les objectifs définis dans la stratégie susmentionnée et respecter notre obligation internationale relative à la responsabilité de protéger;
  • Refuser de nouer le dialogue avec le Conseil d’administration d’État de la junte, ou de le reconnaître, au sein de toute instance régionale ou internationale;
  • Promouvoir un dialogue continu entre les groupes pro-démocratiques et les groupes de la diaspora, en vue d’aider le peuple birman à développer une démocratie inclusive reconnaissant et représentant pleinement toutes les communautés ethniques minoritaires, y compris les Rohingyas;
  • Apporter une aide aux politiciens et aux citoyens birmans afin de soutenir le développement d’un système démocratique fédéral et d’un partage du pouvoir qui offriraient une solution à ce pays composé de populations multiethniques qui vivaient ensemble avant que le pays ne s’appelle la Birmanie.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has unequivocally condemned the February 2021 military coup against the democratically-elected government of Myanmar, and supports the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations in the face of brutality and egregious international human rights and humanitarian law violations. Canada continues to call for the cessation of violence and armed conflict; the release of all who are unjustly detained; immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access; and a halt on sales and transfer of arms, military equipment and technical support, which fuel the conflict and undermine stability in the country and the region. Canada is concerned by a growing humanitarian crisis, democratic and economic reversals, reports of egregious human rights and humanitarian law violations, and the potential for growing instability and insecurity in Myanmar, with implications for the region and diminished prospects for the safe, voluntary and dignified return for Rohingya currently in Bangladesh. Canada condemns escalating attacks against civilians, including airstrikes of populated and civilian areas with heavy weaponry, and the arbitrary detention, and deaths of civilians, all of which have deepened the humanitarian crisis.Canada is also concerned by the politicization of the judiciary and the precipitous decline in human rights protections and media freedoms. The erosion of the right to free, fair and impartial trials, and the resumption of capital punishment after a 30-year de-facto moratorium is of particular concern. Canada opposes the death penalty at all times, everywhere. Canada, along with international partners, condemned the execution of pro-democracy opposition leaders and supporters in 2022, underscoring that these actions exemplify the regime’s efforts to silence political opposition and exemplify blatant disregard for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law.Canada supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) and its resolute efforts to address this crisis through the ASEAN Five-Point-Consensus, while remaining increasingly concerned by lack of progress on this agreement’s implementation in the face of the regime’s intransigence. Full and timely implementation of the Five-Point-Consensus remains critical as is ASEAN’s continued downgrading of Myanmar representation at ASEAN high-level meetings and fora.Responding to the interlinked Myanmar and Rohingya crises remains a priority for Canada. On June 20, 2022, Canada announced the second phase of its Strategy to respond to the Myanmar and Rohingya crises, dedicating $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024) to address the medium- and longer-term needs and human rights of Rohingya refugees and other conflict-affected populations in Myanmar. Of this amount, $83 million supports development programming in Myanmar; $145 million for development programming for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh; and $24 million for Peace and Stabilization Operations programming. The Strategy supports at-risk and affected populations in Myanmar and Bangladesh, particularly Rohingya refugees, internally displaced persons, and impacted host communities; intensifies efforts to advance an inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar; supports efforts to advance a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Myanmar, including engagement with pro-democracy stakeholders; and, increases pressure on malign actors, including through continued pursuit of accountability for human rights violations and targeted sanctions efforts.While ensuring that no funding or support is going to the regime, Canada continues to provide development and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable, working through UN and civil society organizations, including local networks and alliance-based partners. Canada continues to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for crisis-affected populations, in accordance with needs on the ground. For example, in 2022, Canada has contributed $10.3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to address the needs of crisis-affected people in Myanmar, including support to the Rohingya population. Canada has also contributed $15.3 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh, to help address the needs of Rohingya refugees. More recently, on June 1st, 2023 Canada announced $4 million in additional humanitarian assistance funding in Myanmar, and $1 million in funding for Bangladesh in response to Cyclone Mocha. Cross-border in Bangladesh, Canada continues to play a leading role in marshalling the response to the refugee crisis, leveraging a strong position on accountability and credibility as a top international donor.Canada has a legacy of support for democracy and federalism globally and in Myanmar, continuing to support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people and those who work peacefully to advance an inclusive democratic future. Canada engages with the range of pro-democracy stakeholders advancing and modeling a democratic peaceful and inclusive vision for Myanmar, including with high-level engagement such as the recent meeting between Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a senior appointed representative of the National Unity Government of Myanmar. Canada is a steadfast supporter of the need to address the root causes in Myanmar that led to the violent expulsion of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, the coup, and decades of conflict with ethnic minority armed groups. The Government of Canada’s current Strategy and commitments are centred on the meaningful participation and diverse representation, including Rohingya, women and youth.Canada prioritizes ending impunity and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations in Myanmar and justice for survivors, including Rohingya. Canada does this through support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), and our announced intention to intervene, with the Netherlands, in The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Canada strongly supported the historic United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2669 – Security Council Demands Immediate End of Violence in Myanmar, Urges Restraint, Release of Arbitrary Detained Prisoners (December 2022), and co-sponsored the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/52/L.19 - Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar (April 2023). At the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Prosecutor’s investigation into allegations of forced deportation as a crime against humanity has presented an opportunity for accountability, although Canada continues to call for the UNSC to refer the situation to the ICC, so that the commission of all serious international crimes under the Rome Statute can be investigated.Canada, in close coordination with international partners, has imposed seven rounds of sanctions since the coup as part of Canada’s commitment to support democracy and ending impunity in Myanmar, with the most recent on January 31, 2023. Canada’s sanctions are in direct response to the regime’s continued disregard for the human rights of the people of Myanmar and target senior members of the regime who are using their respective roles to abuse the rule of law and remove political opposition, thus contributing to a grave breach of international peace and the deteriorating security situation. Through these sanctions, Canada has also targeted arms and aviation fuel procurement, and was the first country to impose a prohibition on aviation fuel in respond to the regime’s continued targeting of civilians in violation of international law. Canada, alongside its international partners, will continue to respond to actions that constitute a grave breach of international peace and security, threaten stability in the region, and subvert the rights and dignity of Myanmar people. Canada will continue to monitor the situation, assessing the effectiveness of additional policy measures, taking further actions in coordination with our partners as the situation evolves.There is no immediate solution to this protracted crisis, and Canada acknowledges that an effective on-going response requires sustained effort, attention, commitment, and leadership on the part of Canada; the meaningful participation of Myanmar people, including Rohingya; and sustained coordination and engagement with key national, regional and international allies and partners. In this regard, we strongly welcome the petition and its calls for continued and strengthened engagement on the part of the Government of Canada.
Droits de la personneMyanmarPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01577441-01577 (Affaires étrangères)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON21 juin 202316 août 202316 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes :Attendu que :
  • La junte militaire illégitime de Birmanie continue de tuer, de torturer, de violer, d’emprisonner et de déplacer des civils sans discrimination, notamment par des frappes aériennes, ce qui accroît les besoins en aide humanitaire vitale;
  • Les infrastructures de communication à l’intérieur du pays, souvent utilisées pour avertir les civils d’une attaque imminente, ont été détruites par l’armée;
  • La société d’État Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprises (MOGE) est à l’origine de la majeure partie du financement que l’armée reçoit pour commettre des atrocités sur le plan des droits de la personne;
  • Le Canada a souligné sa propre obligation d’aide relativement à la crise au Myanmar, comme en témoignent la « Stratégie du Canada pour répondre aux crises des Rohingyas et du Myanmar (2021 à 2024) » de même que notre engagement au titre du principe de la responsabilité de protéger.
À ces causes, nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Appeler la junte militaire de Birmanie à cesser immédiatement toutes les exécutions, atrocités et violations des droits de la personne commises à l’encontre de civils;
  • Accroître l’aide humanitaire apportée à la Birmanie, notamment par l’intermédiaire d’organisations locales de la société civile travaillant à partir de pays voisins, afin de répondre plus adéquatement aux besoins des communautés vulnérables;
  • Apporter un soutien technologique et logistique relativement aux infrastructures de communication, afin de mettre en place des systèmes d’alerte rapide et des systèmes de défense aérienne pour avertir et protéger les civils des attaques aériennes, pour sauver des vies et pour prévenir les violations des droits de la personne;
  • Appeler les compagnies d’assurance à cesser d’offrir une couverture d’assurance pour la livraison de carburant d’aviation à la Birmanie;
  • Imposer des sanctions à la MOGE, notamment en bloquant les achats directs et indirects de pétrole et de gaz qui soutiennent le régime birman;
  • Mettre rapidement en œuvre les objectifs définis dans la stratégie susmentionnée et respecter notre obligation internationale relative à la responsabilité de protéger;
  • Refuser de nouer le dialogue avec le Conseil d’administration d’État de la junte, ou de le reconnaître, au sein de toute instance régionale ou internationale;
  • Promouvoir un dialogue continu entre les groupes pro-démocratiques et les groupes de la diaspora, en vue d’aider le peuple birman à développer une démocratie inclusive reconnaissant et représentant pleinement toutes les communautés ethniques minoritaires, y compris les Rohingyas;
  • Apporter une aide aux politiciens et aux citoyens birmans afin de soutenir le développement d’un système démocratique fédéral et d’un partage du pouvoir qui offriraient une solution à ce pays composé de populations multiethniques qui vivaient ensemble avant que le pays ne s’appelle la Birmanie.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has unequivocally condemned the February 2021 military coup against the democratically-elected government of Myanmar, and supports the people of Myanmar and their democratic aspirations in the face of brutality and egregious international human rights and humanitarian law violations. Canada continues to call for the cessation of violence and armed conflict; the release of all who are unjustly detained; immediate and unrestricted humanitarian access; and a halt on sales and transfer of arms, military equipment and technical support, which fuel the conflict and undermine stability in the country and the region. Canada is concerned by a growing humanitarian crisis, democratic and economic reversals, reports of egregious human rights and humanitarian law violations, and the potential for growing instability and insecurity in Myanmar, with implications for the region and diminished prospects for the safe, voluntary and dignified return for Rohingya currently in Bangladesh. Canada condemns escalating attacks against civilians, including airstrikes of populated and civilian areas with heavy weaponry, and the arbitrary detention, and deaths of civilians, all of which have deepened the humanitarian crisis.Canada is also concerned by the politicization of the judiciary and the precipitous decline in human rights protections and media freedoms. The erosion of the right to free, fair and impartial trials, and the resumption of capital punishment after a 30-year de-facto moratorium is of particular concern. Canada opposes the death penalty at all times, everywhere. Canada, along with international partners, condemned the execution of pro-democracy opposition leaders and supporters in 2022, underscoring that these actions exemplify the regime’s efforts to silence political opposition and exemplify blatant disregard for the upholding of human rights and the rule of law.Canada supports the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) and its resolute efforts to address this crisis through the ASEAN Five-Point-Consensus, while remaining increasingly concerned by lack of progress on this agreement’s implementation in the face of the regime’s intransigence. Full and timely implementation of the Five-Point-Consensus remains critical as is ASEAN’s continued downgrading of Myanmar representation at ASEAN high-level meetings and fora.Responding to the interlinked Myanmar and Rohingya crises remains a priority for Canada. On June 20, 2022, Canada announced the second phase of its Strategy to respond to the Myanmar and Rohingya crises, dedicating $288.3 million over three years (2021-2024) to address the medium- and longer-term needs and human rights of Rohingya refugees and other conflict-affected populations in Myanmar. Of this amount, $83 million supports development programming in Myanmar; $145 million for development programming for Rohingya and host communities in Bangladesh; and $24 million for Peace and Stabilization Operations programming. The Strategy supports at-risk and affected populations in Myanmar and Bangladesh, particularly Rohingya refugees, internally displaced persons, and impacted host communities; intensifies efforts to advance an inclusive and sustainable peace in Myanmar; supports efforts to advance a peaceful, democratic and inclusive Myanmar, including engagement with pro-democracy stakeholders; and, increases pressure on malign actors, including through continued pursuit of accountability for human rights violations and targeted sanctions efforts.While ensuring that no funding or support is going to the regime, Canada continues to provide development and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable, working through UN and civil society organizations, including local networks and alliance-based partners. Canada continues to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance for crisis-affected populations, in accordance with needs on the ground. For example, in 2022, Canada has contributed $10.3 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to address the needs of crisis-affected people in Myanmar, including support to the Rohingya population. Canada has also contributed $15.3 million in humanitarian assistance in Bangladesh, to help address the needs of Rohingya refugees. More recently, on June 1st, 2023 Canada announced $4 million in additional humanitarian assistance funding in Myanmar, and $1 million in funding for Bangladesh in response to Cyclone Mocha. Cross-border in Bangladesh, Canada continues to play a leading role in marshalling the response to the refugee crisis, leveraging a strong position on accountability and credibility as a top international donor.Canada has a legacy of support for democracy and federalism globally and in Myanmar, continuing to support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people and those who work peacefully to advance an inclusive democratic future. Canada engages with the range of pro-democracy stakeholders advancing and modeling a democratic peaceful and inclusive vision for Myanmar, including with high-level engagement such as the recent meeting between Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a senior appointed representative of the National Unity Government of Myanmar. Canada is a steadfast supporter of the need to address the root causes in Myanmar that led to the violent expulsion of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, the coup, and decades of conflict with ethnic minority armed groups. The Government of Canada’s current Strategy and commitments are centred on the meaningful participation and diverse representation, including Rohingya, women and youth.Canada prioritizes ending impunity and ensuring accountability for perpetrators of human rights violations in Myanmar and justice for survivors, including Rohingya. Canada does this through support to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM), and our announced intention to intervene, with the Netherlands, in The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. Canada strongly supported the historic United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 2669 – Security Council Demands Immediate End of Violence in Myanmar, Urges Restraint, Release of Arbitrary Detained Prisoners (December 2022), and co-sponsored the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution A/HRC/52/L.19 - Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar (April 2023). At the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Prosecutor’s investigation into allegations of forced deportation as a crime against humanity has presented an opportunity for accountability, although Canada continues to call for the UNSC to refer the situation to the ICC, so that the commission of all serious international crimes under the Rome Statute can be investigated.Canada, in close coordination with international partners, has imposed seven rounds of sanctions since the coup as part of Canada’s commitment to support democracy and ending impunity in Myanmar, with the most recent on January 31, 2023. Canada’s sanctions are in direct response to the regime’s continued disregard for the human rights of the people of Myanmar and target senior members of the regime who are using their respective roles to abuse the rule of law and remove political opposition, thus contributing to a grave breach of international peace and the deteriorating security situation. Through these sanctions, Canada has also targeted arms and aviation fuel procurement, and was the first country to impose a prohibition on aviation fuel in respond to the regime’s continued targeting of civilians in violation of international law. Canada, alongside its international partners, will continue to respond to actions that constitute a grave breach of international peace and security, threaten stability in the region, and subvert the rights and dignity of Myanmar people. Canada will continue to monitor the situation, assessing the effectiveness of additional policy measures, taking further actions in coordination with our partners as the situation evolves.There is no immediate solution to this protracted crisis, and Canada acknowledges that an effective on-going response requires sustained effort, attention, commitment, and leadership on the part of Canada; the meaningful participation of Myanmar people, including Rohingya; and sustained coordination and engagement with key national, regional and international allies and partners. In this regard, we strongly welcome the petition and its calls for continued and strengthened engagement on the part of the Government of Canada.
Droits de la personneMyanmarPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01576441-01576 (Santé)L’hon.HedyFryVancouver-CentreLibéralBC20 juin 202316 août 20239 mars 2023PÉTITION AU MINISTRE DE LA SANTÉATTENDU QUE :
  • Une femme canadienne sur huit recevra un diagnostic de cancer du sein au cours de sa vie;
  • Actuellement, les lignes directrices nationales établies par l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada recommandent que le dépistage régulier du cancer du sein commence à l’âge de 50 ans;
  • Plus de 16 % des cas de cancer du sein se produisent avant l’âge de 50 ans;
  • De nombreuses femmes de moins de 50 ans, particulièrement les femmes de couleur, soit ne demandent pas le dépistage, soit se voient refuser leur demande;
  • Des études aux États-Unis et au Royaume-Uni montrent que les femmes noires ont une prédisposition disproportionnée au cancer du sein triple négatif à début précoce avant l’âge de 50 ans;
  • Les femmes noires ont 40 % plus de risque de mourir du cancer du sein que les femmes blanches;
  • Les femmes hispaniques et asiatiques présentent aussi un risque accru de cancer du sein à un jeune âge;
  • Des études canadiennes, dont une publiée récemment dans Current Oncology, montrent que les provinces où les femmes de 40 à 49 ans reçoivent un dépistage annuel présentent de meilleurs résultats médicaux en matière de cancer du sein que celles qui n’offrent pas de mammographie annuelle dans ce groupe d’âge, la détection précoce augmentant le taux de survie;
  • De nombreux services de santé provinciaux, dont ceux de l’Alberta et de la Colombie-Britannique, ont abaissé l’âge de dépistage.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Santé d’abaisser à 40 ans, dans les lignes directrices, l’âge d’admissibilité au dépistage du cancer du sein, afin que tous les habitants du Canada reçoivent les meilleurs soins de santé qui soient.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThe Government of Canada recognizes that breast cancer is a major health issue. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second leading cause of cancer death in Canadian women. We recognize that a breast cancer diagnosis can be devastating and has an enormous impact on not only the person diagnosed, but also their family and friends.The current breast cancer screening guideline was updated and disseminated in 2018 by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Task Force), an independent and arms-length body funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The role of the Task Force is to develop evidence-based guidelines to support healthcare providers in primary care settings. The Task Force is comprised of up to 15 experts in primary care, public health, preventive medicine, and guideline methodology. PHAC provides scientific support to the Task Force but does not influence their independent recommendations. Task Force recommendations are advisory, and provinces and territories individually determine whether to implement them.The current breast cancer screening guideline outlines both the benefits and harms of screening for Canadian women and stresses the importance of shared decision-making between women and their healthcare providers to support an informed decision. The guideline specifies that women under 50 who feel that they would benefit from screening can request the procedure from their physicians.The Task Force monitors literature on a regular basis for all guideline topics. On June 7, 2023, the Task Force announced that it will expedite the scheduled review of its 2018 breast cancer screening recommendation. This review, including evidence synthesis and engagement activities is currently underway. The updated guideline is expected to be released in late fall 2023. On June 8, 2023, the Government of Canada also announced up to $500,000 in additional funding for the Task Force to help support their expedited review of this important guidance.In collaboration with clinical partners, Statistics Canada has examined the impact of organized screening programs on breast cancer stage at diagnosis for women in their 40s and 50s, respectively. Statistics Canada and its clinical partners have also conducted an examination of 10-year breast cancer net survival by jurisdictional status. Statistics Canada has committed to publishing the findings of this analysis.The Government of Canada is committed to bridging knowledge gaps related to breast cancer and supporting research which advances prevention, treatment, diagnosis, and screening. Between 2017-18 and 2021-22, more than $129.4 million was invested in breast cancer research through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This includes an investment of $4.9 million over four years for an international project led by Dr. Jacques Simard from Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre that aims to provide evidence to facilitate the implementation of a risk-based personalized breast screening approach, improving the benefits and reducing the harms of existing breast cancer screening programs in Canada.Additionally, in February 2023, the Government of Canada, through CIHR, invested $1.7 million over one year to support 17 projects which aim to reduce the burden of breast cancer on individuals and families. These projects will focus on prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, effective treatment, psycho-social support systems, and palliation. Two funding opportunities will support research on under-funded aspects of women’s health, including early self-detection of breast cancer (approximately $2 million over one year, funding up to 13 grants) and transnational research relating to breast cancer (approximately $450,000 over three years for one grant). Other recently-funded projects focus on under-served populations including Canada’s Inuit population ($400,000 over three years), barriers to access including social marginalization ($100,000 over two years), and screening strategies among communities with heightened breast cancer mortality ($400,000 over two years).  Finally, the Government of Canada supports collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders on the breast cancer research agenda. In 2021, CIHR and PHAC, alongside a range of partners, held a Best Brains Exchange event, discussing a pan-Canadian research agenda to address gaps in evidence on innovative and emerging screening approaches for breast cancer screening in Canada. As announced on June 8, 2023, PHAC also intends to host a knowledge exchange event in the fall 2023 to bring together experts, partners, those with lived experiences, and stakeholders, to discuss the current state of the science, including knowledge gaps, related to breast cancer screening.The Government of Canada is committed to continue working with all partners and to support the Task Force in sharing credible information, including about breast cancer screening. By working across sectors, we hope to support all persons in Canada make informed decisions that will support healthy living and chronic disease prevention.
Cancer du seinDépistage médical
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4273e-4273 (Santé)ShaneSchuckL’hon.HedyFryVancouver-CentreLibéralBC26 janvier 2023 à 9 h 40 (HAE)26 avril 2023 à 9 h 40 (HAE)20 juin 202316 août 202326 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que :Nous demandons que, au profit des générations futures, notre système de soins de santé à payeur unique soit renforcé adéquatement au moyen de nationalisations, de la tenue de commissions et d’examens et de la réduction des dépenses régionales qui font double emploi inutilement;Les systèmes de santé conçus à l’échelle nationale offrent aux citoyens, pour le même coût global par personne, plus de services que les systèmes conçus à l’échelle régionale;Les examens et rapports produits jusqu’à présent sur les soins de santé n’obligeant pas à agir, ils n’exigeaient pas l’amélioration; Par le transfert de la compétence à un système national qui prônerait des examens réguliers échappant au lobbyisme d’entreprise et qui serait axé sur les besoins des experts, des professionnels de la santé, des malades chroniques et des partenaires de la prestation des soins, on améliorerait la sécurité des patients et la sûreté des lieux de travail.Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Réécrire la Loi canadienne sur la santé de manière à nationaliser l’assurance santé, les établissements d’enseignement pour professionnels de la santé ainsi que l’administration et la gouvernance du système de santé;2. Établir un système national des dossiers de santé;3. Instaurer un système national d’indemnisation sans égard à la faute pour les préjudices causés dans le cadre de la prestation de soins;4. Tenir tous les dix ans une « Commission nationale sur les soins de santé » qui exigera qu’on donne suite aux recommandations clés;5. Tenir un examen de « reddition de comptes sur les mesures prises » dans les 5 ans suivant la publication de chaque rapport de la Commission; 6. Créer un organisme national indépendant de gestion des préoccupations et des plaintes sur la sécurité des patients, couvrant tous les établissements d’enseignement et autorités publiques dans le domaine de la santé, qui offrira une protection aux patients, partenaires de la prestation des soins et professionnels de la santé agissant comme lanceurs d’alerte.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenHealth is an area of shared jurisdiction among the federal, provincial, and territorial governments. Under the Constitution Act (1867) exclusive authority to make laws in the health sector are derived from matters under the subject areas of the establishment, maintenance and management of hospitals, local matters, property, and civil rights. These powers have been interpreted by the courts as vesting provinces and territories with legislative authority for health care delivery, the administration of provincial health insurance plans, and the regulation of health professions and their practices. As such, the Government of Canada does not have the Constitutional authority to nationalize healthcare insurance, health system administration and governance, or health colleges.This is why instead of a single national plan, the Canadian health care insurance system is achieved through 13 separate provincial and territorial health care insurance plans, which are broadly linked through adherence to national operating principles defined by the Canada Health Act, Canada’s federal health care insurance legislation. The Act establishes broad program criteria for publicly funded health insurance plans (comprehensiveness, universality, portability, accessibility, and public administration) and provisions to discourage patient charges for medically necessary hospital and physician services. The provinces and territories must fulfill these requirements to receive the full federal cash contribution under the Canada Health Transfer.The government remains committed to upholding the Canada Health Act and to working closely with the provinces and territories to protect Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system ensuring all Canadians’ ability to access medically necessary care based on their needs, not their ability to pay.Similarly, jurisdiction over matters concerning the quality of care delivered by health care facilities and providers lie with the provincial and territorial governments, or organizations to which they delegate that authority. As such, the federal government does not have the jurisdiction to unilaterally establish an independent national body to oversee patient safety concerns and complaints.With respect to a national no fault harm in care compensation system, all practising physicians in Canada are required to have liability insurance coverage, either directly through provincial or territorial legislation or delegated to the regulatory college to determine the amount required.  Liability insurance requirements for medical practitioners (including the criteria for reimbursement of membership fees and the amount reimbursed) and any systems in place to support patients with medical errors (including but not limited to compensation and dispute resolution mechanisms) are all determined by provincial and territorial governments, or organizations to which they delegate that authority.The Government of Canada will continue to work to improve patient safety within our healthcare system where it is possible within its jurisdiction, such as mandating reporting on adverse drug events under the Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (also known as Vanessa’s Law) or supporting national leadership and coordination on patient safety by funding Healthcare Excellence Canada (formerly the Canadian Patient Safety Institute), whose programs aim to shape a future where everyone in Canada has safe and high-quality health care. In addition, the Government of Canada will continue to work collaboratively with provinces, territories and other key partners to ensure that care is safe.This continuing feedback from Canadians ensures timely responses to health system challenges, as shown by Budget 2023, which outlined the Improving Health Care for Canadians Plan that provides an additional $198.3 billion in health investments over 10 years to PTs to support health system and to transform services to meet the evolving needs of Canadians. This funding includes:
  1. Top-up payments to achieve Canada Health Transfer (CHT) increases of at least five per cent per year for the next five years. The last top-up payment will be rolled into the Canada Health Transfer base at the end of the five-year period, resulting in a permanent funding increase, beyond the ongoing GDP-driven growth CHT growth.
  2. $25 billion over ten years through a new set of bilateral agreements with PTs to address individual provincial and territorial health system needs.
  3. $1.7 billion over 5 years to support hourly wage increases for personal support workers and related professions.
  4. $350 million over ten years in recognition of medical travel and the higher cost of delivering health care in the territories.
  5. A $2 billion top-up to the CHT in 2022-23 to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals, building on $6.5 billion in top-ups provided throughout the pandemic.
  6. $2 billion for an Indigenous Health Equity Fund.
As part of the Government of Canada’s Improving Health Care for Canadians Plan, federal, provincial and territorial governments have committed to work together to modernize the health system. This includes improving the way health information is managed as well as adopting common standards and policies related to data. These commitments are expected to improve the quality and safety of patient care and provide decision makers with a more complete picture of the health system.
Loi canadienne sur la santéSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4441e-4441 (Affaires étrangères)ZeeshanNabiShafqatAliBrampton-CentreLibéralON19 mai 2023 à 12 h 31 (HAE)18 juin 2023 à 12 h 31 (HAE)20 juin 202316 août 202319 juin 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Le gouvernement du Pakistan doit défendre la Constitution et respecter l’État de droit, et toutes les violations des droits de la personne et violences contre les manifestants doivent cesser immédiatement;Le chef du premier parti politique du Pakistan et ancien premier ministre, Imran Khan, doit être libéré immédiatement et toutes les accusations à motif politique portées contre lui doivent être retirées;La tenue d’élections libres et équitables devrait être annoncée immédiatement, et tous les partis politiques devraient être admis à y participer librement, sans interférence étatique ou militaire; L’intimidation, l’arrestation et le meurtre de journalistes, la censure des médias et l’interruption des services Internet doivent prendre fin immédiatement.Nous, soussignés, citoyens inquiets du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de réclamer immédiatement qu’Imran Khan, chef du parti politique laïc le plus important et le plus populaire du Pakistan, soit libéré, que le gouvernement du Pakistan tienne immédiatement des élections libres et équitables afin que les citoyens puissent exercer pacifiquement leur droit démocratique le plus fondamental, que tous les individus coupables de violations des droits de la personne et de violences contre les manifestants soient traduits en justice, et que les abus qu’auraient commis les forces de sécurité fassent l’objet d’une enquête approfondie.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation. The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for our engagement with Pakistan.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts in support of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. Canadian officials in Ottawa, and at our High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these issues with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials also engage in a variety of fora with the aim of advancing media freedom, supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles.Canada also helps develop the capacity of civil society actors in Pakistan. For example, Canada is funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years. Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad also delivers projects as part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally-implemented projects. Among the core themes for CFLI projects in 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. Our two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality, and promoting regional security and stability. In 2022-2023, Canada provided $36 million in bilateral development assistance to Pakistan in support of flood recovery, women’s political participation and economic empowerment, girls’ access to education, women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights, and polio eradication.Finally, Pakistan is an integral part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, including support for democracy, inclusivity, accountable governance and sustained economic growth.Rest assured that Canada will continue to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Government of Pakistan and that the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
Droits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01573441-01573 (Affaires étrangères)LucBertholdMégantic—L'ÉrableConservateurQC19 juin 202316 août 202328 avril 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTATTENDU QUE :
  • Des millions de personnes en Chine et dans le monde entier ont bénéficié de la pratique du Falun Gong, une pratique spirituelle qui repose sur les principes d'authenticité, de compassion et de tolérance, ainsi que sur un ensemble d'exercices méditatifs destinés à améliorer la santé;
  • L'ancien dirigeant communiste chinois, Jiang Zemin, a lancé une campagne d'éradication du Falun Gong en Chine il y a 24 ans, alors que le nombre de pratiquants de Falun Gong était supérieur au nombre de membres du Parti communiste chinois;
  • Des millions de personnes innocentes ont été licenciées, emprisonnées, torturées ou tuées simplement pour leur pratique du Falun Gong, comme l'ont rapporté des organisations de défense des droits de la personne telles qu'Amnesty International et Human Rights Watch, et comme l'ont condamné les pays occidentaux, notamment le Congrès américain, le Parlement européen et le gouvernement canadien lorsque la persécution a commencé en juillet 1999;
  • La mère de la citoyenne canadienne XinMiao, Mme LanYing Cong, 78 ans, a été kidnappée illégalement en Chine le 15 octobre 2022, et a été condamnée illégalement à 4 ans de prison en raison de sa pratique du Falun Gong.
NOUS, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement canadien de :
  • Condamner l'arrestation illégale d'un membre de la famille d'une citoyenne canadienne pour sa pratique du Falun Gong;
  • Demander la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle de Mme LanYing Cong.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongIncarcération et prisonniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01572441-01572 (Affaires étrangères)LucBertholdMégantic—L'ÉrableConservateurQC19 juin 202316 août 202328 avril 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle guidée par le principe Authenticité, Bienveillance et Tolérance, et pratiquée dans diverses communautés au Canada;
  • Depuis 23 ans, le Parti communiste chinois (PCC) torture, tue et emprisonne des millions de citoyens chinois qui pratiquent le Falun Gong dans le cadre d'une campagne de persécution orchestrée par l'État dans toute la Chine, qu'un grand nombre de personnes sont tuées pour leurs organes et que, selon les experts, des crimes contre l'humanité et un génocide ont cours;
  • La citoyenne canadienne Mme Qian Sun a été condamnée à 8 ans de prison et que 12 membres de familles de Canadiens sont emprisonnés en raison de leur pratique du Falun Gong.
NOUS, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de déployer de façon proactive toutes les mesures possibles pour :
  • Exiger du PCC la fin de la persécution du Falun Gong et de libérer tous les prisonniers d'opinion;
  • D'inclure et de nommer explicitement la persécution du Falun Gong dans les politiques et déclarations propres aux Affaires étrangères lorsqu'il s'agit de questions relatives aux droits de la personne en Chine;
  • Sanctionner les dirigeants communistes chinois responsables de la persécution en utilisant des moyens tels que la loi Magnitski.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun Gong
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01571441-01571 (Fiscalité)BrendanHanleyYukonLibéralYT19 juin 202316 août 20236 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et à la ministre des FinancesATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Crédit d’impôt pour frais médicaux (CIFM) permet aux Canadiens à et à leurs proches de déduire de nombreux frais médicaux, évidents ou non, et ainsi d’alléger leur facture fiscale;
  • Pour avoir droit au Crédit d’impôt pour frais médicaux, le total des frais médicaux admissibles d’un ménage doit être égal à 3 % de son revenu net, ou 2 479 $, selon le montant le moins élevé. Si le revenu net s’élève à 60 000 $, les dépenses supérieures à 1 800 $ sont déductibles si elles sont admissibles, toutefois, peu de personnes atteignent ce seuil;
  • Bien que de nombreux types de dépenses soient admissibles dans le cadre de ce programme, celui-ci ne couvre pas équitablement tous les frais médicaux engagés par les contribuables;
  • Ceux qui n’ont pas de revenu disponible ou de couverture pour les médicaments sur ordonnance, les traitements médicaux et les voyages médicaux, entre autres, sont accablés d’un fardeau financier que l’on pourrait rajuster en vertu de la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu de l’Agence du revenu du Canada;
  • La réduction du seuil de 3 % à zéro permettrait à un plus grand nombre de Canadiens de bénéficier du crédit d’impôt, ce qui améliorerait leur santé financière, tout en leur permettant de jouir d’une meilleure santé mentale et physique.
Par conséquent nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Yukon, prions le gouvernement du Canada et la ministre des Finances de faire passer de 3 % à zéro la déduction permise relativement aux frais médicaux admissibles.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada’s publicly funded universal health care system is a source of pride for all Canadians. It is an essential foundation for a strong, fair and prosperous nation. To support our health care system, the Government of Canada provides long-term, predictable funding to the provinces and territories mainly through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT). The CHT is the largest major transfer to provinces and territories and supports the principles of the Canada Health Act that underpin our public health care system. The CHT is allocated to the provinces and territories on an equal per capita basis to provide comparable treatment for all Canadians, regardless of where they live. In 2023-24, it will provide $49.2 billion to provinces and territories, an increase of 9.3 percent from 2022-23.In addition, to ensure Canadians receive the care they deserve and need and strengthen our public health care system, Budget 2023 delivers $198.3 billion over 10 years, starting in 2023-24. This includes $46.2 billion in new funding to provinces and territories through new CHT measures, new tailored bilateral agreements to meet the needs of each province and territory, personal support worker wage support, and the Territorial Health Investment Fund.Budget 2023 builds on significant investments made by the federal government to strengthen our public health care system since 2015. These have included:
  • Providing $10 billion to provinces and territories to strengthen home care, community care, and long-term care for seniors;
  • Improving Canadians’ access to mental health services, including through $5 billion to provinces and territories to increase community-based mental health and addictions services;
  • Launching the Canada Dental Benefit for children under 12, which has already helped more than 300,000 children receive the dental care they need;
  • Providing $5.5 billion for primary care and public health on reserve, distinctions-based mental health support, and non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit;
  • $1.2 billion to support 248 health-related infrastructure projects in First Nation communities;
  • Investing more than $800 million since 2017 through the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy to support a compassionate and evidence-based response to the overdose crisis; and
  • Launching a Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund to help make sexual and reproductive health information and services—including access to abortion—more accessible for vulnerable populations.
In this context, it is important to note that the purpose of the Medical Expense Tax Credit is to recognize that taxpayers with above-average medical expenses have a reduced ability to pay income tax as a result of incurring those expenses. The requirement that expenses be in excess of the lesser of $2,635 (in 2023) and 3 percent of income serves as a measure of above-average expenses. There is no upper limit on the total amount of expenses that may be claimed. Support for low-income workers is available through the Refundable Medical Expense Supplement. The Supplement is a refundable federal tax credit provided to individuals in low-income families, to provide some compensation for the medical and disability-related expenses they incur. Since the Supplement is refundable, individuals whose income is too low to pay taxes can benefit from the measure. 
Crédit d'impôt pour frais médicaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01569441-01569 (Affaires étrangères)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK16 juin 202316 août 202314 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le peuple pakistanais et les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise se préoccupent de plus en plus des troubles politiques et de l’incertitude qui règne dans ce pays; La tenue d’élections libres et équitables appliquant le principe de la primauté du droit et respectant la Constitution du Pakistan est dans l’intérêt supérieur du Canada, du Pakistan et de la communauté internationale.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d'utiliser son adhésion au Fonds monétaire international pour exiger que l’émission de nouveaux prêts et la prolongation des prêts existants au gouvernement du Pakistan soient conditionnelles à la tenue d’élections libres et équitables au Pakistan.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation. The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for our engagement with Pakistan.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts in support of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. Canadian officials in Ottawa, and at our High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these issues with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials also engage in a variety of fora with the aim of advancing media freedom, supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles.Canada also helps develop the capacity of civil society actors in Pakistan. For example, Canada is funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years. Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad also delivers projects as part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally-implemented projects. Among the core themes for CFLI projects in 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. Our two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality, and promoting regional security and stability. In 2022-2023, Canada provided $36 million in bilateral development assistance to Pakistan in support of flood recovery, women’s political participation and economic empowerment, girls’ access to education, women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights, and polio eradication.Finally, Pakistan is an integral part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, including support for democracy, inclusivity, accountable governance and sustained economic growth.Rest assured that Canada will continue to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Government of Pakistan and that the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
Aide au développement internationalPakistanPolitique étrangèreSystème électoral
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01568441-01568 (Affaires étrangères)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK16 juin 202316 août 202316 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le peuple du Pakistan et les Canadiens d’origine pakistanaise sont de plus en plus préoccupés par l’instabilité et l’incertitude politiques qui semblent affliger ce pays; Plus tôt cette année, le 9 mai, l’ancien premier ministre pakistanais Imran Khan a été arrêté pour corruption, une situation qui est largement perçue comme une tentative de les réduire au silence, lui et son parti, et de les empêcher de contester les élections générales prévues plus tard cette année au Pakistan. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’utiliser tous les moyens diplomatiques raisonnables pour convaincre le gouvernement du Pakistan de tenir des élections libres et justes qui respectent la règle de droit et la constitution de ce pays.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is aware of the latest political developments in Pakistan and continues to monitor the situation. The promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law are integral elements of Canada's foreign policy and key priorities for our engagement with Pakistan.Canada undertakes a variety of efforts in support of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. Canadian officials in Ottawa, and at our High Commission in Islamabad, regularly raise these issues with senior Pakistani government officials, the official opposition, and local and religious leaders. Canadian officials also engage in a variety of fora with the aim of advancing media freedom, supporting human rights defenders and standing by civil society organizations at the forefront of protecting democratic principles.Canada also helps develop the capacity of civil society actors in Pakistan. For example,Canada is funding inclusive governance projects in Pakistan, which support women’s political participation and leadership, improve the accountability of democratic processes and increase the capacity of government institutions, with an investment of $21 million over five years. Canada’s High Commission in Islamabad also delivers projects as part of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), which provides funding for locally-implemented projects. Among the core themes for CFLI projects in 2023 is supporting civil society organizations working to advance inclusive governance, human rights and the rule of law.More broadly, Canada and Pakistan have a multifaceted and constructive bilateral relationship underpinned by extensive people-to-people ties. Our two countries remain committed to working together on common interests such as enhancing climate resilience, strengthening trade relations, advancing gender equality, and promoting regional security and stability. In 2022-2023, Canada provided $36 million in bilateral development assistance to Pakistan in support of flood recovery, women’s political participation and economic empowerment, girls’ access to education, women’s and girls’ reproductive health and rights, and polio eradication.Finally, Pakistan is an integral part of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which puts forward an ambitious, comprehensive and integrated policy framework for Canadian engagement across the Indo-Pacific region, including support for democracy, inclusivity, accountable governance and sustained economic growth.Rest assured that Canada will continue to maintain a constructive dialogue with the Government of Pakistan and that the promotion and protection of democratic values, human rights and the rule of law will remain key priorities for Canada’s engagement around the world.
PakistanPolitique étrangèreSystème électoral
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01567441-01567 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MikeKellowayCape Breton—CansoLibéralNS16 juin 202316 août 202316 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement et à l’honorable ministre des FinancesATTENDU QUE :
  • Le taux d’inflation au Canada a atteint un sommet inégalé depuis 1983;
  • Le coût de la vie a augmenté considérablement depuis que la plupart des Canadiens âgés de 65 à 74 ans sont entrés sur le marché du travail et ont commencé à épargner pour leur retraite;
  • L’espérance de vie des citoyens canadiens est en hausse constante.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d’offrir aussi aux aînés de 65 à 74 ans l’augmentation de 10 % du paiement de la Sécurité de la vieillesse survenue en juillet 2022 pour les aînés âgés de 75 ans et plus et, si elle est mise en œuvre, de veiller à ce que les aînés admissibles âgés de 65 à 74 ans de juillet 2022 à la date de mise en œuvre reçoivent la différence qui leur est due sous la forme d’un paiement unique; Si elle est mise en œuvre, que les aînés admissibles âgés de 65 à 74 ans de juillet 2022 à la date de mise en œuvre reçoivent la différence qui leur est due sous la forme d’un paiement unique.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Old Age Security (OAS) program plays a significant role in providing income security to Canadians in their senior years. OAS benefits are intended to provide partial income security for seniors in recognition of the contributions that they have made to Canadian society and the economy.Benefits that recipients receive under the OAS program include: 1) the OAS pension, which is paid to all persons aged 65 or over who meet the residence requirements, 2) the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors, and 3) the Allowances for low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.To ensure OAS benefits retain their value over time and to protect the purchasing power of seniors, OAS benefits are adjusted four times per year (in January, April, July and October) to reflect inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the price of a typical “basket” of goods and services, such as food, shelter, gas and clothing, commonly purchased by Canadian households.This quarterly indexation provides increases to all benefits under the OAS program, including the OAS pension, the GIS, and the Allowances, when prices go up. In July 2023, OAS benefits will increase by 1.1%, following increases of 0.5% in April 2023, and 0.3% in January 2023. By July 2023, OAS benefits will have increased by 4.8% over the past year, from July 2022 to July 2023.In addition, the Old Age Security Act contains a guarantee ensuring that benefits can never decrease, even in the event of a decline in the CPI. Should the average cost of living decrease, OAS benefit amounts will stay at the same level as during the previous three-month period.In July 2022, the Government permanently increased the OAS pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 and over. This increase was designed to address the increased vulnerability that seniors face as they age.As seniors get older, they tend to have lower incomes, and often face higher health-related expenses because of the onset of illness or disability. This is especially true for those 75 and older. This vulnerability is further compounded by a reduced ability to supplement their income with paid work, the risk of outliving personal savings, and the risk of widowhood. This is particularly the case for senior women who are on average living longer than men, meaning women are more likely to slip into poverty after losing their life partners. That is why the Government took action to help make life more affordable for Canadians as they age.The Government of Canada remains committed to improving the income security of all seniors and continues to seek ways to strengthen the OAS program, as demonstrated by a broad range of measures taken since 2016:
  • Budget 2016 restored the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS to 65, putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of future Canadian seniors.
  • In July 2016, the GIS was increased by up to $947 per year for the lowest-income single seniors, benefiting close to 900,000 vulnerable seniors across Canada.
  • In December 2017, the Government launched automatic enrolment to the GIS. Seniors who are automatically enrolled for the OAS pension are now automatically enrolled for the GIS without ever having to complete an application.
  • In Budget 2019, the Government enhanced the GIS earnings exemption so that low-income seniors who work are able to keep more of what they earn. As of July 2020, the enhanced exemption applies to both employment and self-employment income, and provides a full exemption on up to $5,000 of annual earnings, as well as a 50% exemption on the next $10,000 of earnings. This means that low-income seniors who work can keep more of their benefits.
  • In July 2020, the Minister of Seniors announced a one-time payment to seniors, $300 for seniors eligible for the OAS and an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the GIS.
  • In 2022, the Government of Canada took concrete action to help low-income renters who need it most, including seniors, and introduced a one-time $500 top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit.
  • In Budget 2023, the Government introduced the one-time Grocery Rebate, which would deliver targeted inflation relief for 11 million individuals and families who already receive the Goods and Services Tax Credit, including more than half of Canadian seniors. This measure would provide an extra $225 for seniors, on average. This is in addition to the extra Goods and Services Tax Credit amounts that started being paid on November 4, 2022, with most payments having been made before the end of 2022.
Personnes âgéesSécurité de la vieillesse
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01566441-01566 (Environnement)DanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNPDMB16 juin 202316 août 202318 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Nos systèmes économiques et financiers ont besoin d’un climat stable, et que la Banque du Canada reconnaît que les changements climatiques présentent des risques importants pour les systèmes financiers et l’économie;Le maintien des aides financières aux activités rejetant de grandes quantités d'émissions fait grandir les risques que les changements climatiques sont susceptibles de faire peser sur la stabilité des systèmes financiers et les intérêts à long terme des Canadiens;Aucune mesure législative forte n’a encore été prise dans ce domaine au Canada, en dépit des avancées législatives observées ailleurs dans le monde qui tiennent compte du lien entre le climat et la finance, ce qui signifie que le Canada risque de prendre du retard;Le projet de loi S-243, Loi édictant la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, a été rédigé sur la base de consultations tenues auprès d’experts nationaux et internationaux, de manière à permettre au Canada de rattraper son retard et de devenir un chef de file dans l’alignement des flux financiers sur les engagements climatiques.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter les éléments principaux de la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, qui permettraient :1) d’établir l’obligation, pour les administrateurs et les dirigeants des institutions financières fédérales, de veiller à ce que leur entité soit alignée sur les engagements climatiques;2) d’aligner les objectifs des sociétés d’État et des ministères, y compris la surveillance des marchés par le Bureau du surintendant des institutions financières, sur les engagements climatiques;3) d’exiger l’élaboration de plans d’action, de cibles et de rapports provisoires relatifs au respect des engagements climatiques par le biais de la production obligatoire de rapports annuels; 4) de maintenir la présence d’une expertise climatique dans certains conseils d’administration et à éviter les conflits d’intérêts;5) de prévoir des normes de fonds propres proportionnelles aux risques climatiques microprudentiels et macroprudentiels générés par les institutions financières;6) d’exiger l’élaboration d’un plan d’action gouvernemental servant à aligner l’ensemble des produits financiers sur les engagements climatiques;7) d’exiger la tenue en temps opportun d’examens publics sur les progrès de la mise en œuvre afin d’assurer un apprentissage itératif.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about climate-aligned finance in Canada.Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy and net-zero emissions by 2050 will require substantial investment beyond the public sector. Private sector capital and expertise will be needed to meet Canada’s climate objectives and create a climate-resilient economy.Developing sustainable finance in Canada will promote the long-term growth and stability of Canada’s financial system. It will also create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and investors.In May 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Sustainable Finance Action Council (SFAC) to help lead the Canadian financial sector towards integrating sustainable finance into standard industry practice. The SFAC is chaired by Kathy Bardswick and comprises 25 Canadian deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies and pensions funds, with combined assets of over $10 trillion.The SFAC’s Terms of Reference call on it to provide financial sector input to the Government of Canada on the development of foundational market infrastructure, including enhancing climate disclosure, defining green and transition investment, and improving climate data and analytics. More recently, in Budget 2022, the Government of Canada asked the SFAC to develop and report on strategies for aligning private sector capital with the net-zero transition, with support from the Canadian Climate Institute and in collaboration with the Net-Zero Advisory Body.The council’s early emphasis has been on enhancing climate-related financial disclosures in Canada’s private sector. The SFAC has also worked on taxonomy, and, late in 2022, submitted the Taxonomy Roadmap Report to the Government of Canada, which sets out its advice on the design, governance, and implementation of a Canadian green and transition finance taxonomy. The Government of Canada is studying the Report’s advice, and there will be continued collaboration with the SFAC and other financial sector leaders on taxonomy.The Government of Canada is making important progress in meeting its Budget 2022 commitment to move towards mandatory reporting of climate-related financial risks across a broad spectrum of the Canadian economy, based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteInstitutions financières
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01564441-01564 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC16 juin 202316 août 202316 mai 2023 PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Le démantèlement des navires présente des risques importants pour les travailleurs et l’environnement en raison de la présence d’une grande variété de matières dangereuses dans les navires en fin de vie;
  • Contrairement à d’autres pays, le Canada n’a pas de normes sur le démantèlement des navires et les activités de démantèlement des navires ne sont pas réglementées, ce qui met en danger nos océans, nos communautés côtières et nos travailleurs;
  • Le manque de surveillance nationale du démantèlement et de l’élimination des navires en fin de vie entrave la capacité du Canada à assurer le respect de ses obligations internationales en vertu de la Convention de Bâle.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à soutenir la motion M-68 et à :1. Élaborer des normes fédérales exécutoires visant à réduire les répercussions négatives du démantèlement des navires sur le plan environnemental et social, normes qui respectent ou dépassent celles énoncées dans le règlement relatif au recyclage des navires de l’Union européenne;2. Fournir une aide sous forme de prêts ou de subventions aux entreprises de démantèlement de navires de longue date et de bonne réputation afin de faciliter la mise en œuvre des nouvelles normes fédérales dans leurs activités;3. Élaborer une stratégie pour le recyclage des navires en fin de vie appartenant au gouvernement fédéral.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mike Kelloway1. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution. This includes working to improve water quality and our marine environments from coast to coast to coast.There are certain existing federal rules that may apply to ship recycling activities. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the federal government has powers to address any pollution discharge, or mitigate the risk of pollution discharge, from any vessel still in the water. In addition, the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act (subsection 36(3)) prohibit the deposit of any deleterious substance in waters frequented by fish or to any place where it may enter water frequented by fish, unless authorized by federal regulations. Further, any in-water portion of ship recycling activity may require approval under the Canada Navigable Waters Act if it occurs in navigable waters.The European Union (EU) implemented its ship recycling regulations (the EU Ship Recycling Regulation) in 2020. These regulations largely replicate the standards and provisions set out in the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) which Canada endorsed in 2009 but has not ratified.Canada supports the intent of the Hong Kong Convention as it is designed to set a level playing field to improve conditions in ship recycling facilities while diminishing the impact of ship recycling operations on human health, safety, and the environment – particularly in countries that have robust ship recycling operations but lack conditions and systems to keep workers safe and minimize environmental impacts.In 2021 and 2022, Canada engaged four key provinces that currently have, or are considering having, recycling operations for larger ships (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia). This was done because many of the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention fall under provincial jurisdiction – notably around waste management, land-use zoning, and occupational health and safety. Each of these provinces confirmed their existing legislative authorities already adequately embody the intent and objectives of the Convention. Each of these provinces also indicated their willingness to work with the federal government to advance environmentally sustainable ship recycling in Canada.The Government of Canada is currently analyzing if there are opportunities to strengthen the federal approach with respect to the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. This includes examining requirements that are specific to vessels under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong Convention.2. Provinces and territories are responsible for the protection of workers and occupational health and safety at ship recycling facilities, as well as regulating the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of waste produced when a ship is recycled. This essentially makes most activities related to ship recycling facilities subject to provincial/territorial jurisdiction. For this reason, no federal assistance program has been considered at this time.3. Marine operators across the Federal Government are working to ensure the federal fleet is managed in a sustainable manner that achieves best value for Canadians, which includes value for money, operational readiness, environmental protection and increased collaboration with Indigenous communities. To achieve this, a suite of government-wide procurement instruments have been established that support all stages of vessel disposal, including technical assessments, dismantling, and recycling (if/when required). Currently, supply arrangements for marine technical services and small vessel disposal are in place. A new Request for Supply Arrangements (RFSA) for medium and large Vessel Disposals was posted in June 2023. By leveraging these procurement instruments, the Federal Government is ensuring a consistent approach to disposal services.To move toward a more predictable approach to vessel disposal planning and engagement, the Government of Canada has begun incorporating planned Fleet disposal contracts as part of regular Federal Marine Procurement updates at various Marine conferences and events across Canada. In addition, since April 2023, industry engagement sessions and workshops have been conducted to ensure suppliers, communities and organizations understand Canada’s planned program of work and standards for vessel disposals. The material presented at these events will also be made available on CanadaBuys.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherMarine operators across the federal government are working to ensure the federal fleet is managed in a sustainable manner that achieves best value for Canadians, which includes value for money, operational readiness, environmental protection and increased collaboration with Indigenous communities. To achieve this, a suite of government-wide procurement instruments have been established to support all stages of vessel disposal, including technical assessments, dismantling and recycling (if/when required). Currently, supply arrangements for marine technical services and small vessel disposal are in place. A new Request for Supply Arrangements for medium and large vessel disposals was posted in June 2023. By leveraging these procurement instruments, the federal government is ensuring a consistent approach to disposal services.To move toward a more predictable approach to vessel disposal planning and engagement, the Government of Canada has begun incorporating federal vessel disposal forecasts as part of regular Federal Marine Procurement updates at various Marine conferences and events across Canada. In addition, industry engagement sessions and workshops are being conducted to ensure suppliers, communities and organizations understand Canada’s planned program of work and standards for disposals. The information presented at these events is publicly available on CanadaBuys.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Annie KoutrakisPart 1: The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution. This includes working to improve water quality and Canada’s marine environments from coast to coast to coast.There are certain existing federal rules that may apply to ship recycling activities. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the federal government has powers to address any pollution discharge, or mitigate the risk of pollution discharge, from any vessel still in the water. In addition, the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act (subsection 36(3)) prohibit the deposit of any deleterious substance in waters frequented by fish or to any place where it may enter water frequented by fish, unless authorized by federal regulations. Further, any in-water portion of ship recycling activity may require approval under the Canada Navigable Waters Act if it occurs in navigable waters.The European Union implemented its ship recycling regulations (the EU Ship Recycling Regulation) in 2020. These regulations largely replicate the standards and provisions set out in the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) which Canada endorsed in 2009, but has not ratified.Canada supports the intent of the Hong Kong Convention as it is designed to set a level playing field to improve conditions in ship recycling facilities while diminishing the impact of ship recycling operations on human health, safety, and the environment – particularly in countries that have robust ship recycling operations but lack conditions and systems to keep workers safe and minimize environmental impacts.In 2021 and 2022, Canada engaged four key provinces that currently have, or are considering having, recycling operations for larger ships (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia). This was done because many of the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention fall under provincial jurisdiction – notably around waste management, land-use zoning, and occupational health and safety. Each of these provinces confirmed their existing legislative authorities already adequately embody the intent and objectives of the Convention. Each of these provinces also indicated their willingness to work with the federal government to advance environmentally sustainable ship recycling in Canada.The Government of Canada is currently analyzing if there are opportunities to strengthen federal legislation with respect to the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. This includes examining requirements that are specific to vessels under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong Convention.Part 2: Provinces and territories are responsible for the protection of workers and occupational health and safety at ship recycling facilities, as well as regulating the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of waste produced when a ship is recycled. This essentially makes most activities related to ship recycling facilities subject to provincial/territories jurisdiction.For this reason, no federal assistance program has been considered at this time.However, amendments to the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act were recently concluded with the passage of Bill C-47, the Budget Implementation Act, that enables the Government of Canada to establish a vessel-owner financed Vessel Remediation Fund. This Fund, once fully operational by 2025-26, will provide a stable source of resources to be used to address and remove priority abandoned or wrecked vessels posing hazards in Canadian waters, except for the largest and most complex cases. This Fund will also support research and capacity building into environmentally sustainable vessel recycling and disposal. 
Gestion des déchetsIndustrie de la construction navaleM-68Protection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01563441-01563 (Culture et patrimoine)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC16 juin 202316 août 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE
  • En avril 2022, le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé qu’il verserait 454 112 $ et que la province de la Colombie-Britannique verserait 9 545 888 $ pour la construction d’un nouveau centre aquatique régional dans le district de Kent;
  • Dans les mois suivant l’annonce, l’inflation et les perturbations de la chaîne d’approvisionnement ont fait grimper le coût de la construction d’environ 30 % et que le district a besoin de plus de fonds;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada s’est montré prêt à faire preuve de souplesse pour le financement de projets dans les communautés rurales et soutenant la réconciliation;
  • Les familles autochtones vivant dans des réserves dans les régions voisines du district de Kent utilisent de nombreux services dans la communauté et tireraient avantage de ce centre aquatique;
  • Le district de Kent a reçu un soutien écrit envers le projet de la part des communautés voisines, dont les Premières Nations de Seabird Island, Cheam, Stó:lo, Sts'ailes, Sq'éwlets, Skawahlook, Popkum et Peters, le village de Harrison Hot Springs et les régions C et D du district régional électoral de Fraser Valley
PAR CONSÉQUENTNous, soussignés, résidents du district de Kent, de Harrison Hot Springs, des Premières Nations de Seabird Island, Cheam, Stó:lo, Sts'ailes, Sq'éwlets, Skawahlook, Popkum et Peters ainsi que des régions C et D du district régional électoral de Fraser Valley, prions le ministre de l’Infrastructure et des Collectivités de fournir des fonds supplémentaires pour soutenir la construction du centre aquatique régional Lets'emot.
Response by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, as well as implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This includes making significant infrastructure investments in Indigenous communities that improve socio economic conditions and community well being.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has made significant infrastructure investments in British Columbia, with more than $5.5 billion in Federal funding provided for projects in the province, which includes just under $2.86 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Over $240 million has been allocated to community, culture, sport and recreation projects through Infrastructure Canada’s various programs.On March 2, 2022, Infrastructure Canada approved $454,112 in funding for the District of Kent Aquatic Centre. The project was prioritized through the final provincial intake under the Community, Culture, and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which is managed by British Columbia’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs. This final intake allocated all remaining funding under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream in British Columbia. The combined federal and provincial funding totals $10 million, representing a 73% cost share on the District of Kent Aquatic Centre project.With respect to infrastructure projects experiencing cost overruns, it is important to note that Infrastructure Canada provides a contribution toward the total estimated eligible cost of a project, and that contribution is capped at a maximum amount at the time of approval. Infrastructure Canada is not in a position to increase federal funding to cover cost overruns.As of March 31, 2023, no further projects can be submitted by British Columbia under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and the program allocation available for projects in the province has been fully committed.Nevertheless, following the March 31, 2023 project submission deadline for provinces, new time-limited authorities may be available to redistribute funding that remains unused in projects as a result of cancellations, cost savings or descoping. For example, provinces may request the decommitment of unused funding for its reallocation to other projects to accommodate scope increases and, in exceptional cases, revised cost estimates. These authorities are time-limited. All requests for decommitments and reallocations should be submitted by the Province of British Columbia through established program communication channels. Any such requests would be reviewed by Infrastructure Canada and approved at Canada’s discretion.These authorities acknowledge the ongoing volatility in the construction sector, and are intended to ensure the ongoing availability and maximal use of federal funding for provinces and municipalities.Additional federal funding may be available for the project under the Canada Community Building Fund, which is managed by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. Please note that the maximum funding from all federal sources for municipal projects approved under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Instructure Program cannot exceed forty percent of total eligible costs. For questions related to the current availability of funds in British Columbia under the Canada Community Building Fund, it is recommended that you contact the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.As some of Infrastructure Canada’s largest infrastructure funding programs have reached full allocation, the department is taking stock of existing programs and gaining an understanding of needs, which will help to inform the development of the next suite of federally-led infrastructure programming. Infrastructure Canada recognizes that infrastructure programs will need to be efficient and flexible, and attuned to regional and local priorities, while delivering the economic, social, and environmental outcomes that Canadians expect.
AgassizInstallations sportives et récréatives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01562441-01562 (Affaires et commerce)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC16 juin 202316 août 202314 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le village de Lytton a été détruit dans un incendie le 30 juin 2021. Il est toujours frappé par un ordre d’évacuation, et la construction de résidences et d’autres édifices n’a toujours pas commencée;
  • Comme la reconstruction n’a toujours pas été lancée, les entreprises n’ont toujours pas ouvert leurs portes et ne génèrent pas de revenus depuis près de deux ans;
  • Accusant déjà des gros déficits causés par la pandémie, les entreprises anéanties par les flammes ne seront pas en mesure de rembourser leur prêt du Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennes (CUEC), qui viendra à échéance le 31 décembre 2023.
EN CONSÉQUENCE :Nous, soussignés, les citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconnaître les circonstances extraordinaires dans lesquelles se trouvent les entreprises de la région de Lytton et de les dispenser de rembourser leur prêt du CUEC. Vu l’ampleur du désastre et des retards bureaucratiques importants, les entreprises sont incapables de se reconstruire depuis près de deux ans. La dispense du remboursement des prêts du CUEC contractés par les entreprises de Lytton contribuerait à la reprise du développement économique et à la reconstruction d’une localité décimée.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), and the impact the fire in Lytton has had on Lytton businesses.The government launched the CEBA program to provide timely support to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and help support the jobs these businesses provide. The program provided nearly 900,000 small businesses with interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $60,000 to cover non-deferrable operating expenses. From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Export Development Canada (EDC), federal government partners and more than 230 Canadian financial institutions worked together to provide support to both exporting and non-exporting companies. This vital support helped small businesses make it through an unprecedented period of time. To provide additional support to businesses, the government extended the deadline to repay the loan, interest-free, until December 31, 2023, after which there is a repayment period of up to two years at an interest rate of 5%. The loans are fully due by December 31, 2025.EDC is the administrator of the CEBA program on behalf of the Government of Canada and is working with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to put in place systems to collect loans that remain outstanding after the repayment date. For those that cannot repay by the deadline, the CRA will work with each business to determine its ability to repay, emphasizing fairness, empathy, and putting people first.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of helping the people of Lytton rebuild. Pacific Economic Development Canada is offering two new programs to support the rebuilding of Lytton:
  • $6 million for the new Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program to support eligible Lytton homeowners who wish to rebuild their home to fire-resilient or fire-resilient and Net Zero standards; and
  • $7.2 million to create the Lytton Business Restart program to help small- and medium-sized businesses re-establish in the community. This funding will include support for Indigenous businesses and those operated by women, youth, and other underrepresented groups. This program will launch in summer 2023.
The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canadians and Canadian businesses and is focusing on growing our economy and building a stronger, more resilient Canada for everyone. 
Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennesLyttonPetites et moyennes entreprisesPrêts
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01560441-01560 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB14 juin 202316 août 202328 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based.  This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01559441-01559 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB14 juin 202316 août 202314 septembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre ce qui suit : Attendu que le Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination a produit son rapport final au début de 2022;Attendu que le rapport demande que le clergé des religions qui ont un point de vue différent de celui du ministère de la Défense nationale sur le genre et la sexualité soit banni en tant qu’aumôniers dans les Forces armées canadiennes; Attendu que le rapport qualifie même les religions canadiennes dominantes de discriminatoires, misogynes et sexistes;Attendu que tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres et les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, ont droit à la liberté de religion garantie par la Charte;Attendu que les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes servent tous les membres des Forces sans distinction de religion, de sexe ou d’orientation sexuelle; Attendu que la discrimination fondée sur la religion est répréhensible et offensante pour les Canadiens.C’est pourquoi nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes :1. De rejeter les recommandations sur l’aumônerie dans les Forces armées canadiennes contenues dans le rapport final du Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination;2. D’affirmer le droit de tous les Canadiens, y compris les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, à la liberté de religion.
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayIn April 2022, the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination released a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure Canada’s military is safe and welcoming for all. Work is underway to assess the implications of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, including those on the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is coordinating an analysis of each recommendation.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s (RCChS) primary goal is the care of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, without exceptions. It is already the expectation that CAF chaplains uphold the values and ethos of the CAF, just like every other member of the military. When chaplains apply for their roles within the chaplaincy, they undergo a rigorous process to assess their ability to provide spiritual support within the context of CAF values. Anyone who successfully makes it through this assessment has demonstrated their ability to provide religious or spiritual counsel to CAF members of all or no faiths, without judgement or exception.To this end, the RCChS continues to embrace CAF values and ethos, and has taken significant steps in the past several years to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, as of 2019, in order to better serve the CAF and represent the religious/spiritual diversity of Canadian society, the RCChS sought to include a wider number of traditions not previously represented in CAF chaplaincy. This resulted in the enrollment of chaplains from Sikh, Buddhist, and Humanist traditions. The RCChS also shifted from the historical requirement of “ordained” status to a more broadly defined status of “credentialed as a faith tradition leader.” In doing so, the RCChS has ensured wider opportunities for women from faith traditions where they cannot be ordained, but who meet qualification standards for CAF chaplaincy as credentialed faith tradition leaders. This is already the case for Roman Catholic and Muslim women, currently serving in the RCChS, and will now be an option for women from other faith traditions.To further promote diversity and inclusion, the RCChS has instituted several new advisor positions, including an Indigenous Advisor, 2SLGBTQi+ Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Advisor, Gender Advisor, and Advisor to the Commander of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and innovate. These advisors play a critical role in providing strategic input and advice to ensure direction and guidance, and programs integrate diverse perspectives with a view to enhancing inclusive engagement on behalf of the RCChS. The CAF continues to take positive steps to ensure that the chaplaincy represents Canadian society and supports the needs of its broader membership.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionForces canadiennesGroupe consultatif du Ministère sur le racisme systémique, la discrimination, notamment le racisme anti-Autochtones et anti-Noirs, les préjugés LGBTQ2+, la discrimination sexuelle et la suprématie blancheServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01557441-01557 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB14 juin 202316 août 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01556441-01556 (Affaires sociales et égalité)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB14 juin 202316 août 202323 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based.  This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01552441-01552 (Environnement)LloydLongfieldGuelphLibéralON14 juin 202316 août 20237 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Nos systèmes économiques et financiers ont besoin d’un climat stable, et que la Banque du Canada reconnaît que les changements climatiques présentent des risques importants pour les systèmes financiers et l’économie;Le maintien des aides financières aux activités rejetant de grandes quantités d'émissions fait grandir les risques que les changements climatiques sont susceptibles de faire peser sur la stabilité des systèmes financiers et les intérêts à long terme des Canadiens;Aucune mesure législative forte n’a encore été prise dans ce domaine au Canada, en dépit des avancées législatives observées ailleurs dans le monde qui tiennent compte du lien entre le climat et la finance, ce qui signifie que le Canada risque de prendre du retard;Le projet de loi S-243, Loi édictant la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, a été rédigé sur la base de consultations tenues auprès d’experts nationaux et internationaux, de manière à permettre au Canada de rattraper son retard et de devenir un chef de file dans l’alignement des flux financiers sur les engagements climatiques.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter les éléments principaux de la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, qui permettraient :1) d’établir l’obligation, pour les administrateurs et les dirigeants des institutions financières fédérales, de veiller à ce que leur entité soit alignée sur les engagements climatiques;2) d’aligner les objectifs des sociétés d’État et des ministères, y compris la surveillance des marchés par le Bureau du surintendant des institutions financières, sur les engagements climatiques;3) d’exiger l’élaboration de plans d’action, de cibles et de rapports provisoires relatifs au respect des engagements climatiques par le biais de la production obligatoire de rapports annuels; 4) de maintenir la présence d’une expertise climatique dans certains conseils d’administration et à éviter les conflits d’intérêts;5) de prévoir des normes de fonds propres proportionnelles aux risques climatiques microprudentiels et macroprudentiels générés par les institutions financières;6) d’exiger l’élaboration d’un plan d’action gouvernemental servant à aligner l’ensemble des produits financiers sur les engagements climatiques;7) d’exiger la tenue en temps opportun d’examens publics sur les progrès de la mise en œuvre afin d’assurer un apprentissage itératif.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about climate-aligned finance in Canada.Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy and net-zero emissions by 2050 will require substantial investment beyond the public sector. Private sector capital and expertise will be needed to meet Canada’s climate objectives and create a climate-resilient economy.Developing sustainable finance in Canada will promote the long-term growth and stability of Canada’s financial system. It will also create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and investors.In May 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Sustainable Finance Action Council (SFAC) to help lead the Canadian financial sector towards integrating sustainable finance into standard industry practice. The SFAC is chaired by Kathy Bardswick and comprises 25 Canadian deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies and pensions funds, with combined assets of over $10 trillion.The SFAC’s Terms of Reference call on it to provide financial sector input to the Government of Canada on the development of foundational market infrastructure, including enhancing climate disclosure, defining green and transition investment, and improving climate data and analytics. More recently, in Budget 2022, the Government of Canada asked the SFAC to develop and report on strategies for aligning private sector capital with the net-zero transition, with support from the Canadian Climate Institute and in collaboration with the Net-Zero Advisory Body.The council’s early emphasis has been on enhancing climate-related financial disclosures in Canada’s private sector. The SFAC has also worked on taxonomy, and, late in 2022, submitted the Taxonomy Roadmap Report to the Government of Canada, which sets out its advice on the design, governance, and implementation of a Canadian green and transition finance taxonomy. The Government of Canada is studying the Report’s advice, and there will be continued collaboration with the SFAC and other financial sector leaders on taxonomy.The Government of Canada is making important progress in meeting its Budget 2022 commitment to move towards mandatory reporting of climate-related financial risks across a broad spectrum of the Canadian economy, based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteInstitutions financières
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01551441-01551 (Transport)SoniaSidhuBrampton-SudLibéralON14 juin 202316 août 20236 juin 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • La demande est croissante parmi les résidents de Brampton pour qu’il y ait un vol direct de Toronto vers l’Inde;
  • Brampton compte une importante population indo canadienne;
  • Aucun transporteur aérien n’assure actuellement de vol direct entre Toronto (Ontario) et Amritsar (Punjab);
  • En établissant une liaison entre Toronto et Amritsar (Punjab), la distance totale parcourue serait réduite, ce qui écourterait la durée du voyage et améliorerait l’expérience des passagers en plus d’entraîner des économies de carburant et une réduction importante des émissions de carbone.
En tant que résidents canadiens, nous, soussignés, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’envisager et de faciliter l’établissement de vols internationaux directs en partance de Toronto à destination de l’Inde, notamment vers Amritsar (Punjab) et New Delhi, et de collaborer avec les transporteurs aériens et les parties prenantes pour faire de ces vols une réalité.
Response by the Minister of Transport Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Annie KoutrakisThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, Punjab, and New Delhi, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.At the outset, it should be noted that Air Canada and Air India operate non-stop flights between Toronto and New Delhi. Furthermore, other Canadian and/or Indian airlines are free to introduce direct service on this route should they wish to do so.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply. ChandigarhThe Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.The Minister of Transport has also asked Canada’s Chief Air Negotiator to continue to engage with her Indian counterpart to request a further expansion of the air transport agreement to include direct access to additional points, including to Amritsar and Chandigarh. 
IndeTorontoTransport aérien
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4399e-4399 (Anciens combattants)HaroldDavisJohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservateurON28 avril 2023 à 14 h 53 (HAE)28 mai 2023 à 14 h 53 (HAE)14 juin 202316 août 202329 mai 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Le Canada classe les blessures subies par les anciens combattants pendant leur service actif en deux catégories distinctes de « service en temps de guerre » et de « service special », dans la politique « Prestations d’invalidité versées à l’égard du service en temps de guerre et du service spécial – Principe d’assurance » d’Anciens Combattants Canada;Lors de la 34e législature, le Parlement a ordonné aux Canadiens en service actif de prendre part à la guerre lancée par la communauté internationale contre l’Iraq pour libérer le Koweït (résolution 665 du Conseil de sécurité des Nations Unies); Comme le Canada n’avait pas déclaré la guerre, il n’a pas été question immédiatement de « service en temps de guerre », comme cela avait été le cas pour la guerre de Corée; Les vétérans de la guerre de Corée, y compris les marins marchands civils, ont obtenu avec succès un reclassement dans la catégorie de « service en temps de guerre » au terme d’un problème de politique semblable qui a duré 30 ans; Les civils de la Légion, du Lions Club et de la Croix-Rouge qui ont servi durant la Deuxième Guerre mondiale ont été classés dans la catégorie de « service en temps de guerre », tout comme les vétérans des pays alliés qui ont immigré; Les Canadiens ont été menacés par des missiles balistiques et des armes chimiques la nuit; ils ont effectué des tâches liées au combat intégré; ils ont capturé des prisonniers de guerre et s’en sont occupés; ils ont effectué des patrouilles aériennes de combat et un nombre incalculable d’interventions navales; sans les avantages actuels offerts par le Conseil du Trésor ni exonération d’impôt ou congés; l’ambassadeur du Koweït a officiellement reconnu la contribution du Canada à la libération de son pays et, avec le ministre MacAulay, a remercié les anciens combattants pour leurs contributions en temps de guerre, tant personnellement que par l’intermédiaire des médias.Nous, soussignés, citoyens inquiets du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de reclasser « la guerre du Golfe et la libération du Koweït » de la catégorie « zone de service spécial » à la catégorie « service en temps de guerre » dans toutes les politiques canadiennes pertinentes, à l’occasion du 30e anniversaire de la libération du Koweït, afin de traiter avec équité les anciens combattants de « la guerre du Golfe et la libération du Koweït ».
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayThe Government of Canada is grateful for the dedicated service of all Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans, including those who served in the Persian Gulf from 1990 to 1991.To date, service during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War are included in the Pension Act as service during war. Service in all other conflicts, operations, and deployments in which Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans have taken part, including all current deployments, are designated by Order of the Minister of National Defence, in consultation with the Minister of Veterans Affairs, as either a “Special Duty Area” or  a “Special Duty Operation” – commonly called “Special Duty Service” – under the authority of the Veterans Well-being Act.The practice of categorizing the military service of CAF members and Veterans is an internal process done in the interest of providing them with the benefits to which they are entitled from National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada. This is because the precise circumstances of a member or Veteran’s service, such as whether they were deployed on an operation, can impact aspects of a member or Veteran’s benefits—for instance, when determining whether Veterans Affairs Canada’s Insurance Principle or Compensation Principle should apply during the adjudication of disability benefits.In accordance with sections 69 and 70 of the Veterans Well-Being Act, the Minister of National Defence, in consultation with the Minister of Veterans Affairs, has the authority only to designate a “Special Duty Area” or “Special Duty Operation”. Applying these categories is not meant to signal greater or lesser respect for the service of members and Veterans, nor are such categories indicative of a lesser degree of risk on the part of those deployed. For example, in addition to the Persian Gulf, service in the Balkans and Afghanistan have been classified by Order of the Minister of National Defence as “Special Duty Service”. Moreover, changing the categorization of those who served in the Persian Gulf from “Special Duty Service” to “Wartime Service” would not necessarily result in any change to offered benefits, as these Veterans are eligible for the highest level of benefits through Veterans Affairs Canada for any injuries arising from such service.Public recognition of CAF members and Veterans’ service in all eras and conflicts is vitally important to Canadian society. As such, Veterans Affairs Canada's Commemoration Strategic Plan is dedicated to advancing the Government of Canada’s approach in acknowledging the service of modern-era Veterans over the past several decades. By engaging in ongoing consultations, the plan endeavors to gather invaluable perspectives from Veteran organizations and individual Veterans to ensure that their voices are heard in shaping the most effective and meaningful ways to recognize the service and sacrifice of Canada’s Veterans.The Government of Canada continues to be sincerely grateful to Persian Gulf Veterans for their service to Canada, and their invaluable contributions to the proud traditions of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Anciens combattantsGuerre du Golfe Persique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4203e-4203 (Sécurité publique)JeanetteRussellKenMcDonaldAvalonLibéralNL3 février 2023 à 10 h 51 (HAE)4 avril 2023 à 10 h 51 (HAE)14 juin 202316 août 20234 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Le Labrador représente une des plus grandes régions au Canada non dotée de ressources de R-S terrestres ou aériennes dédiées;La Commission d’enquête de 2021 sur la R-S terrestre et sur les personnes disparues a relevé le manque de ressources aériennes et a en outre recommandé des mesures correctives;Le Conseil communautaire NunatuKavut (NCC) a mentionné à la Commission que le manque de ressources terrestres et aériennes dédiées au Labrador est une des lacunes les plus graves en R-S à laquelle font face les résidents;Le rapport du Sénat de 2018 intitulé « Quand chaque minute compte » a relevé le manque de ressources terrestres au Labrador et dans les zones nordiques adjacentes et recommandait des solutions viables;La 5e Escadre Goose Bay (444e Escadron du MDN) représente une base aérienne militaire et civile de calibre mondial et est stratégiquement située à la porte d’entrée vers le nord et est bien positionnée pour fournir des services de R-S aux secteurs adjacents dans une région nordique en pleine croissance; La ministre de la Défense nationale (RP, 6 août 2022) a annoncé que la 5e Escadre Goose Bay ferait partie des quatre bases aériennes du NORAD à recevoir des fonds dans le cadre de son engagement de 38,6 milliards de dollars sur 20 ans pour moderniser la défense aérienne. Nous soussignés, résidents de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, prions le gouvernement du Canada de désigner la 5e Escadre Goose Bay en tant que base aérienne de R-S dédiée pour inclure un hélicoptère Cormorant dédié à la R-S dans le cadre de l’engagement de 38,6 milliards de dollars du MDN visant à moderniser le NORAD, qui prévoit des fonds pour la base aérienne de la 5e Escadre en soutien à la R-S dans le Labrador et les secteurs nordiques adjacents au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MaySearch and Rescue (SAR) is a shared responsibility among federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal organizations, as well as air, ground and maritime volunteer SAR organizations. Moreover, National Defence’s contribution to emergency response is part of the broader emergency management planning that is led by Public Safety Canada.The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) is responsible for aeronautical incidents and the effective operation of the coordinated aeronautical and maritime search and rescue system. Newfoundland and Labrador is within the Halifax Search and Rescue Region, and the following units support SAR in this region:
  • 413 Squadron (Greenwood, Nova Scotia), which maintains one CC130 Hercules aircraft and one CH149 Cormorant on 24/7 SAR standby;
  • 103 Squadron (Gander, Newfoundland), which maintains one CH149 Cormorant on 24/7 SAR standby;
  • 444 Squadron (Goose Bay, Labrador), which operates CH146 Griffon helicopters that can be made available to support SAR operations when needed.
Ultimately, SAR squadrons are strategically locatedacross the country, according to the historical distribution of distress incidents, in order to provide the most effective SAR response to the greatest number of potential incidents.NORAD ModernizationAs part of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) modernization, the investments to improve and adapt infrastructure and sustainment capabilities include upgrades to four operating locations used by NORAD in Canada’s North: three Forward Operating Locations (FOLs) in Inuvik, Yellowknife and Iqaluit, and at 5 Wing Goose Bay.As a strategic location for NORAD operations and for the defence of North America, the investments that the Government of Canada is making at 5 Wing are an important part of the overall NORAD modernization plan. While site development plans and engagements are ongoing National Defence expects to make upgrades to accommodate Canada’s new F-35 fleet and to support a more robust NORAD and CAF presence as needed, which will include upgrades at 5 Wing Goose Bay. These upgrades will strengthen Canada’s contribution to NORAD and enhance our safety and security in the evolving threat environment. The potential impact of investments in NORAD modernization on SAR capabilities is expected to be limited.In implementing these investments, National Defence has undertaken routine and ongoing engagements with Northern provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments and organizations, to build relationships and hear their priorities related to NORAD modernization investments. These discussions have set the stage for ongoing discussions at the three FOLs and at 5 Wing Goose Bay, so modernization initiatives are implemented in a manner that maximizes opportunities and benefits for Indigenous and Northern partners. Initial in person engagements with the town of Happy-Valley Goose Bay, the Innu Nation and the Nunatsiavut Government took place on June 6-7, 2023, and a virtual engagement with NunatuKavut will take place later this summer.In this capacity, National Defence will continue to support the government’s ability to provide the necessary urgent response to emergencies and identifying potential gaps as part of its continued work to inform emergency management planning and bolster appropriate emergency response resources and capabilities as required. 
Base des Forces canadiennes Goose BayHélicoptère CormorantRecherche et sauvetageTerre-Neuve-et-Labrador
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01547441-01547 (Fiscalité)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservateurAB14 juin 202316 août 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Les coûts de chauffage et de transport sont déjà trop élevés pour de nombreux Canadiens;L’imposition d’une taxe fédérale sur le carbone coûtera à la famille canadienne moyenne plus de 847 $ par année après les soi-disant rabais;Le gouvernement libéral de Trudeau a déjà annoncé qu’il triplerait ces taxes sur les travailleurs canadiens.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires demandent au Parlement d’abolir la taxe fédérale sur le carbone.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandClimate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as an effective and the most efficient means of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving a portion of proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal pollution pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Prince Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain four quarterly payments.Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 percent supplement beyond the base amount. 
Taxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01546441-01546 (Travail et emploi)BlakeRichardsBanff—AirdrieConservateurAB14 juin 202316 août 202330 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Les parents qui subissent la perte d’un enfant sont souvent laissés sans soutien financier ou sans sécurité d’emploi pendant leur période de deuil;La motion 110 (42-1) demandait au gouvernement du Canada d’améliorer la compassion et le soutien offerts aux parents en deuil par le gouvernement fédéral;La Chambre des communes a adopté la motion 110 (42-1) à l’unanimité;Le Comité permanent des ressources humaines, du développement des compétences, du développement social et de la condition des personnes handicapées a entrepris une étude sur la motion 110 (42-1);Le Comité permanent des ressources humaines, du développement des compétences, du développement social et de la condition des personnes handicapées a déposé un rapport intitulé Soutenir les familles après la perte d'un enfant, qui contient sept recommandations clés visant à améliorer la compassion et le soutien offerts aux parents en deuil par le gouvernement fédéral;Les signataires de la présente pétition reconnaissent que le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé son intention de mettre en œuvre certaines de ces recommandations dans le budget fédéral de 2023;Le gouvernement du Canada n’a toujours pas mis en œuvre toutes les recommandations du rapport. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :1- Mettre en œuvre une prestation de deuil pour tous les parents endeuillés par la perte d'une grossesse ou d’un enfant en bas âge;2- Mettre en œuvre les sept recommandations contenues dans le rapport du Comité permanent des ressources humaines, du développement des compétences, du développement social et de la condition des personnes handicapées intitulé Soutenir les familles après la perte d’un enfant.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official LanguagesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views and notes the request to implement a bereavement benefit for all grieving parents of pregnancy and infant loss and to implement all seven of the recommendations contained within the report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities entitled Supporting Families After the Loss of a Child.The Government welcomed the recommendations of the committee and responded along the key themes of:
  1. enhancing information and services for grieving families in a compassionate way;
  2. reducing financial hardships and supporting flexible return-to-work for parents who suffered the loss of a child; and,
  3. conducting policy analysis regarding supports for parents who have suffered the loss of a child.
For the full Government response to the committee, please visit: ourcommons.ca/content/Committee/421/HUMA/GovResponse/RP10555719/421_HUMA_Rpt14_GR/421_HUMA_Rpt14_GR-e.pdf.The Government acknowledges that grieving the loss of a child is difficult and that these events can have implications for Canadians’ mental and physical health, and that this can make it difficult to return to work. The Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits are available to eligible parents who need to step away from work due to the emotional or psychological distress caused by the loss of a loved one, including a child. On December 18, 2022, the Government announced an extension of EI sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 26 weeks for new claims beginning on or after this date.In addition, in the tragic event that the infant dies during the 15-week period surrounding childbirth, a parent who has established an EI maternity claim will continue to be eligible to receive benefits to support their recovery from pregnancy and childbirth. Maternity benefits are also payable to eligible parents in the event of a pregnancy loss (e.g., a stillbirth) that occurs during or after the 20th week of pregnancy.Part III of the Canada Labour Code (the Code) includes leave provisions to ensure that federally regulated private sector employees (about 6% of all Canadian employees) have job-protected leave while claiming an EI special benefit, including maternity and sickness benefits. Job protection is a federal-provincial/territorial responsibility and leave provisions included in PT labour standard legislation generally align with those from the Code.Since 2019, several changes have been made to the Code that can support grieving parents. These changes include:
  • the enhancement of bereavement leave, from three days with pay, immediately following the death of an immediate family member, to ten working days (including three days with pay) that can be taken up to six weeks after the funeral, memorial service or burial. An Act to Amend the Criminal Code of Canada and the Canada Labour Code (Bill C-3), which received Royal Assent in December 2021, includes amendments to bereavement leave that will provide up to eight weeks of unpaid leave for employees who experience a stillbirth or the death of a child. An order of the Governor in Council will be necessary to bring these provisions into force;
  • the addition of a new personal leave of five days (including three days with pay) that can be used by parents to attend to any urgent matter concerning their family members, including following the death of their child or a pregnancy loss;
  • the enhancement of medical leave without pay from 17 weeks to 27 weeks to align with the extension of EI sickness benefits, and entitling employees to earn and take up to 10 days of medical leave with pay per year; and,
  • the introduction of a right to request flexible work arrangements, which can help employees to cope with the death of their child by allowing them to formally request a change to the terms and conditions of their employment related to the number of hours they work, their work schedule, and the location of their work.
In addition, as announced in Budget 2023, the Government is committed to amend the Code to create a new stand-alone leave for employees who experience a pregnancy loss. This new leave will provide employees with time to begin their physical and emotional recovery without risk of losing their job or forfeiting income security.Building a modernized EI program remains an important part of the Government’s commitment to support workers. Work is underway to modernize the program, informed by the feedback received from individuals and stakeholders through substantive consultations held through 2021 and 2022, as well as changing economic conditions so that Canadians continue to be supported.Once again, the Government wishes to thank the petitioners.  Their views will be taken into consideration in our ongoing efforts to improve the EI program.
Assurance-emploiCongésDécès et funéraillesNourrissons
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01544441-01544 (Environnement)YvanBakerEtobicoke-CentreLibéralON13 juin 202316 août 20237 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTPétition visant à augmenter la tarification des émissions provenant de la production d’électricité à partir de méthane, qui est prévue dans la Loi sur la tarification de la pollution causée par les gaz à effet de serre (LTPGES), de manière à envoyer signal suffisamment fort au marché pour encourager la transition de la production d’électricité à partir de méthane vers des sources d’énergie à faible teneur en carbone.Attendu que :
  • Le dernier rapport de synthèse du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) se rapportant au sixième rapport d’évaluation est sans équivoque : aucune nouvelle infrastructure de combustible fossile ne doit être construite, et tous les pays développés doivent parvenir à une production carboneutre d’ici 2035;
  • Ce que certains appellent le gaz naturel est en réalité un combustible fossile. Il s’agit de méthane, un gaz à effet de serre (GES) très puissant;
  • Selon le rapport Avenir énergétique du Canada en 2021 de la Régie de l’énergie du Canada, près de 8 900 mégawatts de nouvelles capacités de production d’électricité à partir de méthane devraient être ajoutés d’ici 2035 dans le cadre des politiques fédérales, provinciales et territoriales actuelles;
  • En Ontario, la production d’électricité à partir de méthane devrait représenter 25 % de la production d’électricité de la province d’ici la fin des années 2040, soit plus du triple qu’à l’heure actuelle;
  • La LTPGES établit le cadre du système de filet de sécurité fédéral sur la tarification de la pollution par le carbone, qui se compose de deux parties principales : une redevance réglementaire appliquée aux combustibles fossiles (redevance sur les combustibles) et un système d’échange réglementaire pour l’industrie, connu sous le nom de Système de tarification fondé sur le rendement (STFR);
  • La production d’électricité à partir de méthane relève du STFR;
  • L’augmentation prévue de la production d’électricité à partir de méthane au Canada (en particulier en Ontario) montre que la tarification actuelle des émissions provenant de la production d’électricité à partir de méthane n’envoie pas un signal suffisamment fort au marché pour encourager la transition des combustibles fossiles vers des sources d’énergie à faible teneur en carbone;
  • Il existe un risque réel que les installations de production d’électricité à partir de méthane deviennent des actifs délaissés et que les coûts connexes soient refilés au contribuable et au consommateur;
  • Le processus proposé dans le Règlement sur l’électricité propre est trop lent pour régler ce grave problème.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’augmenter la tarification des émissions provenant de la production d’électricité à partir de méthane prévue dans la LTPGES de manière à envoyer un signal suffisamment fort au marché pour encourager la transition de la production d’électricité à partir de méthane vers des sources d’énergie à faible teneur en carbone en faisant en sorte que :
  • la redevance sur les combustibles prévue dans la LTPGES s’applique à la production d’électricité à partir de méthane; ou
  • l’augmentation de la tarification du carbone s’applique à la production d’électricité à partir de méthane si celle-ci continue de relever du STFR.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada is committed to achieving a net-zero electricity system by 2035 as a key part of its plan to achieve a net-zero economy by 2050 to help combat climate change. In order to achieve this goal, the Government of Canada is working closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, industry, and other key interested parties to identify and support regional priorities for clean electricity through the Regional Energy and Resources Tables, the Canada Electricity Advisory Council, and the Indigenous Council for Wah-ila-toos. Budget 2023 included approximately $45 Billion in investments over the next 10 years through investment tax credits, low-cost financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank, and other funding to support the clean energy transition. Notably, it announced a 15% tax credit for non-emitting electricity generation and transmission, in addition to other complementary measures announced in Budget 2023 and the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, such as investment tax credits for clean technologies, clean technology manufacturing, clean hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage.To achieve net zero by 2050, the electricity sector will need to phase out coal by 2030, achieve net zero electricity by 2035 and ultimately close to double generation capacity. This energy transition is being driven by federal climate policies. For example, in 2018 the Government of Canada published the Reduction of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Coal-Fired Generation of Electricity Regulations, which regulates a phase-out of conventional coal-fired electricity generation by 2030. Additionally, the Government of Canada published the Regulations Limiting Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Natural Gas-Fired Generation of Electricity, which set performance standards for new natural gas units and contains provisions for the conversion of coal units to run on natural gas for a limited period of time (up to 10 years beyond the regulated end of life date of the coal unit). These regulations help support Canada’s transition to cleaner energy, create well-paying jobs in the electricity sector, and support the development of a net-zero electricity grid.To further help accelerate Canada on the path towards a net-zero electricity grid by 2035 the Government of Canada is designing the Clean Electricity Regulations (CER), which will maximize emissions reductions while maintaining reliability and affordability. Developing the CER now sends strong signals to avoid investment in new unabated natural gas generation and will help drive forward the development of emerging clean energy technologies. The CER will set a technology-neutral emissions performance standard for emitting generation of electricity that is provided to the grid and will include compliance flexibilities that recognize regional differences, including a future role for some natural gas generation. The CER has been designed to maximize emissions reductions, while maintaining affordable and reliable electricity systems.Environment and Climate Change Canada is developing the CER in close consultation with key interested parties. This process started with the release of a discussion paper in March 2022 followed by a draft regulatory frame in July 2022. The Department has also held multiple technical webinars as well as meetings with representatives from across the country to hear specific and regional concerns. The Department will be publishing the draft CER in the coming months, after which a formal engagement period will take place.Economy-wide carbon-pricing systems are designed to incentivize emissions reductions while allowing for maximum flexibility at the lowest overall cost. The flexibility afforded by these systems will result in different segments of the economy reducing emissions along different pathways, depending on the availability and cost of emissions reduction opportunities.Fossil fuel-fired electricity generated is covered by carbon pricing in all provinces across Canada either by the federal output-based pricing system or the applicable provincial pricing system that aligns with the carbon pricing benchmark. All output-based pricing systems (OBPS) must have a rising compliance price that aligns with the minimum national carbon pricing which increases by $15/year reaching $170/t CO2e in 2030.At present, most industrial emissions are subject to provincial OBPS, rather than the federal system, including in Ontario, where fossil fuel-fired electricity generation is covered by its Emissions Performance System Regulations. Provincial systems vary in size, context, and composition, and Canada’s approach allows provinces and territories to adjust their systems to meet local circumstances, as long as they meet national minimum stringency requirements.Canada strengthened the minimum national stringency criteria for carbon pricing systems (the “benchmark”) in 2021 for the 2023-2030 period to ensure all carbon pollution pricing systems are comparable and effective across the country. New requirements mean that all OBPS must maintain a marginal price signal in line with Canada’s minimum carbon price thereby ensuring that facilities regulated under output-based pricing systems are subject to the same incentives to reduce emissions as the fuel charge.The federal approach to electricity generation under the federal OBPS balances three goals:
  • Incentivize greenhouse gas emissions reductions by applying a carbon pollution price signal to all forms of emitting electricity generation;
  • Maintain the competitiveness of emission-intensive and trade exposed industry and potentially lead to carbon leakage;
  • Introduce a system that is affordable for households and businesses, especially where energy choices are currently limited.
The approach balances these goals by setting emissions standards based on fuel type. The standards for gaseous fuels like natural gas are 370 tonnes per gigawatt hours (t/GWh) for existing generation, and for new generation, standards started at 370 t/GWh in 2021, and decline linearly to 0 t/GWh in 2030 – meaning under the federal system, new facilities will be paying the full price on every tonne of carbon pollution they emit by 2030.The different OBSs are set to maintain an even playing field across the electricity sector and avoid high costs for consumers in locations where there are barriers to non-emitting generation, such as Northern Canada or in diesel-dependent industrial activities.Increasing the stringency of the federal Output-Based Pricing System (OBPS) for industryhas been part of the design of the federal OBPS from its inception in the 2018 Regulatory Framework for the OBPS. Strengthening standards over time is consistent with Canadian and global climate goals, which require increasing ambition over time. To this end, Canada has committed to review the standards for electricity generation to reflect changes associated with the forthcoming Clean Electricity Regulations.Concerning the increase in natural gas capacity predicted in Canada Energy Regulator’s Canada’s Energy Future 2021, note that this analysis did not include the Clean Electricity Regulations. The newly released Canada’s Energy Future 2023 does include the CER and finds that the electricity sector reaches net zero emissions by 2035, demonstrating the impact of the CER and other climate policies to substantially impact planning and operations of Canada’s electricity sector.   
Exploitation du méthaneTarification du carboneTaxe sur les émissions carboniquesTransition énergétique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01543441-01543 (Environnement)YvanBakerEtobicoke-CentreLibéralON13 juin 202316 août 20237 juin 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Nos systèmes économiques et financiers ont besoin d’un climat stable, et que la Banque du Canada reconnaît que les changements climatiques présentent des risques importants pour les systèmes financiers et l’économie;Le maintien des aides financières aux activités rejetant de grandes quantités d'émissions fait grandir les risques que les changements climatiques sont susceptibles de faire peser sur la stabilité des systèmes financiers et les intérêts à long terme des Canadiens;Aucune mesure législative forte n’a encore été prise dans ce domaine au Canada, en dépit des avancées législatives observées ailleurs dans le monde qui tiennent compte du lien entre le climat et la finance, ce qui signifie que le Canada risque de prendre du retard;Le projet de loi S-243, Loi édictant la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, a été rédigé sur la base de consultations tenues auprès d’experts nationaux et internationaux, de manière à permettre au Canada de rattraper son retard et de devenir un chef de file dans l’alignement des flux financiers sur les engagements climatiques.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter les éléments principaux de la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, qui permettraient :1) d’établir l’obligation, pour les administrateurs et les dirigeants des institutions financières fédérales, de veiller à ce que leur entité soit alignée sur les engagements climatiques;2) d’aligner les objectifs des sociétés d’État et des ministères, y compris la surveillance des marchés par le Bureau du surintendant des institutions financières, sur les engagements climatiques;3) d’exiger l’élaboration de plans d’action, de cibles et de rapports provisoires relatifs au respect des engagements climatiques par le biais de la production obligatoire de rapports annuels; 4) de maintenir la présence d’une expertise climatique dans certains conseils d’administration et à éviter les conflits d’intérêts;5) de prévoir des normes de fonds propres proportionnelles aux risques climatiques microprudentiels et macroprudentiels générés par les institutions financières;6) d’exiger l’élaboration d’un plan d’action gouvernemental servant à aligner l’ensemble des produits financiers sur les engagements climatiques;7) d’exiger la tenue en temps opportun d’examens publics sur les progrès de la mise en œuvre afin d’assurer un apprentissage itératif.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about climate-aligned finance in Canada.Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy and net-zero emissions by 2050 will require substantial investment beyond the public sector. Private sector capital and expertise will be needed to meet Canada’s climate objectives and create a climate-resilient economy.Developing sustainable finance in Canada will promote the long-term growth and stability of Canada’s financial system. It will also create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and investors.In May 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Sustainable Finance Action Council (SFAC) to help lead the Canadian financial sector towards integrating sustainable finance into standard industry practice. The SFAC is chaired by Kathy Bardswick and comprises 25 Canadian deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies and pensions funds, with combined assets of over $10 trillion.The SFAC’s Terms of Reference call on it to provide financial sector input to the Government of Canada on the development of foundational market infrastructure, including enhancing climate disclosure, defining green and transition investment, and improving climate data and analytics. More recently, in Budget 2022, the Government of Canada asked the SFAC to develop and report on strategies for aligning private sector capital with the net-zero transition, with support from the Canadian Climate Institute and in collaboration with the Net-Zero Advisory Body.The council’s early emphasis has been on enhancing climate-related financial disclosures in Canada’s private sector. The SFAC has also worked on taxonomy, and, late in 2022, submitted the Taxonomy Roadmap Report to the Government of Canada, which sets out its advice on the design, governance, and implementation of a Canadian green and transition finance taxonomy. The Government of Canada is studying the Report’s advice, and there will be continued collaboration with the SFAC and other financial sector leaders on taxonomy.The Government of Canada is making important progress in meeting its Budget 2022 commitment to move towards mandatory reporting of climate-related financial risks across a broad spectrum of the Canadian economy, based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteInstitutions financières
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01541441-01541 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 juin 202316 août 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre ce qui suit : Attendu que le Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination a produit son rapport final au début de 2022;Attendu que le rapport demande que le clergé des religions qui ont un point de vue différent de celui du ministère de la Défense nationale sur le genre et la sexualité soit banni en tant qu’aumôniers dans les Forces armées canadiennes; Attendu que le rapport qualifie même les religions canadiennes dominantes de discriminatoires, misogynes et sexistes;Attendu que tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres et les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, ont droit à la liberté de religion garantie par la Charte;Attendu que les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes servent tous les membres des Forces sans distinction de religion, de sexe ou d’orientation sexuelle; Attendu que la discrimination fondée sur la religion est répréhensible et offensante pour les Canadiens.C’est pourquoi nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes :1. De rejeter les recommandations sur l’aumônerie dans les Forces armées canadiennes contenues dans le rapport final du Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination;2. D’affirmer le droit de tous les Canadiens, y compris les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, à la liberté de religion.
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayIn April 2022, the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination released a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure Canada’s military is safe and welcoming for all. Work is underway to assess the implications of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, including those on the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is coordinating an analysis of each recommendation.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s (RCChS) primary goal is the care of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, without exceptions. It is already the expectation that CAF chaplains uphold the values and ethos of the CAF, just like every other member of the military. When chaplains apply for their roles within the chaplaincy, they undergo a rigorous process to assess their ability to provide spiritual support within the context of CAF values. Anyone who successfully makes it through this assessment has demonstrated their ability to provide religious or spiritual counsel to CAF members of all or no faiths, without judgement or exception.To this end, the RCChS continues to embrace CAF values and ethos, and has taken significant steps in the past several years to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, as of 2019, in order to better serve the CAF and represent the religious/spiritual diversity of Canadian society, the RCChS sought to include a wider number of traditions not previously represented in CAF chaplaincy. This resulted in the enrollment of chaplains from Sikh, Buddhist, and Humanist traditions. The RCChS also shifted from the historical requirement of “ordained” status to a more broadly defined status of “credentialed as a faith tradition leader.” In doing so, the RCChS has ensured wider opportunities for women from faith traditions where they cannot be ordained, but who meet qualification standards for CAF chaplaincy as credentialed faith tradition leaders. This is already the case for Roman Catholic and Muslim women, currently serving in the RCChS, and will now be an option for women from other faith traditions.To further promote diversity and inclusion, the RCChS has instituted several new advisor positions, including an Indigenous Advisor, 2SLGBTQi+ Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Advisor, Gender Advisor, and Advisor to the Commander of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and innovate. These advisors play a critical role in providing strategic input and advice to ensure direction and guidance, and programs integrate diverse perspectives with a view to enhancing inclusive engagement on behalf of the RCChS. The CAF continues to take positive steps to ensure that the chaplaincy represents Canadian society and supports the needs of its broader membership.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionForces canadiennesGroupe consultatif du Ministère sur le racisme systémique, la discrimination, notamment le racisme anti-Autochtones et anti-Noirs, les préjugés LGBTQ2+, la discrimination sexuelle et la suprématie blancheServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01540441-01540 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 juin 202316 août 202318 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted for that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, applicants may be eligible for relief, on a case-by-case basis, using mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01538441-01538 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 juin 202316 août 202328 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.With these benefits, all registered charities are required to follow rules and principles set out in the Income Tax Act and common law, including ensuring the information that they provide is accurate and evidence-based. This includes registered charities that provide reproductive health services, who are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01527441-01527 (Animaux)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON9 juin 202316 août 202318 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementAttendu que :
  • Le 28 septembre 2022, l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments (ACIA) a annoncé une nouvelle politique qui interdit l’entrée au pays de chiens commerciaux, notamment en vue de leur adoption et de leur placement en famille d’accueil, en provenance de certains pays où l’on estime que le risque de rage est élevé;
  • Plus de 100 pays figurent sur la liste des pays d’où proviennent ces chiens interdits d’entrée au Canada, notamment l’Ukraine et l’Afghanistan, où des crises humanitaires sévissent, ainsi que les Philippines et la Chine, où des défenseurs sauvent des animaux du commerce de la viande de chien;
  • Les groupes de défense des animaux ont déclaré que les organismes de sauvetage n’ont pas été consultés au sujet de ce plan et qu’ils ont été choqués d’en apprendre l’existence. Des organismes internationaux de sauvetage ont dû mettre fin à leurs activités, ce qui a entraîné des souffrances et des décès inutiles chez les chiens. Une consultation publique et un engagement des parties prenantes sont nécessaires;
  • D’autres mesures visant à assurer la sécurité publique, comme la vaccination, le dépistage d’anticorps dans le sang et la mise en quarantaine, sont efficaces. La rage peut être évitée à 100 % grâce aux vaccins disponibles;
  • Aucun autre pays occidental n’a interdit complètement le sauvetage international de chiens;
  • La politique du Canada devrait au moins s’aligner sur la réglementation des Centers for Disease Control and Prevention des États-Unis, qui autorisent l’entrée des chiens dans le pays moyennant la prise de mesures de protection appropriées;
  • De nombreux Canadiens adoptent et sauvent des chiens provenant de l’étranger. Ce changement pourrait entraîner une augmentation du nombre de chiens vivant dans des refuges ou dans la rue à l’échelle mondiale et aggraver la crise des usines à chiots au Canada;
  • Il est important d’assurer la sécurité des Canadiens et de leurs animaux de compagnie, tout en collaborant avec les sauveteurs et les défenseurs des animaux.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de collaborer avec les organismes de sauvetage des chiens et de défense des droits des animaux concernés afin de veiller à ce que sa politique en matière d’importation de chiens garantisse la sécurité des Canadiens, sans augmenter le nombre d’animaux vivant dans des refuges ou dans la rue à l’échelle mondiale.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThe Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for regulating the importation of animals into Canada to prevent the introduction and spread of diseases, such as rabies caused by canine-variant viruses (dog rabies), that have the potential to harm animal and human health.We love all dogs and to protect them as well as Canadians from dog rabies, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a measure to prohibit the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies. Since September 28, 2022, the entry of all commercial dogs into Canada from countries considered to be high risk for dog rabies is no longer permitted, regardless of their age. Commercial dogs can include (but are not limited to) dogs for resale, adoption, fostering, breeding, show or exhibition, research and other purposes.This measure was implemented in response to the importation of dogs infected with dog rabies, and resulting calls from federal and provincial public health officials to strengthen importation measures in Canada for dogs from countries at high risk for dog rabies. The CFIA consulted with public health authorities regarding the human health risk and it was determined to be significant enough to warrant the implementation of a measure that helps mitigate the introduction and spread of dog rabies to Canada.While rabies exists in some wild species, Canada does not have dog rabies, a virus that can be transmitted between mammals, including humans. Rabies is 99% fatal to animals and humans once they start to show signs or symptoms. Our government aims to preserve this status.Dog rabies can be introduced into Canada through imports that come from over 100 countries where this deadly disease is present. The importation of even one rabid dog could result in transmission to Canadian humans, pets and wildlife. In past years, commercial dog imports have increased significantly and shipments of dogs arriving from countries with widespread dog rabies pose a high risk of introducing this disease in Canada.It is very difficult to verify if an imported dog has been infected with dog rabies or protected from this disease prior to importation due to the long incubation period of the disease as well as the limits of laboratory testing.The incubation period for rabies is highly variable and depends on many factors. The majority of infected animals will develop the disease within six months of exposure. The infective period can start before the appearance of clinical signs (e.g., dogs can shed the virus 10 days before the onset of the disease) and last until death. As such, a dog may unknowingly be imported with the disease, even if it was vaccinated prior to importation. Imported dogs cannot be tested for rabies as the internationally accepted standard for testing for rabies involves sampling brain tissue, which requires that the animal be euthanized.Vaccinating dogs for rabies prior to importation is important, but it does not ensure that the animal is not infected on arrival. To be effective, rabies vaccines must be manufactured in accordance with standards established by the World Organisation for Animal Health, stored at the correct temperature and administered to healthy animals according to established protocols (e.g., given when the animal is old enough). Should any of these steps fail, vaccination may not be fully protective. It is difficult to verify that these parameters have been adhered to prior to the importation of dogs. Vaccinating a dog after it is exposed to rabies, does not prevent the disease.When used in combination with other measures, the rabies titre test (also called rabies neutralizing antibody titre) is a useful tool to help mitigate the risk of importing a dog with rabies. However, in the absence of an appropriate waiting period after the test is performed, the results cannot be used to determine whether a dog has been adequately vaccinated and/or protected against rabies. Many countries require a waiting period of at least three months (and even up to six months) after the test before any dog can be imported to allow time for clinical signs to develop in case the animal had been infected. Lastly, it is important to remember that rabies titre testing is not a diagnostic or screening test for rabies exposure; rather, it helps to evaluate whether or not the animal’s immune system has mounted an acceptable response to vaccination.While post-import quarantines can also be a useful tool in certain situations and for certain diseases, the internationally accepted incubation period for rabies in dogs is six months, but can be longer in some cases; therefore, a prolonged quarantine period after importation would be required to mitigate the risks. As such, quarantining imported dogs from countries at high risk for dog rabies creates an opportunity for a rabid dog to be brought to Canada, potentially exposing people (e.g., airline workers, caregivers, etc.) to a serious and fatal disease.Additionally, because this is a zoonotic disease, an approved and appropriate quarantine facility would be required, the handling of animals in a quarantine facility would be limited, trained and verified caregivers would be required to wear personal protective equipment and contact with other animals would not be permitted. A prolonged quarantine period would be logistically challenging, expensive for the importer and detrimental to the welfare of the animal.The CFIA collaborated with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to classify countries according to risk of dog rabies. The methodology used by the CDC was evaluated by the CFIA and found to be scientifically sound and appropriate to be used by the CFIA for the implementation of this measure. While Canada and the U.S. have identified the same countries to be of high risk for dog rabies, the two countries have different legal authorities and, therefore, have implemented different import measures.The CFIA will continue to explore options for long-term solutions for dog imports that will allow the CFIA to address evolving disease risks in a sustainable, risk-based manner, using a One Health approach that is consistent with international standards. The CFIA is committed to continuing to develop approaches that keep the Canadian public and animals safe, and prevent the introduction and spread of diseases into Canada. We are committed to minimizing the risk of dog rabies to animals and people in Canada to ensure their health and safety.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for establishing the policies regarding the importation of live animals, including dogs into Canada under the Health of Animals Act and Health of Animals Regulations. The CBSA administers and enforces these policies at the border.On September 28, 2022, the CFIA implemented Notice to industry: New measure prohibiting the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabies, the new import restrictions banning all commercial dogs from high risk rabies countries (approximately 112 countries) from being imported into Canada. These restrictions are in effect at international airports in Canada.The CBSA administers these requirements on behalf of CFIA as part of our overall enforcement mandate under the Canada Border Services Agency act.
ChiensImportations
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4272e-4272 (Citoyenneté et immigration)JosueRamirezTomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB26 janvier 2023 à 9 h 39 (HAE)27 mars 2023 à 9 h 39 (HAE)9 juin 202316 août 202327 mars 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :La crise au Vénézuela est considérée comme une crise politique, économique et humanitaire sans précédent, comparable à celles de la Syrie, de l’Afghanistan et de l’Ukraine;En date de janvier 2023, la réponse du Canada à la situation en Ukraine, par le biais de l’Autorisation de voyage d'urgence Canada-Ukraine, avait permis d’accueillir plus de 140 000 Ukrainiens au Canada;En réponse à la situation en Afghanistan, le Canada a accueilli plus de 27 000 réfugiés afghans dans le cadre du Programme de mesures spéciales en matière d’immigration pour les Afghans;Dans le cas des citoyens syriens, plus de 40 000 réfugiés ont été accueillis au Canada grâce à l’initiative d’aide à la réinstallation des réfugiés syriens;Selon les chiffres de 2022 du Haut-Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés, plus de 6,1 millions de Vénézuéliens ont quitté le Vénézuela depuis 2015;Le Canada a promis d’accueillir 4 000 migrants supplémentaires de la région de l’Amérique latine d’ici 2028;Le Canada a annoncé, au Sommet des Amériques de juin 2022 à Los Angeles, qu’il prévoyait aussi de faire venir 50 000 travailleurs agricoles de plus du Mexique, du Guatémala et des Caraïbes.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de 1. Créer un programme de visas humanitaires Canada-Vénézuela afin d’aider les Vénézuéliens et les membres de la famille de Canadiens et de Vénézuéliens qui ont la résidence permanente au Canada de venir au Canada et de leur permettre de travailler et d’étudier pendant leur séjour au Canada;2. Donner, aux Vénézuéliens qui sont déjà au Canada la possibilité de prolonger leur statut de visiteur, leur permis de travail ou leur permis d’études pour qu’ils puissent continuer de vivre et de travailler ou d’étudier au Canada temporairement.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.When responding to international crises, the Government of Canada tailors its immigration measures to the unique conditions of each event and the needs of the affected population. We evaluate how Canada can best help by looking at what solutions are most appropriate, including waiving fees or requirements, as well as whether existing immigration and refugee programs are sufficient or if new ones are required. We strive to balance our commitment to assist those in need with upholding the security, safety, and well-being of Canadians. Furthermore, we also monitor the international and regional response to the crisis. For example, in the case of the Venezuelan refugee and migration crisis, countries in the region have generally shown great solidarity and are hosting over 84% of the Venezuelan nationals that have left or fled their country in recent years.Canada has played a leadership role in responding to the Venezuelan refugee and migrant crisis. In March 2023, Canada co-hosted with the European Union the International Conference in Solidarity with Venezuelan Refugees and Migrants and their Host Countries and Communities, which successfully convened 280 delegates and raised US $872M in pledges by donors, including CAD $58.55M from Canada. Since 2019, Canada has provided over CAD $180M in humanitarian, development and stabilization assistance in response to the Venezuela crisis (in addition to funding announced at the March 2023 Conference). In 2022, Canada launched 17 new projects in the region to support the socio-economic integration of Venezuelan refugees and migrants into host communities, to increase regional security, and to strengthen migration management. Furthermore, Canada chairs the Group of Friends of the Quito Process, a group of 11 donors supporting the regional response of the Quito Process countries hosting those displaced by the crisis in Venezuela.There are a number of temporary resident programs that Venezuelan nationals can currently access, including those related to working or studying in Canada. More specifically, they may apply for a work permit under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, if they have a job offer from an employer and are supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada; or under any stream of the International Mobility Program, as long as they meet eligibility criteria. We would also encourage Venezuelan nationals with an acceptance letter for a designated learning institution to apply for a study permit, should they meet the eligibility criteria. Many international students are authorized to work off campus without a work permit. Both work and study permits are demand-driven, meaning that there are no limits on the number of work permits that can be issued. Lastly, if they have a host adult child or grandchild in Canada, they may be eligible for the parent and grandparent super visa, which is a multi-entry visitor visa that allows stays of five years per entry.In addition there may be opportunities for Canada’s existing permanent residence programs. If they have family in Canada, Venezuelan nationals may apply under Canada’s generous family reunification programs, which allow for the sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, dependent children, children to be adopted, parents, grandparents, and other relatives in specific circumstances. Furthermore, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot program, which facilitates the use of economic pathways to Canada for skilled refugees, is also available for those who meet eligibility criteria.In addition to existing programs, Canada has committed to resettle up to 4,000 eligible refugees from the Americas, which can include Venezuelans, by 2028. It has also pledged to welcome 15,000 persons from the Western Hemisphere to provide an alternative to irregular migration for those facing forced displacement in Central American, South American and Caribbean countries. This commitment was announced by Prime Minister Trudeau during United States President Biden’s visit on March 24, 2023. Further development of this initiative is underway.
Immigration et immigrantsPasseports et visasVénézuéla
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01524441-01524 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB9 juin 202316 août 20236 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :Le 6 février 2023, le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé l’élargissement du programme de permis de travail ouvert pour les résidents de Hong Kong qui sont admissibles en le prolongeant de deux années supplémentaires, afin que les titulaires de permis de travail « ouvert » admissibles puissent demander la résidence permanente par l’intermédiaire du volet B de la voie d’accès à l’immigration pour les Hongkongais; Certains Hongkongais engagés dans le mouvement prodémocratique ne peuvent accéder au programme de permis de travail « ouvert » pour Hong Kong, car ils sont tenus d’obtenir un certificat de la police de Hong Kong, et les titulaires de permis de travail « ouvert » admissibles au Canada sont tenus de fournir un certificat de la police de Hong Kong pour demander la résidence permanente par le volet B de la voie d’accès à l’immigration pour les Hongkongais.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de supprimer l’exigence d’un certificat de la police de Hong Kong pour les demandeurs de permis de travail « ouvert » et d’introduire des vérifications de sécurité de rechange au besoin.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes that certain foreign nationals in challenging political situations may encounter difficulties in adhering to Canadian regulations and program requirements. Canada maintains enduring connections with the people of Hong Kong and expresses deep concern regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in the region. In light of these concerns, the Government of Canada has implemented a range of facilitative measures aimed at assisting Hong Kong residents in coming to Canada. This is evidenced by the special measures that we have implemented to date, including an open work permit of up to three years to work for any employer in Canada, and the creation of two pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents already in Canada.Immigration Officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, carefully considering the unique circumstances presented by each applicant. Decisions regarding inadmissibility are grounded in evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations, as well as other relevant documents such as media articles and publicly-available information.Hong Kong residents and/or foreign nationals may be contacted by IRCC through a letter requesting a police certificate should further assessment for admissibility be deemed necessary. However, if the applicant declares their inability to procure a police certificate due to concerns over compromising their personal safety, IRCC will employ existing internal measures to mitigate the non-submission of documents without compromising the integrity of the program. Each applicant possesses the right and opportunity to address and provide clarification regarding their circumstances through the “self-declaration process”. This process serves to mitigate any critical situations wherein the outcome will affect the applicant’s safety and security.The Government of Canada is confident that the established policy honours the spirit of the petition.The Government of Canada strongly prioritizes upholding human rights and the rule of law, both domestically and internationally. Canada continues to closely monitor the situation in Hong Kong and is prepared to undertake additional measures if and when the need arises.
Hong KongPermis de travailProcessus de demande
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01523441-01523 (Affaires étrangères)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB9 juin 202316 août 20236 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Divers médias ont rapporté que le Parti communiste chinois (PCC) a tenté de s’ingérer dans les élections fédérales canadiennes (CCP);
  • Des rapports contenant des renseignements classifiés du Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité prétendent qu’un ancien agent consulaire du PCC au Canada a célébré la défaite de deux parlementaires et s’en est attribué le mérite;
  • La conseillère à la sécurité nationale du premier ministre, Jody Thomas, a informé les députés que le premier ministre Justin Trudeau était régulièrement mis au courant de tentatives d’ingérence par Beijing dans les élections;
  • Les membres du conseil d’administration et la PDG de la Fondation Trudeau ont démissionné après l’octroi d’un don de 200 000 $ à l’organisation par un homme d’affaires ayant des liens avec le PCC;
  • Le comité parlementaire qui enquête sur l’ingérence étrangère a voté en faveur de la création d’une commission d’enquête publique sur l’ingérence étrangère;
  • Le gouvernement libéral bloque encore la création d’une commission d’enquête publique et nie sa nécessité immédiate;
  • Le rapporteur spécial nommé par le premier ministre est en plein conflit d’intérêt, ayant été membre de la Fondation Trudeau et étant un ami du premier ministre;
  • Le PCC crée des liens avec le Canada en tant qu’adversaire stratégique, pratiquant notamment la diplomatie d’otages avec l’emprisonnement injustifié de Michael Spavor et Michael Kovrig;
  • Le PCC utilise cette position de confrontation pour mener une guerre économique aux exportations canadiennes, notamment les produits céréaliers et oléagineux, ce qui met les producteurs canadiens à risque;
  • Les Canadiens ont droit à des institutions démocratiques dans lesquelles ils ont confiance qu’elles servent leur intérêt, sans ingérence de la part d’agents étrangers.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :mener une enquête publique approfondie, ouverte et indépendante sur l’ingérence par Beijing dans les élections afin de donner aux Canadiens la transparence nécessaire pour leur redonner confiance dans les institutions publiques et parlementaires.
Response by the Prime Minister of CanadaSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada takes very seriously all allegations of foreign interference in electoral processes and is committed to the continuous strengthening of Canada’s democratic institutions and their protection from foreign interference. This is why the Prime Minister tasked the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities, with leading consultations on what an upcoming process to shed light on the matter of foreign interference in Canadian elections could look like, and to determine who may best be suited to lead this public work. Canadians can rest assured that this is a priority of the Government of Canada and that the selected process will correspond to their needs and to the sensitivity of the intelligence.The Government of Canada also continues to reinforce its efforts to counter any form of foreign interference in our electoral processes and to strengthen trust in Canada’s democratic institutions.  On March 6, 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada announced measures to further this objective. This included the establishment of a National Counter Foreign Interference Coordinator at Public Safety Canada to coordinate efforts to combat foreign interference; the development of a plan to address  recommendations from the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and from the independent assessments of the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol by Mr. Morris Rosenberg and Mr. James Judd, and the investment of $5.5 million to strengthen the capacity of civil society partners to counter disinformation.Following the Prime Minister’s announcements, the Government released its report, Countering an evolving threat: Update on recommendations to counter foreign interference in Canada’s democratic institutions, which outlines the recommendations made in the reports to protect Canadian democratic institutions and processes; summarizes the actions that have been taken or are in progress to address the recommendations; and proposes further steps for consideration to bolster Canada’s response to foreign interference threats.The Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructures and Communities has also announced additional details with regards to the $5.5 million investment to strengthen defences against online disinformation.These efforts demonstrate the Government of Canada’s continued efforts to protect our democratic institutions, including our electoral processes, from any possible threats.Additionally, both NSICOP and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) have indicated their intention to undertake reviews with regards to foreign interference and in accordance with their mandates. NSICOP has announced it will launch a review of foreign interference in Canada’s federal democratic processes pursuant to section 8(1)(a) of the NSICOP Act, and NSIRA has announced it will a review of the production and dissemination of intelligence on foreign interference with respect to the 43rd and 44th federal elections. The Government’s next steps will be taken in close consideration of the findings and recommendations of both bodies. Finally, when they are well informed and engaged, Canadians can be the best line of defence in our efforts to fight foreign interference in our democratic processes. As such, I wish to thank you for this petition, which I see as a clear commitment to democracy. Indeed, petitions are a direct form of democratic participation and contribute to the dialogue between citizens and their elected decision-makers.
Activités influencées par l'étrangerChineEnquêtes et enquêtes publiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01522441-01522 (Fiscalité)ChrisLewisEssexConservateurON9 juin 202316 août 202311 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les soussignés, résidents du comté d’Essex et de la Ville de Windsor, attirons l’attention du gouvernement du Canada à ce qui suit :
  • Workforce WindsorEssex a dénombré plus de 6 000 résidents du comté d’Essex et de Windsor qui traversent la frontière canadienne pour aller travailler;
  • Durant la pandémie de COVID-19, le gouvernement du Canada a fortement encouragé les travailleurs « non essentiels » qui traversent habituellement la frontière à ne pas le faire et a entrepris diverses mesures de conformité pour voir au respect de cette position;
  • Les entreprises privées américaines ont modifié leurs règles de travail pour appuyer la position du gouvernement du Canada et autoriser de nombreux employés à travailler de la maison;
  • L’Agence du revenu du Canada a accordé aux employés dans cette position une exonération d’impôt pour les années d’imposition 2020 et 2021 leur permettant de continuer à recevoir des crédits pour impôt étranger pour certaines déductions qui normalement s’appliqueraient uniquement aux résidents canadiens qui travaillent physiquement aux États-Unis;
  • Le maintien des restrictions aux frontières fait que le travail à domicile ou le travail hybride est devenu la norme et le retour à des modalités de travail pré-COVID est très improbable;
  • L’Agence du revenu du Canada n'a pas accordé une telle exonération d’impôt pour l’année d’imposition 2022;
  • Les employeurs aux États-Unis n’ont pas de méthode uniforme, bien définie ou généralisée pour attribuer certaines cotisations sociales entre deux pays;
  • L’absence d’exonération réduira de manière considérable le revenu disponible des résidents du comté d’Essex et de Windsor, et d’autres collectivités frontalières du Canada, tout en augmentant les recettes générales du gouvernement du Canada d’un montant statistiquement insignifiant.
Par conséquent, vos pétitionnaires (ceux qui sont touchés par ces circonstances ou qui sont des parents, amis ou voisins de ceux qui sont touchés par ces circonstances) prient le gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Modifier les lois fiscales du Canada et renégocier les traités fiscaux pertinents avec les États-Unis afin de reconnaître les cotisations aux comptes 401(k) et les cotisations sociales au titre de la Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) (sécurité sociale et assurance-maladie) comme des crédits pour impôt étranger au Canada pour les résidents canadiens employés aux États-Unis peu importe que ces employés travaillent physiquement sur place aux États-Unis, de leur domicile ou selon une formule hybride;
  • Rétablir l’exonération temporaire relativement aux cotisations aux comptes 401(k) et les cotisations sociales au titre de la FICA de manière rétroactive au 1er janvier 2022 en attendant que l’on mette à jour les lois fiscales du Canada et tout traité fiscal pertinent avec les États-Unis pour tenir compte de la réalité continue du travail à domicile et des modalités de travail hybrides.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for voicing their concerns about Windsor-Essex commuters.  In general, the purpose of tax treaties is to promote trade and investment by eliminating double taxation barriers while preventing tax avoidance and evasion. Following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Model Tax Convention on Income and on Capital, the Canada-U.S. Tax Convention addresses the income tax aspects of the broad range of commercial, industrial, financial and other activities that occur in the cross-border context. There are a number of issues that will be raised in the next round of negotiations with the United States. It is likely that provisions relating to cross-border workers will be included in the list of issues. 
États-Unis d'AmériqueImpôt sur le revenu des particuliersPolitique fiscale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01521441-01521 (Affaires sociales et égalité)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB8 juin 202316 août 202322 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, résidents du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les personnes âgées du Canada devraient être une priorité pour nous tous;
  • Il existe des programmes qui viennent en aide aux personnes âgées du Canada, comme la Sécurité de la vieillesse et le Supplément du revenu garanti, ainsi que d’autres programmes d’aide financière publics et privés qui veillent à ce que les aînés disposent de ressources financières;
  • Les gouvernements et les groupes de soutien aux personnes âgées encouragent et fournissent souvent des programmes de soutien comme le programme Nouveaux Horizons, qui offre des subventions, ou les groupes Age and Opportunity, qui fournissent des services;
  • Les gouvernements de tous les ordres doivent travailler ensemble sur des questions comme les soins de longue durée et la santé mentale des aînés;
  • Il importe que les dirigeants de nos communautés reconnaissent l’importance de soutenir nos aînés qui continuent de contribuer à notre société, quelle que soit leur disposition personnelle.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions les députés de promouvoir et de défendre les besoins de nos aînés.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThe Government of Canada is committed to supporting Canadians, including seniors, through the development of policies, programs, and initiatives that promote the health, wellbeing, and quality of life of older adults, and through addressing issues in long-term care.Canadians ultimately want to age at home or in their community, close to family and loved ones. That is why the Federal Government is providing $6 billion over ten years, starting in 2017, for provinces and territories to improve access to home and community care services, including palliative care. As a result of the first five years of this investment, provinces and territories have implemented new initiatives to improve access, better coordinate and integrate care, and support caregivers to help more Canadians receive the care and services they need so that they may remain at home longer. Details of the bilateral agreements, including how the funding is being spent, can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/transparency/health-agreements/shared-health-priorities.html.The Government of Canada also supports and promotes various international initiatives related to aging and health, including the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021-2030), as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) Age-Friendly Communities Model. An age-friendly community is one that is designed to help seniors live safely, enjoy good health and stay involved. In an age-friendly community, structures and services are adapted to the needs of older people. These efforts continue to grow around the world and in Canada, where we now have over 1,400 communities across the country working to become more age-friendly. The Prime Minister has tasked the Minister of Health, in the context of the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing, with working to promote seniors’ physical and mental health to enable them to live longer at home. This includes supporting the Minister of Seniors in their work to establish an expert panel to provide recommendations for establishing an Aging at Home Benefit.The Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health have asked the National Seniors Council to serve as an expert panel to examine measures, including a potential aging at home benefit, to further support Canadians who wish to age within the comfort of their own homes. Just recently, the National Seniors Council held an online consultation inviting Canadians and stakeholders to share their lived experiences and views on ways to support Canadians in aging at home. Over 12,000 respondents provided invaluable input that will inform the Government’s work on this issue. A report containing recommendations for federal consideration on potential ways to enhance current measures or introduce new ones, including a potential new benefit, is scheduled to be submitted, by the National Seniors Council, to Ministers in September 2023.The COVID-19 pandemic has also tragically exposed long-standing issues affecting long-term care facilities across the country. While the provision of long-term care falls under the jurisdiction of the provinces and territories, the Federal Government is working collaboratively with provinces and territories to improve the quality and availability of long-term care and to support training and better wages for personal support workers. The Minister of Health’s most recent mandate letter reiterates the Government’s commitment to ensuring seniors get the care they deserve. This commitment builds on past efforts to support long-term care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.In January 2023, the Government of Canada welcomed the release of complementary, independent long-term care standards from CSA Group and the Health Standards Organization (HSO). Together, the standards focus on the delivery of safe, reliable, and high-quality long-term care services, safe operating practices, and infection prevention and control measures in long-term care homes.The standards complement the Government of Canada’s collaborative work with provinces and territories to help support improvements in long-term care. Budget 2021 announced a $3 billion investment, starting in 2022-23, to support provinces and territories in their efforts to ensure standards for long-term care are applied and permanent changes are made. This funding will help support workforce stability, including through wage top-ups and improvements to workplace conditions (e.g., staff to patient ratios, hours of work) and strengthened enforcement (e.g., enhanced inspection and enforcement capacity, quality, and safety improvements to meet standards), including through accreditation and regular inspections. The Federal Government will work collaboratively with provinces and territories to flow this funding as part of our collective efforts to make sure that seniors and others in care settings live in safe and dignified conditions. Action plans for this funding are in development by provinces and territories.Delivery of long-term care services is a provincial and territorial responsibility. Given the constitutional division of powers, the Federal Government cannot impose national standards on provinces and territories, or directly on long-term care facilities, but the funding agreements allow all to work together to prioritize the uptake and adherence to the standards.The Government of Canada is also looking at developing a Safe Long-Term Care Act to help ensure seniors get the care they deserve, while respecting provincial and territorial jurisdiction. The Government of Canada has initiated consultations and engagement with stakeholders and Canadians on a principles-based Safe Long-Term Care Act.In addition, Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to an increase in health care funding of close to $200 billion over ten years, including $46.2 billion in new funding for provinces and territories. The plan emphasizes the key federal health priorities:
  • Access to family health services;
  • Building a resilient health workforce and addressing backlogs;
  • Access to mental health and substance use services;
  • Modernizing the health system through digital health and health data; and,
  • Helping Canadians age with dignity
This new funding includes a federal investment of $1.7 billion over five years to support hourly wage increases for personal support workers and related professions, as federal, provincial, and territorial governments work together on how best to support recruitment and retention.The Federal Government has also responded to address immediate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in long-term care facilities in a number of other ways:
  • In the 2020 Fall Economic Statement, the Federal Government announced the creation of a new Safe Long-Term Care Fund. This fund transferred $1 billion to the provinces and territories to protect people living and working in long-term care;
  • The Safe Restart Agreement provided provincial and territorial governments with over $19 billion to help them restart the economy, while making Canada more resilient to future surges in cases of COVID-19. This included $740 million in funding to support our most vulnerable populations through infection prevention and control measures to protect those in LTC and those receiving home care and palliative care;
  • Funding totalling $10.7 million to Healthcare Excellence Canada, enabling more than 1 500 long-term care facilities and retirement homes across Canada to implement best practices for preventing and addressing COVID-19 infection;
  • Workforce supports from the Canadian Armed Forces and Canadian Red Cross in long-term care facilities;
  • Public Health Agency of Canada Guidance on infection prevention and control and patient care in long-term care / home care during the pandemic;
  • Enhanced supply and coordination of personal protective equipment;
  • Procurement and coordination support for rapid testing and vaccines; and,
  • Programs coordinated by Employment and Social Development Canada for training and work placements for personal support worker interns.
Federal investments of $24 million from 2019 to 2021 and $29.8 million from 2021 to 2027 (through Budget 2021) will advance the Government’s Action Plan on Palliative Care and lay a better foundation for coordinated action on supportive care needs. This funding complements federal investments of $6 billion over ten years to provinces and territories for home and community care, including palliative care, under the Common Statement of Principles on Shared Health Priorities.The Action Plan on Palliative Care lays out Health Canada’s multi-year plan to tackle issues identified in the Framework on Palliative Care in Canada. Actions include: raising awareness of the importance of palliative care; providing public education on grief; improving palliative care skills and supports for health care providers, families, caregivers, and communities; enhancing data collection and research; and, improving access to culturally sensitive palliative care.Seniors deserve to be safe, respected, and live in dignity. The Federal Government continues to work in collaboration with provinces and territories to ensure seniors get the care they deserve, foster aging at home, and increase the resilience of long-term care facilities in order to prevent and mitigate challenges, including COVID-19.Our Government also has an important role to play in supporting evidence-based best practices to promote healthy aging. In 2018, the Government of Canada invested $75 million for the Healthy Seniors Pilot Project in New Brunswick. This project is examining how governments can better support seniors in their homes, communities, and care facilities. The projects supported by this initiative are addressing a wide range of issues related to the health of older people.Dementia is also having a significant and growing impact in Canada. In 2019-2020, nearly 474 000 Canadians aged 65 and older were living with diagnosed dementia. This number is expected to rise as Canada’s aging population increases. The Government of Canada is addressing these impacts, such as through its 2019 release of the first national dementia strategy, A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Aspire. The Government of Canada is supporting the strategy’s implementation through investments in research, awareness raising, guidance, surveillance, and community-based projects. Furthermore, Budget 2022 provided $30 million over three years, starting in 2022-23, to the Public Health Agency of Canada, for the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation to help accelerate innovations in brain health and aging. Budget 2022 also provided $20 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to increase efforts to learn more about dementia and brain health, to improve treatment and outcomes for persons living with dementia, and to evaluate and address mental health consequences for caregivers and different models of care.The commitment to support the mental health of Canadians, including seniors, is reflected in a number of ongoing investments. Through Budget 2017, the Government is investing $5 billion over ten years (2017-2027) with provinces and territories to support increased access to mental health and substance use services.The Government is also continuing to work with partners and stakeholders to develop National Standards for Mental Health and Substance Use Health Services. Once developed and voluntarily implemented, standards will help to support an evidence-based framework for service delivery that the public, service providers, and policy makers can rely on.The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected older adults who continue to experience a range of negative impacts as a result of the pandemic and has necessitated an increased need for mental health supports. To support older Canadians, Budget 2021 provided $100 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including older adults.As Canada heads into post-pandemic recovery, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions is committed to ensuring that all Canadians have access to mental health and substance use health supports when they need them. This is reflected in the Minister’s mandate letter, which calls for mental health care to be treated as a full and equal part of our universal health care system.To this end, and building on previous Budget 2017 investments, Budget 2023 highlighted the government's plan to provide close to $200 billion over ten years in health transfers, including $25 billion over ten years through a new set of bilateral agreements to address individual provincial and territorial health system needs, such as expanding access to family health services, supporting health workers and reducing backlogs, increasing mental health and substance use support, and modernizing health systems.The Government of Canada will continue to engage with key partners and stakeholders to build evidence, raise awareness, and develop resources on key seniors’ health issues. All of these commitments and investments in mental health, healthy aging, dementia, home care and long-term care ensure a better future for Canadians.
Response by the Minister of Labour and SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherThe Government of Canada values the many contributions that seniors have made and continue to make to our country, our communities, our workplaces and our families. The government is delivering on a number of commitments to provide support to Canadian seniors, to ensure their financial security, social inclusion, well-being and quality of life.While the percentage of seniors living in poverty decreased from 7% in 2015 to 5.6% in 2021, we know that some seniors still struggle to make ends meet. This is why our government has taken action to reduce poverty for all Canadians, including seniors. In 2018, the Government introduced Opportunity for All – Canada’s First Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Strategy offers a bold vision for Canada without poverty. It also sets poverty reduction targets for all Canadians, including seniors, based on Canada’s Official Poverty Line: a 20% reduction in poverty by 2020 and a 50% reduction in poverty by 2030, relative to 2015 levels. The Government’s poverty reduction efforts are already showing positive effects. According to the 2021 Canadian Income Survey, the poverty rate was 7.4% in 2021, down from 14.5% in 2015. This represents a 49% decrease in poverty compared to 2015, the baseline year for Canada’s legislated poverty reduction targets. Between 2015 and 2021, over 2.3 million Canadians were lifted out of poverty.The Government supports seniors through a strong and stable retirement income system consisting of three pillars that Canadians can count on to be there today and into the future.  The first pillar is the residence-based, monthly Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the income-tested Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for low-income seniors. Benefits under the OAS program include the OAS pension, which is paid to all persons aged 65 or over who meet the residence requirements, the GIS for low-income seniors, and the Allowances for low-income Canadians aged 60 to 64 who are the spouses or common-law partners of GIS recipients, or who are widows or widowers.The second pillar is the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), a social insurance program that is funded by the contributions of employees, employers and self-employed persons, and by the revenue earned on CPP investments. It covers virtually all employed and self-employed persons in Canada, excluding Quebec, which operates its own comprehensive plan, the Québec Pension Plan. The intent of the CPP is to provide contributors and their families with minimum basic income replacement upon the retirement, disability or death of a wage earner. As an income replacement program, the amounts of CPP benefits are generally based on each earner’s contributions to the CPP over their lifetime. While primarily a retirement plan, the CPP also provides supplementary disability and survivor benefits, which reflect the social insurance nature of the Plan and are not a direct return on contributions.The OAS and CPP work together to provide a stable base upon which individuals can add income from private third pillar measures, such as employer-sponsored pension plans, registered retirement savings plans, tax-free savings accounts and other personal savings and investments, to address their particular financial circumstances.To ensure that they retain their value over time, OAS benefits are reviewed four times per year (in January, April, July and October) and CPP benefits are reviewed annually (in January) in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures the price of a typical “basket” of goods and services, such as food, shelter, gas and clothing, commonly purchased by Canadian households. The quarterly indexation provides benefit increases to recipients when prices go up. In addition, the Old Age Security Act and the Canada Pension Plan each contain a guarantee ensuring that benefits can never go down, even in the event of a decline in the CPI.The Government of Canada remains committed to improving the income security of seniors and continues to seek ways to strengthen the OAS program, as demonstrated by a broad range of measures taken since 2015:
  • Budget 2016 restored the age of eligibility for the OAS pension and the GIS from 67 back to 65, putting thousands of dollars back in the pockets of future Canadian seniors.
  • In July 2016, the GIS was increased by up to $947 per year for the lowest-income single seniors, benefiting close to 900,000 vulnerable seniors across Canada. This measure, along with other government initiatives and changes to the economy, lifted an estimated 45,000 seniors out of poverty.
  • In December 2017, the Government launched automatic enrolment to the GIS. Seniors who are automatically enrolled for the OAS pension are now automatically enrolled for the GIS without ever having to complete an application.
  • In Budget 2019, the Government enhanced the GIS earnings exemption so that low-income seniors who work are able to keep more of what they earn. As of July 2020, the enhanced exemption applies to both employment and self-employment income and provides a full exemption on up to $5,000 of annual earnings, as well as a 50% exemption on the next $10,000 of earnings. This means that low-income seniors who work can keep more of their benefits.
The Government has also introduced several measures to protect seniors’ financial security during the COVID-19 pandemic. These included, in 2020, a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the OAS pension, with an additional tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible for the GIS. This measure provided a total of $500 to low-income seniors who received both the OAS pension and the GIS. Allowance recipients also received $500.In Budget 2021, the Government committed to moving forward with investments that give Canadian seniors a better quality of life, including stronger financial security. In July 2022, the Government increased the OAS pension by 10% for seniors aged 75 or over. This increase was designed to address the increased vulnerability that seniors face as the age. As seniors get older, they tend to have lower income, and often face higher health-related expenses because of the onset of illness or disability. This is especially true for those 75 and older. This vulnerability is further compounded by a reduced ability to supplement their income with paid work, the risk of outliving personal savings, and the risk of widowhood. That is why the Government took action to make life more affordable for Canadians as they age.Budget 2021 also committed $90 million to support seniors in their homes through the Age Well at Home initiative. The timeframe for this initiative was recently extended to the end of fiscal year 2025-26.The Age Well at Home initiative will provide funding to seniors-serving organizations for local, regional and national projects which will allow for the discovery of new approaches and learnings. Projects funded under the In-Home Support Pilot Projects stream will test the extent to which volunteers can be mobilized to provide local practical supports such as meals, housekeeping, and yard work to help low-income and otherwise vulnerable seniors age at home. Projects funded under the Scaling Up for Seniors stream will expand services that have already demonstrated positive results in helping seniors age at home. Organizations that serve seniors had the opportunity to apply to two competitive funding processes, one for each stream, in June 2022.The New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) supports the Government of Canada’s overarching social goals to enhance the quality of life, and promote the full participation of individuals, including seniors, in all aspects of Canadian society.The Program helps to ensure that seniors can benefit from and contribute to the quality of life in their communities. The NHSP promotes volunteerism among seniors and other generations; engages seniors in the community through mentoring of others; expands awareness of elder abuse, including financial abuse; supports social participation and inclusion of seniors; and provides capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.The NHSP reinforces that seniors are valuable assets to communities. By empowering seniors and encouraging them to share their knowledge, skills and experience with others in the community, theNHSP enhances seniors’ social well-being and community vitality. Seniors today contribute to their community, organizations and broader society by volunteering, participating in, and leading community activities. Since 2004, the NHSP has funded more than 36,500 projects with a total investment of more than $780 million.The 2022-2023 NHSP community-based call for proposals funded more than 3000 community projects with an investment of over $61M.To help seniors and all Canadians get the dental care they need, Budget 2023 committed to provide $13.0 billion over five years, starting in 2023-24, and $4.4 billion ongoing to Health Canada to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). The plan will provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000, with no co-pays for those with family incomes under $70,000. The plan will begin rolling out by the end of 2023 and will be administered by Health Canada, with support from a third-party benefits administrator. These investments build on the launch of the Canada Dental Benefits for children last year and will help seniors see a dentist when they need to and make their life more affordable.Addressing the issues faced by seniors is not only about the action of governments. Meaningful contributions are needed from a broad coalition of stakeholders. The Government receives valuable advice from a number of partners and stakeholders to inform its work. For example, the National Seniors Council, established in 2007, provides advice to the federal government, through the Minister of Seniors and Minister of Health, on matters related to the well-being, quality of life and health of seniors. The Minister of Seniors and the Minister of Health have asked the National Seniors Council to serve as an expert panel to examine measures, including a potential aging at home benefit, to further support Canadians who wish to age within the comfort of their own homes. Just recently, the National Seniors Council held an online consultation inviting Canadians and stakeholders to share their lived experiences and views on ways to support Canadians in aging at home. Over 12,000 respondents provided invaluable input that will inform the government’s work on this issue. A report containing recommendations for federal consideration on potential ways to enhance current measures or introduce new ones, including a potential new benefit, is scheduled to be submitted by the National Seniors Council to Ministers in September 2023.Additionally, through the FPT Seniors Forum, federal, provincial and territorial ministers and officials discuss issues of importance to seniors, share information on seniors’ wellbeing, and undertake initiatives to advance issues of common concern. In 2021, FPT Ministers responsible for seniors approved the following priorities for the FPT Seniors Forum 2022-2025 work cycle: the role of technology to enhance aging in place; senior abuse: during the pandemic and beyond; and supportive housing for a diverse senior’s population. Ministers also approved the continuation of carry-over work on ageism. Most recently, FPT Ministers responsible for seniors met on April 25-26, 2023, in Toronto, Ontario. In addition to approving reports flowing from consultations on ageism and an analysis of gaps and challenges in preventing and responding to the mistreatment of older adults during the pandemic, they discussed measures to address affordability and cost-of-living issues for seniors and received a presentation from Ontario showcasing housing innovations to support aging.The Government looks forward to continuing to work with the National Seniors Council, provinces, territories and other key stakeholders to support Canada’s seniors of today and tomorrow.  
Personnes âgéesPrestations sociales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01520441-01520 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC8 juin 202316 août 202320 mars 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Les enfants nés en 2020 seront confrontés en moyenne à 2 à 7 fois plus d’événements climatiques extrêmes que leurs grands-parents;Selon un rapport publié en 2021 dans The Lancet, 83 % des enfants du monde entier pensent que les générations précédentes n’ont pas su prendre soin de la planète;Les personnes les plus touchées par le changement climatique sont les jeunes générations, car ce sont elles qui subiront les pires effets de la crise; Le dialogue avec les jeunes s’est avéré crucial pour lutter efficacement contre le changement climatique et élaborer des politiques;Cependant, des dizaines de décisions liées au climat sont prises sans l’avis des jeunes; Les statistiques du monde entier montrent que si les jeunes prenaient ces décisions, la représentation au Parlement serait différente; Les enfants de moins de 18 ans n’ont pas le droit de vote et n’ont donc pas de voix légale et ne peuvent pas s’exprimer librement. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :1. D’exiger que tous les députés, quel que soit leur allégeance politique, consultent la direction d’une école secondaire ou primaire, un conseil étudiant ou un groupe de jeunes environnementalistes de leur circonscription (c’est-à-dire des représentants de jeunes de moins de 18 ans), avant que le Parlement ne procède à la deuxième lecture de tout projet de loi ayant une incidence directe sur les émissions de gaz à effet de serre du Canada;2. L’objectif de la consultation est d’écouter les points de vue des personnes directement concernées par le projet de loi en question, mais qui ne sont pas encore représentées au Parlement.
Response by the Leader of the Government in the House of CommonsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThank you for raising this important issue. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting our natural environment, fighting climate change, and making Canada more resilient to the threats posed by extreme weather. Canadians depend on our natural environment for jobs, clean air and water, and for a sense of place in the world. However, the risks to our environment have never been greater. Climate change threatens nature, our communities, and our economy.For these reasons, the Government of Canada has taken significant action to protect the environment, conserve nature and biodiversity, and respond to the threat of climate change. The Government has established a federal pollution pricing system, established the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan that outlines a sector-by-sector roadmap to achieve Canada’s 2030 target of 40-45 per cent reduction in emissions, put Canada on a path to planting two billion trees, released its first National Adaptation Strategy, and has worked with provinces and territories towards a goal of zero plastic waste by 2030.The Government of Canada recognizes that youth have a critical role to play in climate action. They are important agents of change, with innovative ways of thinking. Canada’s Youth Policy and the State of the Youth Report identify Environment and Climate Action as a key priority for youth. The Government of Canada considers the youth perspective as vital to ensuring that the country's transition to a prosperous and low-carbon future is sustainable and inclusive. Established in August 2022, the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council is a group of 10 young Canadians who are passionate about protecting the environment and taking climate action. In its first six months, the Youth Council members have contributed to and participated in UNFCCC COP27 in Egypt and the Convention on Biodiversity COP15 in Montreal, and have advised the government on policy issues, including the National Adaptation Strategy and climate communications.Strategic environmental assessments are also a mandatory part of the policy and legislative development process. These assessments help to ensure all public policies and strategic decisions made by the Government of Canada are guided by the potential impact on the environment. In carrying out the assessments, the Government will consider the scope and nature of likely environmental effects, the need for mitigation to reduce or eliminate adverse effects and take into consideration any adverse environmental effects and mitigation that may be required.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteConsultation du publicJeunes gens
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01517441-01517 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 juin 202316 août 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted for that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, applicants may be eligible for relief, on a case-by-case basis, using mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01514441-01514 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 juin 202316 août 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01510441-01510 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB5 juin 202316 août 202326 mai 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Des responsables turcs, pakistanais et bahreïniens ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre des milliers de Turcs, y compris huit Turco-Canadiens;
  • Des responsables turcs ont causé des centaines de morts, dont le meurtre sous la torture de Gokhan Acikkollu;
  • Des responsables turcs ont détenu illégalement plus de 300 000 personnes, dont des procureurs et des juges, sans fournir de motif;
  • Plusieurs groupes de défense des droits internationaux de la personne ont confirmé que de graves violations des droits de la personne ont lieu en Turquie.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Suivre de près la situation des droits de la personne en Turquie;2) Imposer des sanctions aux douze responsables turcs qui ont commis de graves violations des droits de la personne contre huit Canadiens et ont provoqué la mort de leur ami Gokhan Acikkollu;3) Presser les gouvernements turc, pakistanais et bahreïnien de faire cesser toutes les violations des droits de la personne qui se produisent dans leurs pays respectifs.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and international engagement.Canada is strongly committed to working with governments, as well as multilateral and non-governmental organizations, to promote inclusive and accountable governance around the world. Canada is consistently a strong voice for the protection of human rights and the advancement of democratic values.Canada’s leadership in the fight against arbitrary detention demonstrates its steadfast commitment to upholding universal human rights and the rules-based international order.The Government of Canada maintains an active and open dialogue with the Turkish, Pakistani and Bahraini Governments concerning human rights, as part of Canada’s commitment to promote democracy and uphold human rights and the rule of law globally.Global Affairs Canada officials met with the Turkish families that reported of their arrest in Pakistan and Bahrain and eventual detention in Türkiye, before moving to Canada. Global Affairs Canada officials have also received a submission from these families, requesting sanctions against specific Turkish officials in relation to their previous detention in Türkiye.Canada is judicious when it chooses to deploy sanctions and is committed to their effective and coordinated use, when appropriate. Canada remains committed to playing a leadership role in the preservation and strengthening of an international rules-based order – sanctions are a key component of this approach. We also consider the broader political and international contexts when deciding whether sanctions or any other tools in Canada’s foreign policy toolbox may be an appropriate response.Sanctions are an important complement to Canada’s foreign policy tools for maintaining and restoring international peace and security, combatting corruption, and promoting respect for norms and values, including human rights. Canada carefully considers the bilateral consequences that any sanction measures could have. To that end, Global Affairs Canada has established a rigorous due diligence process to consider and evaluate possible cases of human rights violations, corruption or other circumstances that may warrant the use of sanctions. Wherever possible, Canada coordinates closely with likeminded allies, including the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States, to maximize the effectiveness of sanctions.
BahreïnDroits de la personnePakistanPolitique étrangèreTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01508441-01508 (Sécurité publique)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC5 juin 202316 août 202330 mai 2023Pétition au ministre fédéral de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique Nous soussignés, résidents de la Colombie-Britannique et visiteurs de la réserve de parc national Pacific Rim, prions le ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique de rétablir la tour de surveillance et les services de sauvetage destinés aux surfeurs et de prolonger la durée du programme de surveillance des surfeurs, afin de face faire au nombre croissant de visiteurs et de situations d’urgence à Long Beach, dans la réserve de parc national Pacific Rim.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTAs our country's largest natural and cultural tourism provider, Parks Canada is committed to providing visitors with safe and meaningful experiences. When it comes to water safety, Parks Canada recognizes that a regional, multi-faceted approach is required. To achieve this, Parks Canada collaborates with various partners to implement the CoastSmart Program, a regional coastal safety campaign that focuses on prevention messaging for all unsupervised beaches in the region.The Surf Guard program, which ran during the summer months in a popular section of Long Beach, concluded in 2012 as it was no longer aligned with evolving surf and water recreation practices in the region. Water activity now takes place year round in the region, stretching across a broad network of beaches, with activities ranging from surfing, to stand up paddle boarding, storm watching, and more.The Surf Guard program only monitored one section of Long Beach for two-and-a-half months between June and August of the year. With 16 kilometres of beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve’s Long Beach Unit alone, it is not feasible to provide Surf Guard services over such a dispersed area and throughout the year.Pacific Rim National Park Reserve aligns with all surf beaches on the Pacific Coast of Canada from Sombrio Beach on southern Vancouver Island to North Beach on Haida Gwaii, which are not supervised. It is the responsibility of visitors to assess risks and make informed decisions.The Agency has partnered with Ucluelet and Tofino to raise awareness of water hazards through the CoastSmart program. The public awareness campaign shares the key risks of recreating on or near water, whether surfing, beach walking, or engaging in many other coastal activities. Education is one of the most effective ways to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve provides information to visitors through online platforms, signage, and the Coastal Stewards stationed on Long Beach during the summer. Together, these initiatives help visitors learn about ocean hazards and make informed decisions before and during their visit to the coast.Parks Canada is focusing its efforts on visitor education and incident prevention in collaboration with others. For this reason, Parks Canada will not be reinstating the surf guard program at Long Beach and is working to reduce the risk by addressing risk factors identified by the International Life Saving Federation.   
Pacific Rim réserve de parc national du canadaSauveteurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4270e-4270 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TahirShaaranAliEhsassiWillowdaleLibéralON27 janvier 2023 à 14 h 22 (HAE)28 mars 2023 à 14 h 22 (HAE)31 mai 202316 août 202328 mars 2023Pétition à <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que : Les Hazaras, un groupe ethnique et une minorité religieuse persécutés en Afghanistan, sont confrontés à une escalade d’attaques ciblées, de déplacements forcés, d’exécutions sommaires et d’atrocités de masse aux mains des talibans et de l’État islamique (IS-K); Le 30 septembre 2022, une attaque ciblée au centre éducatif de Kaaj, à Kaboul, a entraîné le massacre de 56 écoliers hazaras – des filles pour la plupart – et en a blessé 114 autres, ce qui a mobilisé les manifestations #StopHazaraGenocide dans 120 villes; Depuis 2002, il y a eu au moins 294 attaques documentées visant des civils hazaras en Afghanistan, dont les attaques de 2020 contre des maternités qui ont tué des nouveau-nés et des mères. Les attaques précédentes visaient des centres éducatifs, des lieux de culte, des clubs sportifs, des routes, des mariages, des funérailles et des manifestations de Hazara; Le 3 septembre 2022, un rapport multipartite du Parlement britannique a conclu : « Les Hazaras courent un risque sérieux de génocide aux mains des talibans et de l’État islamique-Khorasan »; Le 1er décembre 2022, le Dr Gregory Stanton, président fondateur de Genocide Watch, a averti : « Les talibans ont déjà commis un génocide contre les Hazaras lorsqu’ils étaient au pouvoir dans les années 1990 et maintenant, ils commettent à nouveau un génocide contre les Hazaras »; En octobre 2022, deux conseils municipaux de Melbourne, en Australie, ont reconnu le génocide en cours des Hazaras. Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Soutenir les enquêtes du Conseil des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies sur les atrocités commises contre les Hazaras; 2. Augmenter considérablement le nombre de visas pour les Hazaras demandant l’asile au Canada par le biais de programmes d’immigration spéciaux; Reconnaître la vulnérabilité des réfugiés Hazaras en raison des persécutions ethniques et religieuses dont ils font l’objet en Afghanistan et soutenir les réfugiés vulnérables en accordant la priorité aux demandes d’asile et à la réinstallation des Hazaras et en accélérant leur traitement.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.We remain firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of June 12, 2023, we have welcomed 32,745 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.ca.The Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about other potential pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Canada believes that ethnic and religious groups must be represented at all levels of Afghan government and society in order to help address the underlying problems facing the country, the root causes of discrimination, and the enduring legacy left by decades of conflict. Canada has consistently expressed deep concern about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and continues to call for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender. Alongside our international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans.Ethnic and religious groups in Afghanistan have suffered significantly during the past four decades of conflict. Canada closely monitors human rights abuses against ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan. Canada has publicly condemned attacks against the Hazara community in Afghanistan, including the attack on April 19, 2022, against Hazara students in Kabul, and on September 30, 2022, at the Kaaj education center in Kabul that killed more than 50 people, mostly Hazara girls studying for exams. Attacks such as these are reprehensible, and underscore the threats that ethnic and religious minorities, in particular the Hazara community, face in Afghanistan.Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities in Afghanistan, and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including the Hazara community, in every sphere of Afghan society. To this end, Canada welcomes the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and his efforts to document human rights violations in Afghanistan, including those targeting the Hazara community. Canada will also continue to support a strong human rights mandate for the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) to enable UNAMA to monitor, report and advocate for the protection of human rights of all Afghans. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada provided over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of Afghans in Afghanistan and in neighbouring countries. Canada supports a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, with a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. With Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to 22.3 million people and nutrition assistance to 6.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women in Afghanistan in 2022.Moreover, Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals and their families, by the end of 2023. Canada’s commitment remains one of the largest in the world. To date, more than 33,000 Afghans have been welcomed to Canada. As part of our Afghan resettlement programs, Afghan Hazaras may be privately sponsored by groups in Canada or, as a persecuted religious or ethnic minority, may be among those referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees through the humanitarian program for Afghans. The resettlement of vulnerable Afghans is an integral part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It reflects Canada’s commitment to share responsibility for the world’s displaced and persecuted.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01489441-01489 (Santé)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC30 mai 202316 août 20237 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :La crise des opioïdes est l’une des urgences de santé publique les plus meurtrières de notre époque, compte tenu de la vingtaine de décès qu’elle cause chaque jour et de son bilan total de 30 843 morts en six ans et trois mois (de janvier 2016 à mars 2022);La crise des surdoses fait rage.Nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de qualifier la crise des surdoses d’une urgence sanitaire nationale et : De prendre des mesures pour mettre fin aux décès et aux blessures causés par les surdoses; D’élaborer sans attendre avec les provinces et les territoires un plan d’action pancanadien complet en matière de surdoses;De veiller à ce que le plan, quel qu’il soit, tienne compte des réformes que d’autres pays ont pu faire, comme réglementer les drogues pour assurer un approvisionnement sûr, décriminaliser la consommation personnelle, et modifier les politiques et les interventions policières inefficaces en matière de drogues;De veiller à ce que les fonds adéquats soient débloqués et que des programmes appropriés soient mis en place.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $1 billion to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Close to $500 million through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) since 2017 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $45 million to develop national standards for mental health and substance use services, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations and key stakeholders, to address long-standing challenges in the delivery of mental health and substance use services and supports across the country; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada, and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada, and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada, to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $26 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of June 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites offering services has grown from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including: regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and on-the-ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publiqueUrgences sanitaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01476441-01476 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB29 mai 202316 août 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre ce qui suit : Attendu que le Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination a produit son rapport final au début de 2022;Attendu que le rapport demande que le clergé des religions qui ont un point de vue différent de celui du ministère de la Défense nationale sur le genre et la sexualité soit banni en tant qu’aumôniers dans les Forces armées canadiennes; Attendu que le rapport qualifie même les religions canadiennes dominantes de discriminatoires, misogynes et sexistes;Attendu que tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres et les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, ont droit à la liberté de religion garantie par la Charte;Attendu que les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes servent tous les membres des Forces sans distinction de religion, de sexe ou d’orientation sexuelle; Attendu que la discrimination fondée sur la religion est répréhensible et offensante pour les Canadiens.C’est pourquoi nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes :1. De rejeter les recommandations sur l’aumônerie dans les Forces armées canadiennes contenues dans le rapport final du Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination;2. D’affirmer le droit de tous les Canadiens, y compris les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, à la liberté de religion.
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayIn April 2022, the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination released a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure Canada’s military is safe and welcoming for all. Work is underway to assess the implications of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, including those on the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is coordinating an analysis of each recommendation.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s (RCChS) primary goal is the care of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, without exceptions. It is already the expectation that CAF chaplains uphold the values and ethos of the CAF, just like every other member of the military. When chaplains apply for their roles within the chaplaincy, they undergo a rigorous process to assess their ability to provide spiritual support within the context of CAF values. Anyone who successfully makes it through this assessment has demonstrated their ability to provide religious or spiritual counsel to CAF members of all or no faiths, without judgement or exception.To this end, the RCChS continues to embrace CAF values and ethos, and has taken significant steps in the past several years to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, as of 2019, in order to better serve the CAF and represent the religious/spiritual diversity of Canadian society, the RCChS sought to include a wider number of traditions not previously represented in CAF chaplaincy. This resulted in the enrollment of chaplains from Sikh, Buddhist, and Humanist traditions. The RCChS also shifted from the historical requirement of “ordained” status to a more broadly defined status of “credentialed as a faith tradition leader.” In doing so, the RCChS has ensured wider opportunities for women from faith traditions where they cannot be ordained, but who meet qualification standards for CAF chaplaincy as credentialed faith tradition leaders. This is already the case for Roman Catholic and Muslim women, currently serving in the RCChS, and will now be an option for women from other faith traditions.To further promote diversity and inclusion, the RCChS has instituted several new advisor positions, including an Indigenous Advisor, 2SLGBTQi+ Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Advisor, Gender Advisor, and Advisor to the Commander of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and innovate. These advisors play a critical role in providing strategic input and advice to ensure direction and guidance, and programs integrate diverse perspectives with a view to enhancing inclusive engagement on behalf of the RCChS. The CAF continues to take positive steps to ensure that the chaplaincy represents Canadian society and supports the needs of its broader membership.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionForces canadiennesGroupe consultatif du Ministère sur le racisme systémique, la discrimination, notamment le racisme anti-Autochtones et anti-Noirs, les préjugés LGBTQ2+, la discrimination sexuelle et la suprématie blancheServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4268e-4268 (Citoyenneté et immigration)CaitlinGlassonMikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON26 janvier 2023 à 9 h 33 (HAE)26 mai 2023 à 9 h 33 (HAE)29 mai 202316 août 202326 mai 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Le monde devient de plus en plus hostile pour les personnes transgenres et non binaires; Le droit des personnes transgenres et non binaires de vivre leur identité est restreint et retiré dans de nombreux endroits;Cela comprend les prétendues « démocraties occidentales » qui pendant longtemps ont été présumées sûres;Le Royaume-Uni révise actuellement l’Equality Act pour exclure les personnes trans de ses protections;Plus d’une dizaine d’États américains ont adopté des lois qui éliminent ou criminalisent les soins de santé liés à l’affirmation de genre, ou envisagent de le faire;Le Canada s’enorgueillit d’être une société inclusive, tolérante et accueillante pour tous, sans égard à l’identité de genre ou à l’expression de genre.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’étendre le droit de demander l’asile au Canada aux personnes transgenres et non binaires en raison des lois visant à éliminer leurs droits dans leurs pays, peu importe le pays dont il s’agit.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Consistent with its obligations under international conventions to which it is a party, including the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Government of Canada is committed to providing protection to persons who have a well-founded fear of persecution or are at risk of torture, or cruel or unusual punishment in their home countries.The In-Canada Asylum Program is grounded in Canada’s international legal obligations and its national law, including the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), which enshrines Canada’s commitment “to establish fair and efficient procedures that will maintain the integrity of the Canadian refugee protection system, while upholding Canada’s respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all human beings” (outlined in paragraph 3(2)(e) of IRPA). Individuals fleeing persecution for reasons related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC) can already qualify as refugees under the 1951 Convention, specifically as members of a particular social group. In addition to being a reason for persecution under the Convention, SOGIESC can also be an added layer of vulnerability for refugees who fled due to persecution under other grounds.As part of the In-Canada Asylum Program for people making refugee protection claims from within Canada or at a port of entry, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB), the administrative tribunal responsible for determining refugee status, takes into consideration the need for protection from persecution in the individual’s country of origin, including for reasons based on sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. In Canada, asylum was first granted on the basis of persecution as a result of sexual orientation in 1991 and gender identity and expression in 2000.Unless subsequently abandoned or withdrawn, the IRB hears and decides all claims that are referred to it by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This includes claims submitted by transgender and non-binary individuals. Claims are determined by an independent decision maker, based on the law, jurisprudence and the evidence before them. Before granting refugee status, IRB decision makers must determine that a claimant is not able to access protection from their country of origin, and that the claimant does not have a viable and reasonable place elsewhere in their country of origin where they might live free from risk.In 2017, the IRB implemented the Chairperson’s Guideline 9: Proceedings Before the IRB Involving Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression, later revised in late 2021. The Guideline provides decision makers with a set of principles to follow in cases involving claimants with, or who are perceived to have, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and sex characteristics that do not conform to socially accepted norms in a particular cultural environment. This Guideline addresses the difficulties that many SOGIESC individuals claiming asylum face because they do not fit with normative sociocultural views surrounding sexuality, gender identities and gender expressions, and the impact this has on presenting their case. It also has a specific section for trans and intersex individuals. The Chairperson’s Guideline 4: Gender Considerations in Proceedings Before the Immigration and Refugee Board, initially implemented in 1993 and most recently revised in mid 2022, also indicates that "Gender-based violence refers to violence based on gender norms and unequal power dynamics, perpetrated against someone based on their gender, gender expression, gender identity, or perceived gender."The IRB established a Gender-related Task Force (GRTF) in 2020, with specialized and trained decision makers to hear and decide gender-related refugee claims, including SOGIESC claims. The GRTF ensures the respectful, trauma-informed, and consistent adjudication of gender-related claims. Claims are assigned to members on the GRTF based on claim-type and are determined based on evidence, the specific merits of the claim, and in accordance with the law. The IRB also ensures its decision makers receive in-depth practical training, which leverages best practices on trauma-informed adjudication, and regularly reviews its guidelines.Beyond the in-Canada asylum system, in the refugee resettlement context, IRCC relies primarily on the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as well as other recognized referral organizations and private sponsors to identify and refer individuals in need of resettlement, including those who have been persecuted on the basis of their SOGIESC. As announced on June 8, 2023, Canada will be partnering with Rainbow Railroad, an organization based in Canada and the United States that focuses on advocacy and helping LGBTQI+ individuals who seek safe haven from state-sponsored or enabled violence, to refer LGBTQI+ refugees under the Government-Assisted Refugees Program. This new partnership will help increase the number of LGBTQI+ refugees and their families being resettled to Canada overall as it will be in addition to the LGBTQI+ refugees referred by the UNHCR. This will also provide an example for other resettlement countries who are seeking to provide additional protection for the LGBTQI+ community.Canada also supports LGBTQI+ refugees through the Rainbow Refugee Assistance Partnership, a program which assists Canadians privately sponsoring LGBTQI+ refugees fleeing violence and persecution. In 2019, this partnership was expanded, increasing the number of privately sponsored refugees from 15 to 50 refugees per year between 2020 and 2024. The Government of Canada continues to provide the start-up expenses and three months of income support for each privately sponsored refugee case. The monthly income support for the remaining nine months of the sponsorship is provided by the sponsoring group. This partnership encourages more Canadians to support LGBTQI+ refugees and helps to strengthen collaboration between LGBTQI+ organizations and the refugee settlement community in Canada.
Droit d'asileDroits de la personneIdentité de genre et expression de genrePersonnes transgenres
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01473441-01473 (Santé)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC29 mai 202316 août 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • La crise de surdoses qui sévit au Canada est une situation d’urgence sanitaire, comme l’ont déjà déclaré le directeur de la santé publique de la Colombie-Britannique et plusieurs municipalités du Canada;
  • Depuis 2016, on compte plus de 13 900 décès liés aux opioïdes au Canada et 17 050 hospitalisations pour intoxication aux opioïdes;
  • Les Autochtones sont surreprésentés parmi les personnes touchées par la crise des surdoses;
  • L’Association canadienne de santé publique, la Global Commission on Drug Policy, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé et les Nations Unies recommandent de décriminaliser les drogues.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement, de :
  • Déclarer l’état d’urgence sanitaire en raison des décès par surdose qui se produisent au Canada;
  • Redéfinir la crises des surdoses aux Canada comme un enjeu sanitaire plutôt que comme un problème de criminalité;
  • Adopter une stratégie globale et multidimensionnelle face à la crise des surdoses en s’attaquant aux problèmes de toxicomanie, de pauvreté, de logement, de soins de santé, de discrimination raciale, d’inégalité des conditions économiques et d’incertitude économique;
  • Accueillir, en vue d’y donner suite, les recommandations des travailleurs sociaux, des travailleurs de première ligne, des infirmières, des médecins, des consommateurs de drogues et des personnes intervenant directement auprès des toxicomanes;
  • Décriminaliser les drogues au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $1 billion to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Close to $500 million through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) since 2017 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $45 million to develop national standards for mental health and substance use services, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations and key stakeholders, to address long-standing challenges in the delivery of mental health and substance use services and supports across the country; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada, and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada, and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada, to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $26 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of June 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites offering services has grown from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including: regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and on-the-ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023e-4335e-4335 (Affaires sociales et égalité)NadiaEl-MabroukMartinChampouxDrummondBloc QuébécoisQC3 mars 2023 à 14 h 43 (HAE)2 mai 2023 à 14 h 43 (HAE)18 mai 202316 août 20233 mai 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">premier ministre</Addressee>Attendu que :Un poste de représentant religieux répondant directement au premier ministre est contradictoire avec la neutralité religieuse de l’État alors que le mandat de combattre le racisme et la propagande haineuse envers tous les citoyens incombe au Ministère du Patrimoine canadien et à Justice Canada;L’islamophobie est un terme militant, galvaudé, qui confond dans son usage le respect de la personne musulmane avec le respect absolu des préceptes de l’islam;C’est le terme promu par les régimes et les activistes islamistes à travers le monde afin de faire taire toute critique contre des actions menées au nom de l'islam;Il inclut, dans son usage, des actions ou des propos jugés blasphématoires au regard de la religion musulmane, alors que le blasphème n’est pas un délit dans un régime démocratique libéral garantissant la liberté d’expression;Le libellé du poste n’inclut pas la lutte à l’intolérance religieuse qui, au nom de croyances ou textes religieux, incite à la haine;Ce poste risque d’empêcher la critique de l’intégrisme religieux, dont les premières victimes sont les musulmans eux-mêmes, alors que leur pleine liberté de conscience suppose la possibilité de s’opposer à des pratiques religieuses, de changer de religion ou de ne plus en avoir;Le Canada dispose déjà des outils législatifs nécessaires pour lutter contre la haine, sous toutes ces formes;Nous soussignés, Canadiens et Canadiennes, Québécois et Québécoises, prions le premier ministre d'abolir le poste de représentant canadien à la lutte contre l’islamophobie.
Response by the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with DisabilitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul ChiangA key component of Canada’s multiculturalism policy, as reflected in the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, is a commitment to assist individuals and communities of all origins with the elimination of any barrier to full participation in Canadian society. Systemic racism and religious discrimination, of all forms, are examples of such barriers, and ultimately hinder inclusion in Canadian society.While all forms of religious discrimination need to be addressed, the increase in incidents against Muslim communities in Canada cannot be ignored. Data gathered by Statistics Canada on police-reported hate crimes, shows that Muslims in Canada are disproportionally targeted in racist and hateful incidents, with a 71% increase in hate-based crimes in 2021 compared to the previous year. Over the past few years, we have also seen horrific acts of anti-Muslim hate and violence, such as the attack at the mosque in Quebec City that killed six Muslim men and injured many more, the murder of a mosque caretaker in Toronto, and the murder of four members of a Muslim family in London, Ontario.These hate crimes fueled by Islamophobia in Canada and around the world remind us of the need to show even more boldness, strength, and determination in the fight against Islamophobic hate.The appointment of the Special Representative on Combatting Islamophobia (Special Representative) reflects the calls for action from Muslims across the country, as well as what the Government heard during the National Summit on Islamophobia held in July 2021. The appointment of the Special Representative was made through an open, transparent, and merit-based process. Reporting to the Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, the role will serve as a champion, advisor, expert, and representative to the Canadian government, for the purpose of enhancing efforts to combat Islamophobia and promoting awareness of the diverse and intersectional identities of Muslims in Canada. The Special Representative will collaborate with partners, institutions, and stakeholders to support Canada’s efforts to combat Islamophobia, anti-Muslim hatred, systemic racism, racial discrimination, and religious intolerance. Adopting a human rights-based approach, the Special Representative will support the Government of Canada’s goal to protect human rights, and to advocate for and advance inclusive public policy and respect for diversity.The Government strongly re-affirms its support for the Special Representative, and will continue to fight racism, discrimination, and hate in all its forms as we continue building a country where everyone feels safe and respected.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionIslam et MusulmansNominations politiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01462441-01462 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON17 mai 202316 août 202315 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history.Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022.Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns.When Bill C-21 was introduced, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns in society, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1, 2023 took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measures to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from entering Canada were announced. In addition to proposed amendments, the government also announced its intention to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee, and through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada.On May 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) adopted the revised amendments to Bill C-21. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code;  address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; and include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture.Our Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01461441-01461 (Fiscalité)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC17 mai 202316 août 202315 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Lorsque le remboursement de la TPS pour habitations neuves a été instauré en même temps que la TPS en 1991, le gouvernement du Canada s’est engagé à rajuster les seuils d’admissibilité tous les deux ans pour tenir compte de l’augmentation des prix des habitations;
  • Le remboursement de la TPS pour habitations neuves n’a pas été rajusté depuis 1991, année de sa mise en œuvre;
  • L’indice des prix des logements neufs, qui mesure l’évolution des prix des logements nouvellement construits au fil du temps, est passé de 56 en 1991 à 125 aujourd’hui;
  • Le Canada a désespérément besoin de prendre des mesures immédiates pour résoudre le problème de l’abordabilité des logements et construire davantage d’habitations.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’augmenter les seuils d’admissibilité au remboursement de la TPS pour habitations neuves afin de tenir compte de la hausse spectaculaire du coût moyen d’une maison nouvellement construite depuis 1991.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe GST New Housing Rebate entitles a home buyer to recover a percentage of the GST paid on the purchase of a new home.The rebate was introduced at the inception of the GST to result in an effective tax rate for most new housing of approximately 4.5 percent (based on a 7 percent GST rate), consistent with the amount of Federal Sales Tax embedded in the price of new homes prior to 1991.Despite the reduction in the GST rate to 5 percent, the rebate has been maintained. As a result, the effective tax rate for new housing currently ranges from as low as 3.2 percent (when the full rebate applies) to as high as 5 percent (when the rebate no longer applies), which is still largely consistent with the original target effective rate of 4.5 percent.
LogementProgramme remboursement de la TPS/TVHTaxe sur les produits et services
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01460441-01460 (Affaires étrangères)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC17 mai 202316 août 202311 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Décret de remise visant des marchandises de l’Ukraine a été mis en œuvre le 9 juin 2022 pour une période d’un an;
  • Il couvre toutes les marchandises, y compris les produits assujettis à des contingents tarifaires comme la volaille;
  • La suspension de tous les droits de douane était une mesure sans précédent qui mettait en péril le pilier du contrôle des importations du système de gestion de l’offre;
  • Le Comité permanent de l’agriculture et de l’agroalimentaire de la Chambre des communes a recommandé que le gouvernement s’engage à ne pas renouveler le décret de remise pour les productions assujetties à la gestion de l’offre lorsqu’il arrivera à échéance;
  • Cette mesure temporaire a engendré de grandes incertitudes dans l’industrie de la volaille.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de ne pas renouveler le Décret de remise visant des marchandises de l’Ukraine applicable aux productions assujetties à la gestion de l’offre lorsque ledit décret arrivera à échéance le 9 juin 2023.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Ukraine Goods Remission Order (SOR/2022-127) came into effect on June 9, 2022, for an initial one-year period. The remission Order temporarily remitted customs duties, anti-dumping duties, and countervailing duties applicable to imports of Ukrainian goods, helping to support the Ukrainian economy by increasing exports to Canada.The conflict initiated by Russia continues to have a significant effect on Ukraine’s economy, including its ability to export its goods to other countries, among them Canada. Due to the enduring nature of the conflict and its ongoing repercussions for Ukraine, on June 9, 2023, the government announced that this duty relief for imported Ukrainian goods would be extended for one year, to June 9, 2024. This action is aligned with those of Canada’s allies, including the European Union and the United Kingdom, which extended their own unilateral tariff relief for Ukrainian goods to Spring 2024.Under the extended Order, the scope of goods covered is amended to exclude over-quota supply-managed dairy, poultry and eggs from duty relief after June 9, 2023.
Décret de remiseTarif des douanes et droits de douaneUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01456441-01456 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB15 mai 202316 août 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre ce qui suit : Attendu que le Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination a produit son rapport final au début de 2022;Attendu que le rapport demande que le clergé des religions qui ont un point de vue différent de celui du ministère de la Défense nationale sur le genre et la sexualité soit banni en tant qu’aumôniers dans les Forces armées canadiennes; Attendu que le rapport qualifie même les religions canadiennes dominantes de discriminatoires, misogynes et sexistes;Attendu que tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres et les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, ont droit à la liberté de religion garantie par la Charte;Attendu que les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes servent tous les membres des Forces sans distinction de religion, de sexe ou d’orientation sexuelle; Attendu que la discrimination fondée sur la religion est répréhensible et offensante pour les Canadiens.C’est pourquoi nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes :1. De rejeter les recommandations sur l’aumônerie dans les Forces armées canadiennes contenues dans le rapport final du Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination;2. D’affirmer le droit de tous les Canadiens, y compris les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, à la liberté de religion.
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayIn April 2022, the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination released a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure Canada’s military is safe and welcoming for all. Work is underway to assess the implications of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, including those on the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is coordinating an analysis of each recommendation.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s (RCChS) primary goal is the care of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, without exceptions. It is already the expectation that CAF chaplains uphold the values and ethos of the CAF, just like every other member of the military. When chaplains apply for their roles within the chaplaincy, they undergo a rigorous process to assess their ability to provide spiritual support within the context of CAF values. Anyone who successfully makes it through this assessment has demonstrated their ability to provide religious or spiritual counsel to CAF members of all or no faiths, without judgement or exception.To this end, the RCChS continues to embrace CAF values and ethos, and has taken significant steps in the past several years to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, as of 2019, in order to better serve the CAF and represent the religious/spiritual diversity of Canadian society, the RCChS sought to include a wider number of traditions not previously represented in CAF chaplaincy. This resulted in the enrollment of chaplains from Sikh, Buddhist, and Humanist traditions. The RCChS also shifted from the historical requirement of “ordained” status to a more broadly defined status of “credentialed as a faith tradition leader.” In doing so, the RCChS has ensured wider opportunities for women from faith traditions where they cannot be ordained, but who meet qualification standards for CAF chaplaincy as credentialed faith tradition leaders. This is already the case for Roman Catholic and Muslim women, currently serving in the RCChS, and will now be an option for women from other faith traditions.To further promote diversity and inclusion, the RCChS has instituted several new advisor positions, including an Indigenous Advisor, 2SLGBTQi+ Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Advisor, Gender Advisor, and Advisor to the Commander of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and innovate. These advisors play a critical role in providing strategic input and advice to ensure direction and guidance, and programs integrate diverse perspectives with a view to enhancing inclusive engagement on behalf of the RCChS. The CAF continues to take positive steps to ensure that the chaplaincy represents Canadian society and supports the needs of its broader membership.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionForces canadiennesGroupe consultatif du Ministère sur le racisme systémique, la discrimination, notamment le racisme anti-Autochtones et anti-Noirs, les préjugés LGBTQ2+, la discrimination sexuelle et la suprématie blancheServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01444441-01444 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON11 mai 202316 août 202319 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history.Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022.Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns.When Bill C-21 was introduced, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns in society, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1, 2023 took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measures to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from entering Canada were announced. In addition to proposed amendments, the government also announced its intention to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee, and through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada.On May 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) adopted the revised amendments to Bill C-21. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code;  address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; and include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture.Our Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01443441-01443 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON11 mai 202316 août 202324 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history.Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022.Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns.When Bill C-21 was introduced, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns in society, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1, 2023 took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measures to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from entering Canada were announced. In addition to proposed amendments, the government also announced its intention to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee, and through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada.On May 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) adopted the revised amendments to Bill C-21. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code;  address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; and include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture.Our Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01442441-01442 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON11 mai 202316 août 202324 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history.Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022.Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns.When Bill C-21 was introduced, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns in society, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1, 2023 took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measures to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from entering Canada were announced. In addition to proposed amendments, the government also announced its intention to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee, and through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada.On May 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) adopted the revised amendments to Bill C-21. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code;  address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; and include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture.Our Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 août 2023441-01441441-01441 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON11 mai 202316 août 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history.Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022.Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns.When Bill C-21 was introduced, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns in society, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1, 2023 took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measures to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from entering Canada were announced. In addition to proposed amendments, the government also announced its intention to re-establish the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee, and through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada.On May 12, 2023, the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (SECU) adopted the revised amendments to Bill C-21. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code;  address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; and include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture.Our Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada. This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01595441-01595 (Environnement)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNPDBC21 juin 202319 juillet 202322 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE : les changements climatiques se sont aggravés au point de devenir une urgence climatique mondiale; la planète est en voie de se réchauffer de près de 4 degrés Celsius d’ici 2100 et les phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes se multiplient, entraînant des répercussions de plus en plus graves, que ce soient des inondations, des feux de forêt, des hausses de température, des vagues de chaleur mortelles, de gigantesques tempêtes, la montée du niveau de la mer ou la perturbation des écosystèmes marins et terrestres;afin d’agir pour prévenir de nouveaux changements climatiques catastrophiques, le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) affirme que le consensus scientifique veut que nous agissions immédiatement pour réduire les émissions nettes de gaz à effet de serre anthropiques à 45 % sous les niveaux de 2010 d’ici 2030 et pour atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050;le Canada doit lutter contre cette urgence climatique avec l’ambition et le sentiment d’urgence requis, dans l’intérêt des générations actuelles et futures;les Canadiens vivent des événements climatiques catastrophiques sans précédent au moment où les inégalités socioéconomiques se creusent dans notre société et où près de la moitié de la population canadienne se dit à 200 $ près de la faillite à la fin de chaque mois;les répercussions des changements climatiques menacent la santé physique et mentale (particulièrement celles des jeunes, des personnes âgées et des personnes handicapées), l’environnement qui nous entoure et par conséquent, les aliments que nous consommons, l’approvisionnement en eau à l’échelle mondiale, l’air que nous respirons, les conditions météorologiques et la capacité des collectivités locales de s’adapter à ces changements;les répercussions de l’urgence climatique sont particulièrement graves pour les personnes qui en subissent les conséquences immédiates; les peuples autochtones et les collectivités directement exposées et vulnérables, comme les demandeurs d’asile et les personnes déplacées par les changements climatiques, sont touchés de manière disproportionnée, et les risques pour leur santé sont d’autant plus grands;il est plus urgent que jamais que le Canada réduise ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre et réalise la transition à une économie à faible intensité de carbone face à l’ampleur et à l’urgence de la crise climatique, tout en veillant à ce que tous les peuples autochtones et tous les Canadiens profitent des investissements publics considérables que nécessite une économie à faible intensité de carbone, en particulier dans les rénovations écoénergétiques, le logement abordable, les énergies renouvelables, les infrastructures, les transports en commun, l’assurance médicaments, l’assurance dentaire, les garderies et l’élimination des dettes d’études et des frais de scolarité; la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones et la reconnaissance des droits inhérents, du titre autochtone et des droits issus des traités, dans le respect intégral de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (DNUDPA), doivent être au cœur de l’intervention du Canada en réponse à l’urgence climatique.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer la motion M-1, un « New Deal vert » fait au Canada, la première initiative dont la Chambre des communes est saisie, qui demande au Canada de prendre rapidement des mesures audacieuses et équitables sur le plan social pour lutter contre l’urgence climatique tout en remédiant aux inégalités socioéconomiques et raciales grandissantes, en éliminant les subventions aux combustibles fossiles et les abris fiscaux à l’étranger, en soutenant les travailleurs touchés par la transition et en créant des emplois syndiqués et bien rémunérés dans la nouvelle économie axée sur les énergies propres et renouvelables.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come we must harness the power of a cleaner future.Over the past seven years, the Government of Canada has taken action and committed to invest over $120 billion to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy in December 2020 to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets, based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target as a concrete milestone that improves transparency and accountability on the way to net-zero. The 2030 ERP includes a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, $9.1 billion in new investments, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Achieving Canada’s climate objectives demands that all sectors of the economy continue to decarbonize in a manner that makes cleaner alternatives more affordable and creates new sustainable job opportunities for workers. That’s why the 2030 ERP provides a road map that goes sector-by-sector to identify climate action and strategies. For example, the Government is:
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, while driving down emissions to net-zero by 2040 and boosting climate resiliency through the development of the $150 million Canada Green Buildings Strategy and an additional investment of $458.5 million in the Canada Greener Homes Loans program;
  • Empowering communities to take climate action by expanding the Low Carbon Economy Fund through a $2.2 billion recapitalization, which will include a new $180-million Indigenous Leadership Fund to support emissions reductions projects led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments of $400 million for zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, $1.7 billion to extend the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program to make it more affordable for Canadians to buy and drive new electric light-duty vehicles, and introducing a purchase incentive program of $547.5 million for medium-and heavy-duty vehicles;
  • Positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement the cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Powering the economy with renewable electricity by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and providing $600 million to the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program for additional renewable electricity and grid modernization projects, and $250 million to support predevelopment work of large clean electricity projects;
  • Helping industries to adopt clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) strategy, and establishing an investment tax credit of up to 30 per cent focused on net-zero technologies;
  • Driving further clean technology innovation through a $1 billion investment to create an independent federal innovation and investment agency;
  • Developing of a whole-of-government strategy to strengthen policy coherence and coordination on clean technology and climate innovation;
  • Investing in nature and natural climate solutions by investing an additional $780 million to the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to support projects that conserve, restore and enhance wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands to store and capture carbon; and,
  • Supporting farmers as partners in building a clean, prosperous future through investments in new programs such as the $150 million resilient agricultural landscapes program, and by topping up the Agricultural Climate Solutions: On-Farm Climate Action Fund with $470 million to support key climate mitigation practices and providing $300 million to triple funding for the Agricultural Clean Technology Program.
The 2030 ERP is expected to benefit diverse groups of people in Canada by helping to alleviate the negative impacts of climate change and strengthen Canada’s ability to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan also includes several measures designed to directly benefit communities affected by climate change, and those seeking to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, including those who live in remote and rural communities.The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits and communities across the country work together to meet Canada’s climate objectives, we will identify, catalyze and respond to new opportunities. In addition, progress under the plan will be reviewed in progress reports produced in 2023, 2025, and 2027. Additional targets and plans will be developed for 2035 through to 2050.These commitments aim to increase Canada’s ambition and to reduce the intensity and frequency of climate change-related impacts on the environment such as higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. However, as the country faces increasing record-breaking climate events year after year, on top of slow onset climate impacts, the Government of Canada recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to also adapt and build resilience.To that end, the Government of Canada developed its first National Adaptation Strategy. The Strategy is the product of two years of engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, key experts, stakeholders and partners across Canada. It presents a whole-of-society approach to reducing risk and building climate-resilient communities. The Strategy lays out an agreed-upon framework to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support a strong economy and workers. It also identifies common goals, objectives, and targets to focus the efforts of governments and communities across these key areas and to help ensure future investments are targeted and effective.Similarly, the Government of Canada’s Adaptation Action Plan (GOCAAP), released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, outlines the federal contribution to achieving Canada’s climate change adaptation goals. The GOCAAP highlights more than 70 new and ongoing federal actions to help meet Canada’s adaptation priorities, and to address both the short-term and long-term climate change issues and risks facing Canadians.Starting in 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $6.5 billion in adaptation, including $2 billion in commitments since fall 2022 to implement the National Adaptation Strategy and support other adaptation-related activities.In the coming months, the federal government will work with provinces and territories to advance bilateral action plans as a key step to implementing the Strategy. Likewise, the government will work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis on a regional and distinctions basis through the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda which supports self-determined Indigenous climate actions.As the Government of Canada continues to implement the commitments set out in its plans, it is doing so in collaboration with its partners. The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to advance shared priorities that will further lower emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including on a regional and bilateral basis. The Government of Canada fulfills this commitment by working with provinces and territories to tailor approaches and actions that are focused on climate change and green economic recovery. Collaboration with all levels of government, Indigenous peoples, experts, industry, the financial sector, stakeholders, and Canadians is a key component of the 2030 ERP and the National Adaptation Strategy.The Government of Canada also collaborates with Indigenous partners on climate action and recognizes that Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable populations to a rapidly changing environment. To help support Indigenous peoples advance their climate priorities and adapt to the changing climate, the Government of Canada is committed to renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown and Government-to-Government relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. The Government of Canada also supports without qualification the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent. Supporting self-determined climate action is critical to advancing Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.Canada maintains strong partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners on their climate change priorities through distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council. These partnerships have meant that, since the launch of the Pan-Canadian Framework in 2016, Indigenous partners have worked directly with Canada to identify ways for policies and programs to better support Indigenous peoples and their climate priorities. More than five years later, the tables continue to demonstrate the benefits of sustained collaboration. For instance, the tables were instrumental in ensuring that Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan (December 2020), the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, and Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy respond to Indigenous climate priorities.Investments in Indigenous climate change action have been important to advancing self-determined priorities of Indigenous peoples. Since the release of the Strengthened Climate Plan, Canada has committed more than $1.3 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities to transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience of health systems, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the Pan-Canadian Framework, as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients.Most recently, in the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to advance discussions with Indigenous peoples to develop and implement a model of partnership for climate action that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous Knowledge systems in national climate policy.Looking forward, the transition to a cleaner future will bring new opportunities across our labour force, but also some challenges for those that will need to pivot to new jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities as the world moves to a low carbon future. To seize these opportunities, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in skills and training to build on the agility and resilience of Canada’s workforce and ensure that it is equipped with the range of skills required to deliver on this ambition.      
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01594441-01594 (Environnement)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNPDBC21 juin 202319 juillet 202326 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE : les changements climatiques se sont aggravés au point de devenir une urgence climatique mondiale; la planète est en voie de se réchauffer de près de 4 degrés Celsius d’ici 2100 et les phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes se multiplient, entraînant des répercussions de plus en plus graves, que ce soient des inondations, des feux de forêt, des hausses de température, des vagues de chaleur mortelles, de gigantesques tempêtes, la montée du niveau de la mer ou la perturbation des écosystèmes marins et terrestres;afin d’agir pour prévenir de nouveaux changements climatiques catastrophiques, le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) affirme que le consensus scientifique veut que nous agissions immédiatement pour réduire les émissions nettes de gaz à effet de serre anthropiques à 45 % sous les niveaux de 2010 d’ici 2030 et pour atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050;le Canada doit lutter contre cette urgence climatique avec l’ambition et le sentiment d’urgence requis, dans l’intérêt des générations actuelles et futures;les Canadiens vivent des événements climatiques catastrophiques sans précédent au moment où les inégalités socioéconomiques se creusent dans notre société et où près de la moitié de la population canadienne se dit à 200 $ près de la faillite à la fin de chaque mois;les répercussions des changements climatiques menacent la santé physique et mentale (particulièrement celles des jeunes, des personnes âgées et des personnes handicapées), l’environnement qui nous entoure et par conséquent, les aliments que nous consommons, l’approvisionnement en eau à l’échelle mondiale, l’air que nous respirons, les conditions météorologiques et la capacité des collectivités locales de s’adapter à ces changements;les répercussions de l’urgence climatique sont particulièrement graves pour les personnes qui en subissent les conséquences immédiates; les peuples autochtones et les collectivités directement exposées et vulnérables, comme les demandeurs d’asile et les personnes déplacées par les changements climatiques, sont touchés de manière disproportionnée, et les risques pour leur santé sont d’autant plus grands;il est plus urgent que jamais que le Canada réduise ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre et réalise la transition à une économie à faible intensité de carbone face à l’ampleur et à l’urgence de la crise climatique, tout en veillant à ce que tous les peuples autochtones et tous les Canadiens profitent des investissements publics considérables que nécessite une économie à faible intensité de carbone, en particulier dans les rénovations écoénergétiques, le logement abordable, les énergies renouvelables, les infrastructures, les transports en commun, l’assurance médicaments, l’assurance dentaire, les garderies et l’élimination des dettes d’études et des frais de scolarité; la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones et la reconnaissance des droits inhérents, du titre autochtone et des droits issus des traités, dans le respect intégral de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (DNUDPA), doivent être au cœur de l’intervention du Canada en réponse à l’urgence climatique.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer la motion M-1, un « New Deal vert » fait au Canada, la première initiative dont la Chambre des communes est saisie, qui demande au Canada de prendre rapidement des mesures audacieuses et équitables sur le plan social pour lutter contre l’urgence climatique tout en remédiant aux inégalités socioéconomiques et raciales grandissantes, en éliminant les subventions aux combustibles fossiles et les abris fiscaux à l’étranger, en soutenant les travailleurs touchés par la transition et en créant des emplois syndiqués et bien rémunérés dans la nouvelle économie axée sur les énergies propres et renouvelables.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come we must harness the power of a cleaner future.Over the past seven years, the Government of Canada has taken action and committed to invest over $120 billion to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy in December 2020 to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets, based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target as a concrete milestone that improves transparency and accountability on the way to net-zero. The 2030 ERP includes a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, $9.1 billion in new investments, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Achieving Canada’s climate objectives demands that all sectors of the economy continue to decarbonize in a manner that makes cleaner alternatives more affordable and creates new sustainable job opportunities for workers. That’s why the 2030 ERP provides a road map that goes sector-by-sector to identify climate action and strategies. For example, the Government is:
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, while driving down emissions to net-zero by 2040 and boosting climate resiliency through the development of the $150 million Canada Green Buildings Strategy and an additional investment of $458.5 million in the Canada Greener Homes Loans program;
  • Empowering communities to take climate action by expanding the Low Carbon Economy Fund through a $2.2 billion recapitalization, which will include a new $180-million Indigenous Leadership Fund to support emissions reductions projects led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments of $400 million for zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, $1.7 billion to extend the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program to make it more affordable for Canadians to buy and drive new electric light-duty vehicles, and introducing a purchase incentive program of $547.5 million for medium-and heavy-duty vehicles;
  • Positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement the cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Powering the economy with renewable electricity by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and providing $600 million to the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program for additional renewable electricity and grid modernization projects, and $250 million to support predevelopment work of large clean electricity projects;
  • Helping industries to adopt clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) strategy, and establishing an investment tax credit of up to 30 per cent focused on net-zero technologies;
  • Driving further clean technology innovation through a $1 billion investment to create an independent federal innovation and investment agency;
  • Developing of a whole-of-government strategy to strengthen policy coherence and coordination on clean technology and climate innovation;
  • Investing in nature and natural climate solutions by investing an additional $780 million to the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to support projects that conserve, restore and enhance wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands to store and capture carbon; and,
  • Supporting farmers as partners in building a clean, prosperous future through investments in new programs such as the $150 million resilient agricultural landscapes program, and by topping up the Agricultural Climate Solutions: On-Farm Climate Action Fund with $470 million to support key climate mitigation practices and providing $300 million to triple funding for the Agricultural Clean Technology Program.
The 2030 ERP is expected to benefit diverse groups of people in Canada by helping to alleviate the negative impacts of climate change and strengthen Canada’s ability to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan also includes several measures designed to directly benefit communities affected by climate change, and those seeking to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, including those who live in remote and rural communities.The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits and communities across the country work together to meet Canada’s climate objectives, we will identify, catalyze and respond to new opportunities. In addition, progress under the plan will be reviewed in progress reports produced in 2023, 2025, and 2027. Additional targets and plans will be developed for 2035 through to 2050.These commitments aim to increase Canada’s ambition and to reduce the intensity and frequency of climate change-related impacts on the environment such as higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. However, as the country faces increasing record-breaking climate events year after year, on top of slow onset climate impacts, the Government of Canada recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to also adapt and build resilience.To that end, the Government of Canada developed its first National Adaptation Strategy. The Strategy is the product of two years of engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, key experts, stakeholders and partners across Canada. It presents a whole-of-society approach to reducing risk and building climate-resilient communities. The Strategy lays out an agreed-upon framework to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support a strong economy and workers. It also identifies common goals, objectives, and targets to focus the efforts of governments and communities across these key areas and to help ensure future investments are targeted and effective.Similarly, the Government of Canada’s Adaptation Action Plan (GOCAAP), released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, outlines the federal contribution to achieving Canada’s climate change adaptation goals. The GOCAAP highlights more than 70 new and ongoing federal actions to help meet Canada’s adaptation priorities, and to address both the short-term and long-term climate change issues and risks facing Canadians.Starting in 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $6.5 billion in adaptation, including $2 billion in commitments since fall 2022 to implement the National Adaptation Strategy and support other adaptation-related activities.In the coming months, the federal government will work with provinces and territories to advance bilateral action plans as a key step to implementing the Strategy. Likewise, the government will work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis on a regional and distinctions basis through the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda which supports self-determined Indigenous climate actions.As the Government of Canada continues to implement the commitments set out in its plans, it is doing so in collaboration with its partners. The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to advance shared priorities that will further lower emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including on a regional and bilateral basis. The Government of Canada fulfills this commitment by working with provinces and territories to tailor approaches and actions that are focused on climate change and green economic recovery. Collaboration with all levels of government, Indigenous peoples, experts, industry, the financial sector, stakeholders, and Canadians is a key component of the 2030 ERP and the National Adaptation Strategy.The Government of Canada also collaborates with Indigenous partners on climate action and recognizes that Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable populations to a rapidly changing environment. To help support Indigenous peoples advance their climate priorities and adapt to the changing climate, the Government of Canada is committed to renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown and Government-to-Government relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. The Government of Canada also supports without qualification the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent. Supporting self-determined climate action is critical to advancing Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.Canada maintains strong partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners on their climate change priorities through distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council. These partnerships have meant that, since the launch of the Pan-Canadian Framework in 2016, Indigenous partners have worked directly with Canada to identify ways for policies and programs to better support Indigenous peoples and their climate priorities. More than five years later, the tables continue to demonstrate the benefits of sustained collaboration. For instance, the tables were instrumental in ensuring that Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan (December 2020), the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, and Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy respond to Indigenous climate priorities.Investments in Indigenous climate change action have been important to advancing self-determined priorities of Indigenous peoples. Since the release of the Strengthened Climate Plan, Canada has committed more than $1.3 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities to transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience of health systems, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the Pan-Canadian Framework, as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients.Most recently, in the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to advance discussions with Indigenous peoples to develop and implement a model of partnership for climate action that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous Knowledge systems in national climate policy.Looking forward, the transition to a cleaner future will bring new opportunities across our labour force, but also some challenges for those that will need to pivot to new jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities as the world moves to a low carbon future. To seize these opportunities, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in skills and training to build on the agility and resilience of Canada’s workforce and ensure that it is equipped with the range of skills required to deliver on this ambition.      
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01593441-01593 (Environnement)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNPDBC21 juin 202319 juillet 202326 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE : les changements climatiques se sont aggravés au point de devenir une urgence climatique mondiale; la planète est en voie de se réchauffer de près de 4 degrés Celsius d’ici 2100 et les phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes se multiplient, entraînant des répercussions de plus en plus graves, que ce soient des inondations, des feux de forêt, des hausses de température, des vagues de chaleur mortelles, de gigantesques tempêtes, la montée du niveau de la mer ou la perturbation des écosystèmes marins et terrestres;afin d’agir pour prévenir de nouveaux changements climatiques catastrophiques, le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) affirme que le consensus scientifique veut que nous agissions immédiatement pour réduire les émissions nettes de gaz à effet de serre anthropiques à 45 % sous les niveaux de 2010 d’ici 2030 et pour atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050;le Canada doit lutter contre cette urgence climatique avec l’ambition et le sentiment d’urgence requis, dans l’intérêt des générations actuelles et futures;les Canadiens vivent des événements climatiques catastrophiques sans précédent au moment où les inégalités socioéconomiques se creusent dans notre société et où près de la moitié de la population canadienne se dit à 200 $ près de la faillite à la fin de chaque mois;les répercussions des changements climatiques menacent la santé physique et mentale (particulièrement celles des jeunes, des personnes âgées et des personnes handicapées), l’environnement qui nous entoure et par conséquent, les aliments que nous consommons, l’approvisionnement en eau à l’échelle mondiale, l’air que nous respirons, les conditions météorologiques et la capacité des collectivités locales de s’adapter à ces changements;les répercussions de l’urgence climatique sont particulièrement graves pour les personnes qui en subissent les conséquences immédiates; les peuples autochtones et les collectivités directement exposées et vulnérables, comme les demandeurs d’asile et les personnes déplacées par les changements climatiques, sont touchés de manière disproportionnée, et les risques pour leur santé sont d’autant plus grands;il est plus urgent que jamais que le Canada réduise ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre et réalise la transition à une économie à faible intensité de carbone face à l’ampleur et à l’urgence de la crise climatique, tout en veillant à ce que tous les peuples autochtones et tous les Canadiens profitent des investissements publics considérables que nécessite une économie à faible intensité de carbone, en particulier dans les rénovations écoénergétiques, le logement abordable, les énergies renouvelables, les infrastructures, les transports en commun, l’assurance médicaments, l’assurance dentaire, les garderies et l’élimination des dettes d’études et des frais de scolarité; la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones et la reconnaissance des droits inhérents, du titre autochtone et des droits issus des traités, dans le respect intégral de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (DNUDPA), doivent être au cœur de l’intervention du Canada en réponse à l’urgence climatique.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer la motion M-1, un « New Deal vert » fait au Canada, la première initiative dont la Chambre des communes est saisie, qui demande au Canada de prendre rapidement des mesures audacieuses et équitables sur le plan social pour lutter contre l’urgence climatique tout en remédiant aux inégalités socioéconomiques et raciales grandissantes, en éliminant les subventions aux combustibles fossiles et les abris fiscaux à l’étranger, en soutenant les travailleurs touchés par la transition et en créant des emplois syndiqués et bien rémunérés dans la nouvelle économie axée sur les énergies propres et renouvelables.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come we must harness the power of a cleaner future.Over the past seven years, the Government of Canada has taken action and committed to invest over $120 billion to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy in December 2020 to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets, based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target as a concrete milestone that improves transparency and accountability on the way to net-zero. The 2030 ERP includes a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, $9.1 billion in new investments, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Achieving Canada’s climate objectives demands that all sectors of the economy continue to decarbonize in a manner that makes cleaner alternatives more affordable and creates new sustainable job opportunities for workers. That’s why the 2030 ERP provides a road map that goes sector-by-sector to identify climate action and strategies. For example, the Government is:
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, while driving down emissions to net-zero by 2040 and boosting climate resiliency through the development of the $150 million Canada Green Buildings Strategy and an additional investment of $458.5 million in the Canada Greener Homes Loans program;
  • Empowering communities to take climate action by expanding the Low Carbon Economy Fund through a $2.2 billion recapitalization, which will include a new $180-million Indigenous Leadership Fund to support emissions reductions projects led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments of $400 million for zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, $1.7 billion to extend the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program to make it more affordable for Canadians to buy and drive new electric light-duty vehicles, and introducing a purchase incentive program of $547.5 million for medium-and heavy-duty vehicles;
  • Positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement the cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Powering the economy with renewable electricity by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and providing $600 million to the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program for additional renewable electricity and grid modernization projects, and $250 million to support predevelopment work of large clean electricity projects;
  • Helping industries to adopt clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) strategy, and establishing an investment tax credit of up to 30 per cent focused on net-zero technologies;
  • Driving further clean technology innovation through a $1 billion investment to create an independent federal innovation and investment agency;
  • Developing of a whole-of-government strategy to strengthen policy coherence and coordination on clean technology and climate innovation;
  • Investing in nature and natural climate solutions by investing an additional $780 million to the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to support projects that conserve, restore and enhance wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands to store and capture carbon; and,
  • Supporting farmers as partners in building a clean, prosperous future through investments in new programs such as the $150 million resilient agricultural landscapes program, and by topping up the Agricultural Climate Solutions: On-Farm Climate Action Fund with $470 million to support key climate mitigation practices and providing $300 million to triple funding for the Agricultural Clean Technology Program.
The 2030 ERP is expected to benefit diverse groups of people in Canada by helping to alleviate the negative impacts of climate change and strengthen Canada’s ability to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan also includes several measures designed to directly benefit communities affected by climate change, and those seeking to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, including those who live in remote and rural communities.The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits and communities across the country work together to meet Canada’s climate objectives, we will identify, catalyze and respond to new opportunities. In addition, progress under the plan will be reviewed in progress reports produced in 2023, 2025, and 2027. Additional targets and plans will be developed for 2035 through to 2050.These commitments aim to increase Canada’s ambition and to reduce the intensity and frequency of climate change-related impacts on the environment such as higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. However, as the country faces increasing record-breaking climate events year after year, on top of slow onset climate impacts, the Government of Canada recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to also adapt and build resilience.To that end, the Government of Canada developed its first National Adaptation Strategy. The Strategy is the product of two years of engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, key experts, stakeholders and partners across Canada. It presents a whole-of-society approach to reducing risk and building climate-resilient communities. The Strategy lays out an agreed-upon framework to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support a strong economy and workers. It also identifies common goals, objectives, and targets to focus the efforts of governments and communities across these key areas and to help ensure future investments are targeted and effective.Similarly, the Government of Canada’s Adaptation Action Plan (GOCAAP), released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, outlines the federal contribution to achieving Canada’s climate change adaptation goals. The GOCAAP highlights more than 70 new and ongoing federal actions to help meet Canada’s adaptation priorities, and to address both the short-term and long-term climate change issues and risks facing Canadians.Starting in 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $6.5 billion in adaptation, including $2 billion in commitments since fall 2022 to implement the National Adaptation Strategy and support other adaptation-related activities.In the coming months, the federal government will work with provinces and territories to advance bilateral action plans as a key step to implementing the Strategy. Likewise, the government will work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis on a regional and distinctions basis through the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda which supports self-determined Indigenous climate actions.As the Government of Canada continues to implement the commitments set out in its plans, it is doing so in collaboration with its partners. The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to advance shared priorities that will further lower emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including on a regional and bilateral basis. The Government of Canada fulfills this commitment by working with provinces and territories to tailor approaches and actions that are focused on climate change and green economic recovery. Collaboration with all levels of government, Indigenous peoples, experts, industry, the financial sector, stakeholders, and Canadians is a key component of the 2030 ERP and the National Adaptation Strategy.The Government of Canada also collaborates with Indigenous partners on climate action and recognizes that Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable populations to a rapidly changing environment. To help support Indigenous peoples advance their climate priorities and adapt to the changing climate, the Government of Canada is committed to renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown and Government-to-Government relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. The Government of Canada also supports without qualification the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent. Supporting self-determined climate action is critical to advancing Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.Canada maintains strong partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners on their climate change priorities through distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council. These partnerships have meant that, since the launch of the Pan-Canadian Framework in 2016, Indigenous partners have worked directly with Canada to identify ways for policies and programs to better support Indigenous peoples and their climate priorities. More than five years later, the tables continue to demonstrate the benefits of sustained collaboration. For instance, the tables were instrumental in ensuring that Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan (December 2020), the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, and Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy respond to Indigenous climate priorities.Investments in Indigenous climate change action have been important to advancing self-determined priorities of Indigenous peoples. Since the release of the Strengthened Climate Plan, Canada has committed more than $1.3 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities to transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience of health systems, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the Pan-Canadian Framework, as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients.Most recently, in the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to advance discussions with Indigenous peoples to develop and implement a model of partnership for climate action that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous Knowledge systems in national climate policy.Looking forward, the transition to a cleaner future will bring new opportunities across our labour force, but also some challenges for those that will need to pivot to new jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities as the world moves to a low carbon future. To seize these opportunities, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in skills and training to build on the agility and resilience of Canada’s workforce and ensure that it is equipped with the range of skills required to deliver on this ambition.      
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01578441-01578 (Transport)LarryBrockBrantford—BrantConservateurON21 juin 202319 juillet 202314 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • VIA Rail Canada est une société d’État qui exploite le service national de transport ferroviaire de voyageurs du Canada pour le compte du gouvernement du Canada;
  • Avant 2020, le train 82 de Via Rail transportait les usagers matinaux de Brantford à Toronto avant 9 h;
  • Pendant la pandémie de COVID-19, Via Rail a annulé le train 82 et refuse de le rétablir;
  • Cette décision a laissé des centaines de personnes sans moyen de transport fiable entre le sud-ouest de l’Ontario et Toronto et a eu un impact significatif sur la vie quotidienne des usagers qui comptaient sur cette ligne de train pour se rendre au travail, à l’école ou à leurs rendez-vous;
  • Cette décision a non seulement allongé la durée des trajets pour les usagers, mais elle a également accru la pression sur nos autoroutes déjà encombrées;
  • Cette situation a également poussé de nombreuses personnes à quitter le sud-ouest de l’Ontario ou à se retrouver au chômage;
  • Selon Statistique Canada, le nombre d’usagers faisant la navette entre Brantford et Toronto a augmenté régulièrement au cours de la dernière décennie;
  • Le train est plus respectueux de l’environnement que la voiture et comme le changement climatique est un problème mondial urgent et que les embouteillages entraînent des pertes économiques considérables, il est impératif de donner la priorité aux options de transport durable, comme les trains de banlieue.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada:
  • de travailler avec la direction de Via Rail pour accélérer son processus décisionnel;
  • d’expliquer les avantages, y compris la rentabilité, du rétablissement du train 82;
  • d’encourager Via Rail à rétablir le train 82 immédiatement.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraAs with the broader transportation industry, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on VIA Rail’s operations across the country, with reduced frequencies and schedule changes on most routes, including Train 82. When the number of travellers increased following the gradual easing of public health measures in 2021, VIA Rail implemented a return-to-service strategy based on consumer demand, as well as staff and fleet availability. This strategy demonstrates sound financial management by VIA Rail throughout what has been the most difficult period in its history.The Government of Canada has made a significant investment in passenger rail with the purchase of VIA Rail’s new fleet, which is now entering operation in the Quebec City - Windsor Corridor. As additional capacity comes into service, VIA Rail continues to evaluate its scheduling and frequency across its national network. With respect to Train 82, VIA Rail is working to return it back to service, along with Train 83. VIA Rail is currently in discussion with their infrastructure partners and is confident that these trains will once again be connecting communities along the route, including Brantford and Toronto by Fall 2023.VIA Rail is an independent Crown corporation that operates at arm’s length from the Government of Canada. Part of the Minister of Transport’s role is to determine VIA Rail’s broad policy while respecting its operational autonomy, including the scheduling and frequencies of trains, as well as overall service operations. 
Services ferroviaires voyageursVIA Rail Canada Inc.
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01570441-01570 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB16 juin 202319 juillet 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01565441-01565 (Affaires et commerce)DanielBlaikieElmwood—TransconaNPDMB16 juin 202319 juillet 202318 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :
  • Des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • Les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et revendiquent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le cadre de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter le projet de loi C-262, un exemple de loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et d’environnement qui :
  • Exige que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • Exige que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • Prévoit des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • Accorde aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals. The Government continues to consider the results of these consultations, as well as best practices and other inputs received during continued engagement with numerous civil society organizations, industry associations, foreign governments and other stakeholders.On May 3, 2023, Members of Parliament passed Senate Public Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada is responsible for the implementation of this Act. Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped bring attention to the issue of forced labour in supply chains. The Government recognizes that S-211 may serve as an important first step, however, more is needed. The Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation in 2024 to help eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. The legislation will be strong, effective, and enforceable. For example, whereas S-211 only requires entities to report on forced labour in their supply chains, government legislation would include due diligence measures to ensure they take action to eradicate it.  Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
C-262, Loi concernant la responsabilité des entreprises de prévenir les incidences négatives sur les droits de la personne qui sont liées à leurs activités commerciales à l'étranger, d'en tenir compte et d'y remédierDroits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01558441-01558 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB14 juin 202319 juillet 202312 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01555441-01555 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB14 juin 202319 juillet 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01554441-01554 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB14 juin 202319 juillet 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01550441-01550 (Travail et emploi)TaylorBachrachSkeena—Bulkley ValleyNPDBC14 juin 202319 juillet 20236 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :1. Les travailleurs portuaires du Canada sont essentiels à l’exploitation des ports maritimes et au maintien d’une chaîne d’approvisionnement canadienne résiliente, durable et capable de soutenir la concurrence;2. Les activités des ports maritimes et des administrations portuaires ont de profondes répercussions sur les conditions de vie et de travail des travailleurs portuaires; 3. Les travailleurs portuaires possèdent une expertise très particulière qui est utile à l’exploitation des ports maritimes du Canada et à la planification de leur avenir.NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, CITOYENS DU CANADA, demandons à LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES :De modifier la Loi maritime du Canada pour y ajouter l’exigence que les travailleurs portuaires soient représentés au conseil d’administration des administrations portuaires du Canada.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraSeventeen Canada Port Authorities oversee the country's most vital ports. While Canada Port Authorities are federal entities, these organizations operate independently from the Government, adhering to commercial and financial self-sustainability principles. Port authorities fulfill crucial public policy objectives like facilitating national economic development and overseeing safety and environmental regulations. Canada Port Authorities are also key hubs in the Canada’s supply chains, where rail, road and marine modes intersect to support export and import markets, and ports rely on the dedicated workers who are essential to their operations.The boards of directors within Canada Port Authorities play a crucial role for their organizations by setting the course, ensuring proper functioning, and aligning with the objectives of the Canada Marine Act. The boards are composed of seven to eleven directors appointed as follows: one federal director appointed by the Governor in Council, as nominated by the Minister of Transport; one municipal director; one provincial director; and four to seven user directors, appointed by the Governor in Council, as nominated by the Minister in consultation with users selected by the Minister or the classes of users mentioned in the letters patent.These directors are required to have recognized stature within the transportation or business community. In addition, the directors nominated by the Minister in consultation with users are required to have extensive experience in business management or port and maritime trade operations. While expertise in port-related fields is expected, directors must not have any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and must act in the best interests of the port authority. The framework provides opportunities for qualified individuals from various backgrounds to be nominated or appointed as directors, promoting diversity and inclusive representation.In November 2022, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-33, the Strengthening the Ports System and Railway Safety in Canada Act, in the House of Commons to advance the role of Canada Port Authorities as strategic enablers of supply chain resiliency and efficiency. The proposed reforms to the Canada Marine Act seek to enhance the effectiveness and governance of Canada Port Authorities by adapting to the changing landscape and reinforcing good board practices. The Government of Canada has committed to consider all proposed amendments with a view to strengthening the port system and railway safety in Canada.The Government expects Canada Port Authorities to collaborate with port users, including workers. To this effect, Bill C-33 requires ports to establish advisory boards with local communities to ensure that their priorities are heard and reflected. In addition, the Minister of Transport has and will continue to engage with the New Democratic Party transport critic, and colleagues across all parties, to ensure that the expertise of port workers will be reflected on port authority boards. 
Administrations portuairesConseil d'administration
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01539441-01539 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 juin 202319 juillet 202314 septembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, portons à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : Attendu que :Malgré la libération récente des Canadiens Micheal Spavor et Micheal Korvig après 1 000 jours de détention injuste en Chine, au moins 115 Canadiens sont toujours emprisonnés en Chine, dont Huseyin Celil, détenu depuis plus de 5 000 jours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien d’origine ouïghoure qui milite pour la défense des droits de la personne et qui est détenu en Chine pour avoir soutenu les droits politiques et religieux des Ouïghours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien qui a fui la Chine en Ouzbékistan après avoir été injustement emprisonné pendant 48 jours en 2001 et qui, après avoir été reconnu par les Nations Unies comme un réfugié, a immigré au Canada où il a obtenu la citoyenneté canadienne et renoncé à sa citoyenneté chinoise; Le gouvernement chinois a refusé de reconnaître la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui a refusé l’accès à un avocat, à sa famille et aux autorités canadiennes, alors qu’il a été contraint de signer des aveux et qu’il a subi un procès illégal et inéquitable;Il est désormais évident que le traitement des Ouïghours par le gouvernement chinois répond à la plupart, sinon à la totalité des critères relatifs au génocide définis dans la Convention des Nations Unies pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide; Le Canada ne peut rester insensible à la souffrance injuste d’un citoyen canadien. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes afin de corriger la situation : 1. Exiger que le gouvernement chinois reconnaisse la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui fournisse des services consulaires et juridiques conformément au droit international; 2. Déclarer officiellement que la libération de Huseyin Celil de sa détention en Chine et son retour au Canada sont des priorités du gouvernement canadien au même titre que l’étaient la libération de Michael Kovrig et Michael Spavor; 3. Nommer un envoyé spécial chargé d’obtenir la libération de M. Celil; 4. Demander l’aide de l’administration Biden et d’autres alliés à travers le monde pour obtenir la libération de M. Celil.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe case of Mr. Huseyincan Celil is a priority for Canada, as the Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned with his detention. Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil’s case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so.Global Affairs Canada remains in regular contact with Mr. Celil’s family in Canada and continues to provide them with consular services. While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case. The Government of Canada will continue to seek access to Mr. Celil in order to verify his well-being.The safety and well-being of Canadians abroad remain of utmost importance to Canada.
Canadiens à l'étrangerCelil, HuseyincanChineDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01537441-01537 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB13 juin 202319 juillet 202321 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01534441-01534 (Justice)DanMuysFlamborough—GlanbrookConservateurON13 juin 202319 juillet 202321 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01532441-01532 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK13 juin 202319 juillet 202321 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01529441-01529 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservateurMB13 juin 202319 juillet 202321 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01528441-01528 (Affaires étrangères)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB9 juin 202319 juillet 202320 décembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01525441-01525 (Travail et emploi)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB9 juin 202319 juillet 20236 juin 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :
  • La reconnaissance des titres de compétences étrangers détenus par les nouveaux arrivants du Canada reste problématique;
  • Seuls 41 % des médecins formés à l’étranger exercent leur profession de médecin au Canada;
  • De même, à peine 37 % des infirmiers et infirmières formés à l’étranger exercent leur profession au Canada;
  • Les gens qui décident d’étudier la médecine à l’étranger, même s’ils viennent du Canada, connaissent des difficultés pour obtenir leur permis d’exercice s’ils décident de revenir au pays;
  • Les contrôleurs des autorités provinciales qui délivrent les permis font face à des problèmes et à des formalités administratives inutiles, ce qui empêche les professionnels de la santé d’exercer la profession à laquelle ils ont été formés;
  • Le Canada compte 53 005 infirmiers, infirmières et médecins qui pourraient mettre fin à la pénurie, mais le gouvernement libéral ne parvient pas à lever les obstacles au soutien indispensable pour combler les besoins des réseaux de santé provinciaux;
  • Il existe déjà le programme Sceau rouge qui fixe des normes pancanadiennes reconnues pour les travailleurs de métier et qui permet, dans le cadre d’un partenariat réciproque, de prouver les compétences acquises par le professionnel pour exercer son métier;
  • Les professionnels de la santé souhaitent travailler au Canada, mais il reste à mettre sur pied un système libre d’obstacle pour accueillir ces professionnels hautement qualifiés.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la ministre de l’Emploi, du Développement de la main-d’œuvre et de l’Inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap de : mettre sur pied un programme « Sceau bleu », qui facilitera la délivrance de permis d’exercice des médecins et des infirmiers et infirmières, dans les 60 jours fixés par une norme, afin d’atténuer les pénuries des professionnels de la santé au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada recognizes that skilled newcomers, including internationally educated health professionals (IEHPs), are sometimes not able to contribute to their full potential. They can face significant challenges obtaining employment commensurate with their education, skills and experience, due to barriers such as lack of Canadian work experience, occupation-specific language proficiency, discrimination and bias from employers, and lack of awareness of existing employment supports and other social and professional resources. The foreign credential recognition process itself can also be a significant barrier for the successful labour market integration of skilled newcomers, as it is complex, lengthy, and costly and varies by occupation and jurisdiction. Credential recognition and licensure in regulated occupations (e.g., nurses, physicians) is a provincial and territorial responsibility that is typically further delegated to regulatory authorities through legislation. Each jurisdiction is responsible for establishing education, training and licensing standards in the interest of public health and safety. Credential recognition and licensure processes may differ by regulated occupation and by province or territory.Significantly, on May 1, 2023, the Atlantic premiers announced the launch of the Atlantic Physician Register that allows for greater mobility of fully licensed physicians in Atlantic Canada. Previously, physicians had to submit a separate full application to each provincial college, including a registration fee, to obtain a license to practice in that province. This Registry could be expanded to allow other jurisdictions to join.National organizations are also helping to harmonize and coordinate the credential recognition process amongst the provincial and territorial regulatory bodies to make it easier for internationally educated physicians and nurses to have their credentials recognized and become licensed to practice in Canada. For example, the Medical Council of Canada and the National Nursing Assessment Services are national bodies that play a role in facilitating the credential recognition process of internationally educated physicians and nurses respectively. The Government’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program supports the labour market integration of skilled newcomers by funding provinces and territories, regulatory authorities and organizations to: 
  • improve foreign credential recognition processes by funding projects that will make the credential recognition system faster and more efficient;  
  • provide loans and support services to help skilled newcomers navigate the FCR process; and 
  • provide employment supports, such as training, work placements, wage subsidies, mentoring and coaching, to help skilled newcomers gain Canadian work experience in their field of study. 
For example, the Program supported the Medical Council of Canada to create the Physicians Apply portal (https://physiciansapply.ca/). The portal has streamlined the process for international medical graduates to apply for a license to practice medicine in Canada by offering a platform where international and Canadian medical students and physicians can complete and submit the application for medical registration with medical regulatory authorities, access all Medical Council of Canada examinations, use source verification services, and share their credentials and documents with registered partners. The Physicians Apply portal has so far reached over 83, 000 individuals who now have accounts and can access the full range of services. The portal has made it easier for nearly 1.9 million documents to be shared in support of credential recognition and licensure for international and Canadian medical graduates.Budget 2022 announced an additional $115 million over five years, with $30 million ongoing, to expand the Foreign Credential Recognition Program, with an initial focus on supporting IEHPs integrate into the Canadian labour market. The most recent open call for proposals ran from December 5, 2022, to January 30, 2023. The call invited eligible organizations and provincial and territorial governments to submit proposals for projects that support the labour market integration of IEHPs. Projects must improve FCR processes, provide Canadian work experience that is relevant to the IEHPs’ intended healthcare field of work, and/or facilitate labour mobility between jurisdictions in Canada for health care professionals. The Program will invest approximately $90 million through this call with projects starting as early as late summer 2023.  
Immigration et immigrantsSoignants et professionnels de la santéTitres de compétences
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01518441-01518 (Environnement)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNPDBC8 juin 202319 juillet 20232 juin 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons attirer l’attention du gouvernement du Canada sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :Le gouvernement a promis d’interdire l’exportation du charbon thermique par le Canada et par l’intermédiaire du Canada dans les plus brefs délais et au plus tard en 2030;L’urgence d’agir pour réduire les émissions de gaz à effet de serre (qui sont la principale cause de la crise climatique) n’a jamais été aussi manifeste, puisqu’il est probable que l’élévation de la température mondiale dépassera le seuil de 1,5 degré d’ici 2027; Les centrales au charbon sont la principale source d’émissions des gaz à effet de serre à l’origine du réchauffement climatique et que le Canada persiste à faire l’exploitation et l’exportation du charbon thermique.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le gouvernement du Canada d’interdire complètement l’exportation du charbon thermique d’ici 2024.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTAt the Conference of the Parties (COP26), the Government of Canada announced its intention to ban thermal coal exports by 2030. This makes Canada the first country in the world to make this commitment to address climate change.Canada has taken action to curb harmful coal emissions. Through the Pan Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, the Government has amended the 2012 coal-fired electricity greenhouse gas regulations to accelerate the phase-out of conventional coal-fired electricity in Canada by 2030. The Government of Canada also released a policy statement in June 2021 indicating that the Government considers that future thermal coal mining projects are likely to cause unacceptable environmental effects within federal jurisdiction and are not aligned with Canada’s domestic and international climate change commitments.Before the commitment to ban thermal coal exports was announced, it was forecasted that many thermal coal mines in Canada would stop operating in the lead-up to 2030 since they primarily supplied the domestic electricity market.Canada is also co-leading the Powering Past Coal Alliance (PPCA), alongside the United Kingdom. With over 120 members, the PPCA is the world's leading coalition of public and private sector partners seeking to accelerate clean growth and climate protection through the rapid phase-out of unabated coal power. By joining the PPCA, members make a voluntary commitment to accelerate the phase-out of emissions from coal power.Additionally, at the 2023 G7 Ministers’ Meeting on Climate, Energy, and Environment, Canada, along with G7 countries, renewed calls on non-G7 countries to phase out unabated coal power generation consistent with a 1.5°C compatible future.The Government of Canada is advancing work toward an export ban and intends to engage and seek feedback from key partners and Indigenous peoples soon.   
CharbonExportationsInterdiction
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01516441-01516 (Santé)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 juin 202319 juillet 202317 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin à toutes les restrictions liées à la Covid-19.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for their engagement on this issue.As of June 20, 2022, the Government of Canada suspended vaccination requirements for domestic and outbound travel, federally regulated transportation sectors and employees in the federal public sector. Furthermore, the Government has announced that it is no longer moving forward with proposed regulations under Part II (Occupational Health and Safety) of the Canada Labour Code to make vaccination mandatory in all federally regulated workplaces.Additionally, as of October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements ended for all travellers entering Canada whether by land, air or sea.The Government of Canada also announced that masks are no longer required for travel within Canada starting October 1, 2022. Although the masking requirement is being lifted, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear high quality and well-fitted masks during their journeys.As COVID-19 activity and hospitalizations continue in Canada, layers of prevention, including receiving recommended COVID-19 vaccinations and personal protective practices, such as wearing well-fitting masks, remain our best approach to reduce the risk of developing severe illness and limit the burden on the health system. The Government of Canada continues to encourage Canadians to follow public health recommendations and preventative measures to protect themselves and others in their communities.
COVID-19PandémiesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01515441-01515 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB5 juin 202319 juillet 202324 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, portons à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : Attendu que :Malgré la libération récente des Canadiens Micheal Spavor et Micheal Korvig après 1 000 jours de détention injuste en Chine, au moins 115 Canadiens sont toujours emprisonnés en Chine, dont Huseyin Celil, détenu depuis plus de 5 000 jours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien d’origine ouïghoure qui milite pour la défense des droits de la personne et qui est détenu en Chine pour avoir soutenu les droits politiques et religieux des Ouïghours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien qui a fui la Chine en Ouzbékistan après avoir été injustement emprisonné pendant 48 jours en 2001 et qui, après avoir été reconnu par les Nations Unies comme un réfugié, a immigré au Canada où il a obtenu la citoyenneté canadienne et renoncé à sa citoyenneté chinoise; Le gouvernement chinois a refusé de reconnaître la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui a refusé l’accès à un avocat, à sa famille et aux autorités canadiennes, alors qu’il a été contraint de signer des aveux et qu’il a subi un procès illégal et inéquitable;Il est désormais évident que le traitement des Ouïghours par le gouvernement chinois répond à la plupart, sinon à la totalité des critères relatifs au génocide définis dans la Convention des Nations Unies pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide; Le Canada ne peut rester insensible à la souffrance injuste d’un citoyen canadien. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes afin de corriger la situation : 1. Exiger que le gouvernement chinois reconnaisse la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui fournisse des services consulaires et juridiques conformément au droit international; 2. Déclarer officiellement que la libération de Huseyin Celil de sa détention en Chine et son retour au Canada sont des priorités du gouvernement canadien au même titre que l’étaient la libération de Michael Kovrig et Michael Spavor; 3. Nommer un envoyé spécial chargé d’obtenir la libération de M. Celil; 4. Demander l’aide de l’administration Biden et d’autres alliés à travers le monde pour obtenir la libération de M. Celil.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe case of Mr. Huseyincan Celil is a priority for Canada, as the Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned with his detention. Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil’s case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so.Global Affairs Canada remains in regular contact with Mr. Celil’s family in Canada and continues to provide them with consular services. While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case. The Government of Canada will continue to seek access to Mr. Celil in order to verify his well-being.The safety and well-being of Canadians abroad remain of utmost importance to Canada.
Canadiens à l'étrangerCelil, HuseyincanChineDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01512441-01512 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB5 juin 202319 juillet 202329 novembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01511441-01511 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB5 juin 202319 juillet 202322 avril 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01507441-01507 (Justice)PhilipLawrenceNorthumberland—Peterborough-SudConservateurON5 juin 202319 juillet 202321 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01505441-01505 (Environnement)MatthewGreenHamilton-CentreNPDON5 juin 202319 juillet 202320 février 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatiqueAttendu que :
  • le gouvernement de l’Ontario propose la construction de l’autoroute 413, une nouvelle méga-autoroute de 52 km, qui entraînerait l’asphaltage de plus de 2 400 acres de terres, y compris celles de la ceinture de verdure protégée, des terres agricoles, des forêts, des terres humides ainsi que dans les territoires autochtones traditionnels des Mississauga, des Haudenosaunee, des Hurons-Wendat, des Chippewa et des Six Nations;
  • L’autoroute 413 ferait augmenter les émissions de gaz à effet de serre de plus de 17 millions de tonnes d’ici 2050, ce qui entraînerait 1,4 milliard de dollars de dommages liés auxdites émissions;
  • Le projet d’autoroute 413 coûterait 6 milliards de dollars aux contribuables, ne contribuerait guère à faire diminuer le nombre d’embouteillages, et est redondant, étant donné sa proximité de l’autoroute 407;.
  • La construction de l’autoroute 413 mettrait davantage en péril au moins 29 espèces inscrites sur la Liste des espèces en péril du gouvernement fédéral;
  • Au beau milieu de la crise climatique, le projet d’autoroute 413 ne ferait qu’augmenter le nombre d’émissions liées au transport d’une province qui n’est déjà pas en voie d’atteindre ses objectifs de réduction des émissions;
  • Le gouvernement de l’Ontario tente de compromettre l’étude d’impact environnemental provinciale en permettant que la construction commence avant que l’évaluation ait lieu, et en tentant de faire en sorte que les autoroutes de moins de 75 km soient exemptées des évaluations environnementales;
  • La majorité des municipalités éventuellement touchées par l’autoroute 413 s’opposent au projet, et ont adopté des motions pour demander la tenue d’une évaluation environnementale fédérale;
  • Les répercussions de l’autoroute relèvent de la compétence fédérale, comme les émissions de gaz à effet de serre, les espèces en péril inscrites sur la liste fédérale et les droits issus de traités;
Nous soussignés, résidents de la province de l’Ontario, prions le ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique d’entamer une évaluation fédérale exhaustive et approfondie des répercussions environnementales afin de cibler, de prévoir et d’évaluer les effets que pourrait avoir sur l’environnement le projet d’autoroute 413, ainsi que de tenir des audiences publiques avant le début de la construction.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Act (the IAA) and its regulations establish the legal framework for federal impact assessments. On May 3, 2021, the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that the Highway 413 Project (the Project) warranted designation under the IAA. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) awaits the submission of an Initial Project Description from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (the Proponent). Once the Agency determines that the Initial Project Description conforms with the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations (the Regulations), the impact assessment process will begin with the 180-day Planning Phase.During the Planning Phase, the Agency will conduct a public comment period during which Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, federal authorities, and other participants will have an opportunity to provide input and identify key issues of concerns about the Project. The Agency provides these key issues to the Proponent as a Summary of Issues. The Proponent must then provide a Detailed Project Description to the Agency, which includes a response to the Summary of Issues that explains how it intends to address the issues raised. Following receipt of a Detailed Project Description that conforms to the Regulations, the Agency will decide whether an impact assessment is required for the Project. The Agency’s decision, including reasons, will be posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry).If an impact assessment is required, the Agency continues to engage with Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, and federal authorities to develop the Public Participation Plan, the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, the Cooperation Plan, the Permitting Plan, and the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, which includes the scope of the factors that are considered as part of the impact assessment. The Agency must then issue the final Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans to the Proponent, and post a Notice of Commencement of the Impact Assessment on the Registry before the end of the 180-day Planning Phase. The impact assessment, including public and Indigenous consultations, and the Minister’s decision, would be completed within one year after the Agency accepts the Proponent’s Impact Statement.   
Autoroute 413Évaluation environnementaleOntario
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023e-4281e-4281 (Animaux)BrendonSamuelsRichardCanningsOkanagan-Sud—Kootenay-OuestNPDBC2 février 2023 à 14 h 23 (HAE)3 avril 2023 à 14 h 23 (HAE)5 juin 202319 juillet 20233 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : Le gouvernement s’est engagé à stopper et à inverser le déclin de la nature d’ici 2030; Les oiseaux migrateurs jouent un rôle essentiel dans la biodiversité et sont protégés par la législation fédérale; Les collisions avec les fenêtres des bâtiments, les abris de transport et les rambardes en verre sont une cause majeure de mortalité des oiseaux et une menace pour les espèces d’oiseaux en péril au Canada; Le nombre de collisions entre oiseaux et fenêtres augmente avec la construction de nouveaux bâtiments et s’étend à toutes les municipalités et provinces; Il est possible d’éviter les collisions entre oiseaux et fenêtres dans les nouveaux bâtiments, ainsi que dans les bâtiments existants, en adoptant des normes de conception de bâtiments respectueux des oiseaux pour la construction et la rénovation; Intégrer des mesures de conception respectueuses des oiseaux dans les nouveaux bâtiments représente généralement une dépense supplémentaire minime par rapport aux coûts de construction;La norme CSA A460:19 du Conseil canadien des normes, Conception de bâtiments respectueuse des oiseaux, fournit un cadre scientifique complet qui est déjà mis en pratique par les architectes, l’industrie et les municipalités; La prochaine mise à jour prévue du Code national du bâtiment du Canada comprendra de nouvelles dispositions environnementales et harmonisera les différents codes provinciaux du bâtiment.Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :1. Incorporer la norme CSA A460:19 Conception de bâtiments respectueuse des oiseaux dans le Code national du bâtiment du Canada, afin d’exiger une conception respectueuse des oiseaux dans toutes les nouvelles constructions de bâtiments; 2. Expliquer le plan du gouvernement pour prévenir la mortalité des oiseaux causée par les collisions avec les fenêtres des bâtiments.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe National Research Council of Canada provides secretarial support for the committees involved in the development of the National Model Codes for building design and construction, including the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes (CBHCC), and its predecessors, the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes (CCBFC) and the Provincial-Territorial Policy Advisory Committee on Codes (PTPACC). Currently, the Codes’ application is limited to addressing the protection of human occupants. Provinces and territories, that are responsible for regulation and enforcement of construction, have indicated via PTPACC that they do not support expanding the scope of application of the codes to address the protection of animals. That said, not all aspects of building design and construction are regulated in the Codes – building owners and local authorities having jurisdiction can require that additional standards also be met, such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) A460, “Bird-Friendly Building Design standard.”
Code du bâtimentOiseauxProtection des animaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01501441-01501 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB1 juin 202319 juillet 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01500441-01500 (Environnement)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNPDBC1 juin 202319 juillet 202324 mars 2022Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit s’attaquer à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des mesures législatives pour une transition équitable qui :
  • Réduisent les émissions d’au moins 60 % sous les niveaux de 2005 d’ici 2030, et qui apportent une importante contribution à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Réduisent progressivement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et l’infrastructure connexe, mettent un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et prévoient la transition vers une économie décarbonée;
  • Créent de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et développent la propriété publique des services d’utilité publique à l’échelle de l’économie afin de mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créent de bons emplois verts et favorisent le développement d’un effectif diversifié, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs concernés et des communautés, et assurent des emplois convenables et à faibles émissions de carbone pour tous les travailleurs;
  • Protègent et renforcent les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respectent les droits des Autochtones, leur souveraineté et leur savoir en les intégrant dans la création et la mise en oeuvre de ces mesures législatives, assurent la justice pour les migrants et mettent l’accent sur l’aide aux communautés qui vivent une marginalisation de longue date;
  • Élargissent le filet de sécurité sociale avec de nouvelles mesures d’aide au revenu, des logements sociaux décarbonés et des fonds de soutien pour des services de transport en commun abordables et accessibles à l’échelle du pays;
  • Financent la transition en augmentant l’impôt des plus riches et des sociétés et mettant sur pied une banque publique nationale.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykOn February 17, 2023 the Government of Canada released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to sustainable jobs legislation.The Government is preparing to introduce this legislation in 2023. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand;
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and,
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone.  
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. It understands that accelerated efforts are crucial to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, its current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy-efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.      
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01499441-01499 (Environnement)PeterJulianNew Westminster—BurnabyNPDBC1 juin 202319 juillet 202326 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE : les changements climatiques se sont aggravés au point de devenir une urgence climatique mondiale; la planète est en voie de se réchauffer de près de 4 degrés Celsius d’ici 2100 et les phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes se multiplient, entraînant des répercussions de plus en plus graves, que ce soient des inondations, des feux de forêt, des hausses de température, des vagues de chaleur mortelles, de gigantesques tempêtes, la montée du niveau de la mer ou la perturbation des écosystèmes marins et terrestres;afin d’agir pour prévenir de nouveaux changements climatiques catastrophiques, le Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat (GIEC) affirme que le consensus scientifique veut que nous agissions immédiatement pour réduire les émissions nettes de gaz à effet de serre anthropiques à 45 % sous les niveaux de 2010 d’ici 2030 et pour atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050;le Canada doit lutter contre cette urgence climatique avec l’ambition et le sentiment d’urgence requis, dans l’intérêt des générations actuelles et futures;les Canadiens vivent des événements climatiques catastrophiques sans précédent au moment où les inégalités socioéconomiques se creusent dans notre société et où près de la moitié de la population canadienne se dit à 200 $ près de la faillite à la fin de chaque mois;les répercussions des changements climatiques menacent la santé physique et mentale (particulièrement celles des jeunes, des personnes âgées et des personnes handicapées), l’environnement qui nous entoure et par conséquent, les aliments que nous consommons, l’approvisionnement en eau à l’échelle mondiale, l’air que nous respirons, les conditions météorologiques et la capacité des collectivités locales de s’adapter à ces changements;les répercussions de l’urgence climatique sont particulièrement graves pour les personnes qui en subissent les conséquences immédiates; les peuples autochtones et les collectivités directement exposées et vulnérables, comme les demandeurs d’asile et les personnes déplacées par les changements climatiques, sont touchés de manière disproportionnée, et les risques pour leur santé sont d’autant plus grands;il est plus urgent que jamais que le Canada réduise ses émissions de gaz à effet de serre et réalise la transition à une économie à faible intensité de carbone face à l’ampleur et à l’urgence de la crise climatique, tout en veillant à ce que tous les peuples autochtones et tous les Canadiens profitent des investissements publics considérables que nécessite une économie à faible intensité de carbone, en particulier dans les rénovations écoénergétiques, le logement abordable, les énergies renouvelables, les infrastructures, les transports en commun, l’assurance médicaments, l’assurance dentaire, les garderies et l’élimination des dettes d’études et des frais de scolarité; la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones et la reconnaissance des droits inhérents, du titre autochtone et des droits issus des traités, dans le respect intégral de la Déclaration des Nations Unies sur les droits des peuples autochtones (DNUDPA), doivent être au cœur de l’intervention du Canada en réponse à l’urgence climatique.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer la motion M-1, un « New Deal vert » fait au Canada, la première initiative dont la Chambre des communes est saisie, qui demande au Canada de prendre rapidement des mesures audacieuses et équitables sur le plan social pour lutter contre l’urgence climatique tout en remédiant aux inégalités socioéconomiques et raciales grandissantes, en éliminant les subventions aux combustibles fossiles et les abris fiscaux à l’étranger, en soutenant les travailleurs touchés par la transition et en créant des emplois syndiqués et bien rémunérés dans la nouvelle économie axée sur les énergies propres et renouvelables.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient economy for generations to come we must harness the power of a cleaner future.Over the past seven years, the Government of Canada has taken action and committed to invest over $120 billion to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change. In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy in December 2020 to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets, based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act, Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target as a concrete milestone that improves transparency and accountability on the way to net-zero. The 2030 ERP includes a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, $9.1 billion in new investments, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Achieving Canada’s climate objectives demands that all sectors of the economy continue to decarbonize in a manner that makes cleaner alternatives more affordable and creates new sustainable job opportunities for workers. That’s why the 2030 ERP provides a road map that goes sector-by-sector to identify climate action and strategies. For example, the Government is:
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, while driving down emissions to net-zero by 2040 and boosting climate resiliency through the development of the $150 million Canada Green Buildings Strategy and an additional investment of $458.5 million in the Canada Greener Homes Loans program;
  • Empowering communities to take climate action by expanding the Low Carbon Economy Fund through a $2.2 billion recapitalization, which will include a new $180-million Indigenous Leadership Fund to support emissions reductions projects led by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments of $400 million for zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, $1.7 billion to extend the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program to make it more affordable for Canadians to buy and drive new electric light-duty vehicles, and introducing a purchase incentive program of $547.5 million for medium-and heavy-duty vehicles;
  • Positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement the cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Powering the economy with renewable electricity by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and providing $600 million to the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program for additional renewable electricity and grid modernization projects, and $250 million to support predevelopment work of large clean electricity projects;
  • Helping industries to adopt clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) strategy, and establishing an investment tax credit of up to 30 per cent focused on net-zero technologies;
  • Driving further clean technology innovation through a $1 billion investment to create an independent federal innovation and investment agency;
  • Developing of a whole-of-government strategy to strengthen policy coherence and coordination on clean technology and climate innovation;
  • Investing in nature and natural climate solutions by investing an additional $780 million to the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to support projects that conserve, restore and enhance wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands to store and capture carbon; and,
  • Supporting farmers as partners in building a clean, prosperous future through investments in new programs such as the $150 million resilient agricultural landscapes program, and by topping up the Agricultural Climate Solutions: On-Farm Climate Action Fund with $470 million to support key climate mitigation practices and providing $300 million to triple funding for the Agricultural Clean Technology Program.
The 2030 ERP is expected to benefit diverse groups of people in Canada by helping to alleviate the negative impacts of climate change and strengthen Canada’s ability to meet net-zero emissions by 2050. The plan also includes several measures designed to directly benefit communities affected by climate change, and those seeking to reduce the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions, including those who live in remote and rural communities.The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits and communities across the country work together to meet Canada’s climate objectives, we will identify, catalyze and respond to new opportunities. In addition, progress under the plan will be reviewed in progress reports produced in 2023, 2025, and 2027. Additional targets and plans will be developed for 2035 through to 2050.These commitments aim to increase Canada’s ambition and to reduce the intensity and frequency of climate change-related impacts on the environment such as higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. However, as the country faces increasing record-breaking climate events year after year, on top of slow onset climate impacts, the Government of Canada recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to also adapt and build resilience.To that end, the Government of Canada developed its first National Adaptation Strategy. The Strategy is the product of two years of engagement with provinces and territories, Indigenous partners, key experts, stakeholders and partners across Canada. It presents a whole-of-society approach to reducing risk and building climate-resilient communities. The Strategy lays out an agreed-upon framework to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure, and support a strong economy and workers. It also identifies common goals, objectives, and targets to focus the efforts of governments and communities across these key areas and to help ensure future investments are targeted and effective.Similarly, the Government of Canada’s Adaptation Action Plan (GOCAAP), released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, outlines the federal contribution to achieving Canada’s climate change adaptation goals. The GOCAAP highlights more than 70 new and ongoing federal actions to help meet Canada’s adaptation priorities, and to address both the short-term and long-term climate change issues and risks facing Canadians.Starting in 2015, the Government of Canada has invested more than $6.5 billion in adaptation, including $2 billion in commitments since fall 2022 to implement the National Adaptation Strategy and support other adaptation-related activities.In the coming months, the federal government will work with provinces and territories to advance bilateral action plans as a key step to implementing the Strategy. Likewise, the government will work with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis on a regional and distinctions basis through the Indigenous Climate Leadership Agenda which supports self-determined Indigenous climate actions.As the Government of Canada continues to implement the commitments set out in its plans, it is doing so in collaboration with its partners. The Government of Canada is committed to working with provinces and territories to advance shared priorities that will further lower emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including on a regional and bilateral basis. The Government of Canada fulfills this commitment by working with provinces and territories to tailor approaches and actions that are focused on climate change and green economic recovery. Collaboration with all levels of government, Indigenous peoples, experts, industry, the financial sector, stakeholders, and Canadians is a key component of the 2030 ERP and the National Adaptation Strategy.The Government of Canada also collaborates with Indigenous partners on climate action and recognizes that Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable populations to a rapidly changing environment. To help support Indigenous peoples advance their climate priorities and adapt to the changing climate, the Government of Canada is committed to renewed nation-to-nation, Inuit-to-Crown and Government-to-Government relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. The Government of Canada also supports without qualification the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including free, prior and informed consent. Supporting self-determined climate action is critical to advancing Canada’s reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.Canada maintains strong partnerships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners on their climate change priorities through distinctions-based senior bilateral tables on clean growth and climate change with the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council. These partnerships have meant that, since the launch of the Pan-Canadian Framework in 2016, Indigenous partners have worked directly with Canada to identify ways for policies and programs to better support Indigenous peoples and their climate priorities. More than five years later, the tables continue to demonstrate the benefits of sustained collaboration. For instance, the tables were instrumental in ensuring that Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan (December 2020), the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, and Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy respond to Indigenous climate priorities.Investments in Indigenous climate change action have been important to advancing self-determined priorities of Indigenous peoples. Since the release of the Strengthened Climate Plan, Canada has committed more than $1.3 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities to transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience of health systems, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the Pan-Canadian Framework, as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients.Most recently, in the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to advance discussions with Indigenous peoples to develop and implement a model of partnership for climate action that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous Knowledge systems in national climate policy.Looking forward, the transition to a cleaner future will bring new opportunities across our labour force, but also some challenges for those that will need to pivot to new jobs. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the future and livelihoods of workers and their communities as the world moves to a low carbon future. To seize these opportunities, the Government of Canada is making historic investments in skills and training to build on the agility and resilience of Canada’s workforce and ensure that it is equipped with the range of skills required to deliver on this ambition.       
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01498441-01498 (Environnement)JennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC1 juin 202319 juillet 202325 mai 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit s’attaquer à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des mesures législatives pour une transition équitable qui :
  • Réduisent les émissions d’au moins 60 % sous les niveaux de 2005 d’ici 2030, et qui apportent une importante contribution à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Réduisent progressivement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et l’infrastructure connexe, mettent un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et prévoient la transition vers une économie décarbonée;
  • Créent de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et développent la propriété publique des services d’utilité publique à l’échelle de l’économie afin de mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créent de bons emplois verts et favorisent le développement d’un effectif diversifié, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs concernés et des communautés, et assurent des emplois convenables et à faibles émissions de carbone pour tous les travailleurs;
  • Protègent et renforcent les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respectent les droits des Autochtones, leur souveraineté et leur savoir en les intégrant dans la création et la mise en oeuvre de ces mesures législatives, assurent la justice pour les migrants et mettent l’accent sur l’aide aux communautés qui vivent une marginalisation de longue date;
  • Élargissent le filet de sécurité sociale avec de nouvelles mesures d’aide au revenu, des logements sociaux décarbonés et des fonds de soutien pour des services de transport en commun abordables et accessibles à l’échelle du pays;
  • Financent la transition en augmentant l’impôt des plus riches et des sociétés et mettant sur pied une banque publique nationale.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykOn February 17, 2023 the Government of Canada released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to sustainable jobs legislation.The Government is preparing to introduce this legislation in 2023. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand;
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and,
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone. 
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. It understands that accelerated efforts are crucial to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories, and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, its current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy-efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.    
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01497441-01497 (Affaires sociales et égalité)JohnWilliamsonNouveau-Brunswick-Sud-OuestConservateurNB1 juin 202319 juillet 20237 février 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01496441-01496 (Travail et emploi)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC1 juin 202319 juillet 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • Le Canada a signé l’Accord de Paris, qui inclut dans son libellé le principe de transition équitable;
  • Il est de la responsabilité du gouvernement de garantir un traitement équitable aux travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière, qui, sans que ce soit leur faute, perdent leurs emplois au fur et à mesure que l’économie canadienne se tourne vers les énergies renouvelables;
  • Les compétences des travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière peuvent facilement se transférer à des emplois dans les énergies renouvelables, si on y affecte les ressources nécessaires;
  • Le taux d’emploi dans le secteur des énergies renouvelables dépasse déjà celui de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière et continue de croître.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • Créer, en consultation avec les travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière, un plan de transition équitable pour les travailleurs de l’industrie pétrolière et gazière du Canada en y intégrant les 10 recommandations formulées par le Groupe de travail sur la transition équitable pour les collectivités et les travailleurs des centrales au charbon canadiennes.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous low-carbon economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero emissions future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying, high-quality jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Since 2016, the federal government has committed over $120 billion to clean growth and emissions reduction measures, including over $80 billion in recently announced investment tax credits.Canada also joined other countries at COP26 in committing to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero emissions future.  The interim Sustainable Jobs Plan, released in February 2023, lays out a comprehensive approach as part of Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth.This plan, drafted in consultation with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society, describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.Furthermore, as committed to in the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan released in early 2023, the Government introduced Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, in June 2023, which will establish a federal governance, engagement, and accountability framework to advance economic prosperity and ensure workers benefit from the opportunities presented by a low-carbon economy. The bill will require the Government to establish a Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council to provide independent advice to Government on sustainable jobs measures; to create a Secretariat to lead the Government’s sustainable jobs approach; and to release a Sustainable Jobs Action Plan every five years beginning in 2025. These mechanisms will guide and organize efforts to support workers and communities as Canada shifts to a net-zero economy, ensuring equitable, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the country.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that each can realize its comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a low-carbon world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Diversification économiqueÉnergie et combustibles renouvelablesMain-d'œuvrePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01494441-01494 (Travail et emploi)TaylorBachrachSkeena—Bulkley ValleyNPDBC1 juin 202319 juillet 202318 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :1. Les travailleurs portuaires du Canada sont essentiels à l’exploitation des ports maritimes et au maintien d’une chaîne d’approvisionnement canadienne résiliente, durable et capable de soutenir la concurrence;2. Les activités des ports maritimes et des administrations portuaires ont de profondes répercussions sur les conditions de vie et de travail des travailleurs portuaires; 3. Les travailleurs portuaires possèdent une expertise très particulière qui est utile à l’exploitation des ports maritimes du Canada et à la planification de leur avenir.NOUS, SOUSSIGNÉS, CITOYENS DU CANADA, demandons à LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES :De modifier la Loi maritime du Canada pour y ajouter l’exigence que les travailleurs portuaires soient représentés au conseil d’administration des administrations portuaires du Canada.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraSeventeen Canada Port Authorities oversee the country's most vital ports. While Canada Port Authorities are federal entities, these organizations operate independently from the Government, adhering to commercial and financial self-sustainability principles. Port authorities fulfill crucial public policy objectives like facilitating national economic development and overseeing safety and environmental regulations. Canada Port Authorities are also key hubs in the Canada’s supply chains, where rail, road and marine modes intersect to support export and import markets, and ports rely on the dedicated workers who are essential to their operations.The boards of directors within Canada Port Authorities play a crucial role for their organizations by setting the course, ensuring proper functioning, and aligning with the objectives of the Canada Marine Act. The boards are composed of seven to eleven directors appointed as follows: one federal director appointed by the Governor in Council, as nominated by the Minister of Transport; one municipal director; one provincial director; and four to seven user directors, appointed by the Governor in Council, as nominated by the Minister in consultation with users selected by the Minister or the classes of users mentioned in the letters patent.These directors are required to have recognized stature within the transportation or business community. In addition, the directors nominated by the Minister in consultation with users are required to have extensive experience in business management or port and maritime trade operations. While expertise in port-related fields is expected, directors must not have any actual or perceived conflicts of interest and must act in the best interests of the port authority. The framework provides opportunities for qualified individuals from various backgrounds to be nominated or appointed as directors, promoting diversity and inclusive representation.In November 2022, the Government of Canada introduced Bill C-33, the Strengthening the Ports System and Railway Safety in Canada Act, in the House of Commons to advance the role of Canada Port Authorities as strategic enablers of supply chain resiliency and efficiency. The proposed reforms to the Canada Marine Act seek to enhance the effectiveness and governance of Canada Port Authorities by adapting to the changing landscape and reinforcing good board practices. The Government of Canada has committed to consider all proposed amendments with a view to strengthening the port system and railway safety in Canada.The Government expects Canada Port Authorities to collaborate with port users, including workers. To this effect, Bill C-33 requires ports to establish advisory boards with local communities to ensure that their priorities are heard and reflected. In addition, the Minister of Transport has and will continue to engage with the New Democratic Party transport critic, and colleagues across all parties, to ensure that the expertise of port workers will be reflected on port authority boards. 
Administrations portuairesConseil d'administration
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01491441-01491 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB30 mai 202319 juillet 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01490441-01490 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC30 mai 202319 juillet 202321 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • les peuples autochtones ont des droits et des titres sur leurs territoires traditionnels et sont les gardiens de ces terres depuis des temps immémoriaux;
  • la crise climatique exige l’intervention de tous les ordres du gouvernement et de l’industrie;
  • les forêts anciennes présentent des avantages incalculables, notamment pour la séquestration du carbone, la biodiversité, la culture, les loisirs, l’alimentation et plus;
  • les écosystèmes anciens de fond de vallée à forte productivité en Colombie-Britannique sont en danger;
  • sur les 2,7 % de forêts anciennes originales à forte productivité qui restent en Colombie-Britannique, 75 % sont censés faire l’objet de coupes;
  • il reste aujourd’hui seulement 9 % des 360 000 hectares originaux de forêts anciennes de fond de vallée à forte productivité sur l’île de Vancouver, et 2,6 % seulement de ces forêts sont protégés dans des parcs;
  • la dernière vallée ancienne intacte non protégée dans le Sud de l’île de Vancouver, Fairy Creek, est censée faire l’objet de coupes, de même que la vallée de la haute-Walbran et d’autres parcelles de forêts anciennes;
  • la plupart des Canadiens soutiennent l’exploitation durable de forêts de deuxième et troisième venues, mais sont contre l’abattage d’arbres anciens ou la destruction de leurs écosystèmes environnants.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons instamment au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • 1. Travailler avec les provinces et les Premières Nations pour mettre fin immédiatement à l’exploitation d’écosystèmes anciens en danger;
  • 2. Financer la protection à long terme d’écosystèmes anciens à titre de priorité dans le plan d’action climatique du Canada et de geste de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones;
  • 3. Appuyer les initiatives forestières à valeur ajoutée en partenariat avec les Premières Nations afin que l’industrie forestière du Canada soit durable et fondée sur l’exploitation de forêts de deuxième et de troisième venues;
  • 4. Interdire l’exportation de billes brutes et maximiser l’utilisation des ressources pour les emplois locaux;
  • 5. Interdire l’utilisation d’arbres entiers pour la production de granulés de bois.
Response by the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Arif ViraniForests provide a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits for people and communities across Canada. They are a major source of income and employment for 300 communities across the country, directly employing 205,000 workers, including over 11,500 Indigenous workers. Canada is committed to Indigenous reconciliation and recognize the importance of natural resources to Indigenous Peoples.With respect to the proposal to ban the export of raw logs, logs are integral to the domestic manufacturing industry for a wide range of forest products including softwood lumber and other products like high value finished veneer panels. Domestic and international trade in logs is important for log harvesters and Canadian trade. The policy and process governing the export of logs harvested in British Columbia contained in Global Affairs Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102 form an important part of the Government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and domestic policy objectives.The Government regularly reviews policies to ensure that Canada’s domestic policy objectives and trade opportunities are maximized and welcomes all ideas and proposals related to its policies, including those associated with the export of raw logs. The Government is committed to continuing to work and collaborate closely with Indigenous Peoples and all stakeholders and partners on this issue to achieve the best possible results for Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada is home to ecosystems that are globally significant in their capacity to absorb carbon, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect biodiversity. This includes 24% of the world’s wetlands, 25% of temperate rainforest areas and 28% of remaining boreal forests. In this context, the Government of Canada understands that the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are connected and need to be tackled together.That said, conservation and protection of Canada’s forests, including old-growth forests and ecosystems, is a shared responsibility. The vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia (B.C.), approximately 96% of forests are on provincial Crown land, where, under the Constitution Act, 1867, forest management is the jurisdiction of the provincial government. As such, forest management on those lands is within the jurisdiction of the B.C. government. At the same time, there is an important federal role to conserve migratory bird habitat, protect critical habitat of federally listed species at risk, and mitigate climate change.With this in mind, the mandate letters of the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change and Natural Resources include a commitment to help protect old-growth forests, notably in B.C., by reaching a Nature Agreement with B.C., establishing a $50 million B.C. Old Growth Nature Fund, and ensuring First Nations, local communities and workers are partners in shaping the path forward for nature protection. This $50 million investment was made through Budget 2022, and a contribution agreement was signed with B.C. in March 2023.The Old Growth Nature Fund will deliver on the Ministers’ mandate letters by providing $50 million to the Government of B.C., to be matched by B.C., to permanently protect and conserve old growth forests in the province. The Fund focuses on protecting at-risk high productivity old growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding supports planning and collaboration with B.C. and Indigenous communities, and provides incentives for third-party funders to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province. For example, the 58,000-hectare Incomappleux Valley Conservancy in the B.C. interior was created, in-part, thanks to investments under the Old Growth Nature Fund.The Old Growth Nature Fund will be a key component of the B.C. Nature Agreement, which is being co-developed between Canada, B.C and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC), and presents a unique opportunity to collaboratively advance nature conservation, species at risk and climate mitigation objectives in collaboration with provincial and Indigenous partners.To this end, and in light of recent announcements from the Government of B.C. concerning moratoria on old growth forest harvesting, departmental officials have been working with their provincial colleagues to finalize a tripartite Nature Agreement and to explore additional ways to encourage and support the province in its efforts to protect and restore habitat. This includes protecting the habitat of old growth-associated species such as Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet.The Government of Canada appreciates that, in addition to their habitat functions, forests are key to the health of the climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old growth forests, like those in B.C., also function as important carbon reservoirs.Appreciating the significance of forests to biodiversity conservation and climate, the federal government has contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 hectares of forest habitat in B.C. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Ecological Gifts Program, and others.Alongside this work, the federal government has made forests a central part of Canada’s plan to tackle climate change. The Old Growth Nature Fund in particular is expected to contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieve Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of B.C. are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada.Complementing this effort on a broader scale, the Government of Canada has also announced a series of funding initiatives of significance to forest ecosystems and forestry in Canada:
  • Natural Climate Solutions is investing more than $5 billion over ten years to restore, better manage, and conserve Canada’s natural and managed ecosystems. This initiative includes three complementary programs:
    • 2 Billion Trees program, led by Natural Resources Canada;
    • Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), led by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC); and
    • The Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program, led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
  • The NSCSF is a $1.4 billion 10-year (2021-2031) fund to reduce 5-7 megatons of GHG emissions annually. Up to $36.9 million in funding has been allocated to support Indigenous communities to deliver projects that build capacity and advance Indigenous-led efforts on natural climate solutions, with a focus on improved management, conservation, and restoration of wetlands, grasslands and forests that result in reduced and captured GHG emissions.
  • Enhanced Nature Legacy provides $2.3 billion in new funding over five years (2021-2026) that will further contribute to the implementation of conservation measures for Canada’s land and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. This includes the establishment of new federal, provincial and territorial protected areas, other effective area-based conservation measures, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, and additional habitat restoration. It also included the announcement of further investments through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, a $2 billion fund that could, amongst other things, incent provinces to leave timber standing (for example, by creating other revenue streams for forests).
The broader significance of Canada’s forests is also recognized in the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada where forests are identified as a priority sector. Development of a conservation action plan for species at risk is currently underway in collaboration with forest sector partners and stakeholders to advance the protection and recovery of species at risk and enhance sector sustainability.With respect to support for Indigenous community involvement in ecosystem protection and climate action, including in forests and more broadly, it should be noted that under the NSCSF, described above, an Indigenous Partnership (NSCSF-IP) stream was established to provide targeted funding to enable Indigenous peoples to play a meaningful leadership role in natural climate solutions as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation. Through the NSCSF-IP, ECCC supports Indigenous organizations and communities to undertake Indigenous-led capacity building activities and on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration, improved land management, and conservation of wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands and forests that result in reduced GHG emissions, and that maximize co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency, and human well-being.Beyond this, ECCC has also funded approximately 115 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Guardians initiatives since 2017 with investments totaling over $46 million. Indigenous Guardians initiatives support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems including old-growth forests, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between the Canadian landscape and Indigenous culture. Indigenous Guardians are Indigenous peoples exercising their cultural responsibilities through on-the-ground stewardship of traditional lands, waters, air, and ice. They act as the “eyes and ears on the ground”.  Indigenous Guardians funding supports on-the-ground activities such as ecological and cultural resource monitoring, restoration, and visitor experience activities, contribution to cultural continuity (e.g., intergenerational knowledge transmission) and implementation of Indigenous conservation practices and Indigenous knowledge.     
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.Canada’s forests provide a wealth of environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadians. The forestrysector in Canada is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies. Through careful monitoring and planning, Canada’s forest sector manages the long-term health of its forests, both safeguarding these benefits in the face of challenges and finding new opportunities in a changing world.Finding solutions also means working with Indigenous communities and leaders so that forest management and conservation practices are informed by Indigenous knowledge systems. Through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is providing financial support to Indigenous-led projects in the forest sector — creating good jobs and supporting the stewardship of Canada’s forests. Since 2017, the program has supported 134 Indigenous-led, forest-based economic development projects and helped to create more than 787 jobs and 45 new or expanded businesses.British Columbia’s iconic old growth forests have deep-rooted cultural significance to Indigenous communities and are important to all British Columbians. They are also critical habitats for dozens of species at risk and migratory birds and are important natural stores of carbon.The British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund established by the Departments of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and NRCan advances shared objectives regarding urgent protection of vital ecosystems, wildlife habitats and species at risk while also protecting carbon stores in old growth forests. The Old Growth Nature Fund is being established in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous and local communities.This collaborative work to protect communities and diverse natural habitats, including by advancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts, is also crucial to securing a cleaner, healthier, and greener future for Canadians.The Old Growth Nature Fund further complements the Enhanced Nature Legacy announced in 2021, and the Natural Climate Solutions Fund announced in 2020.Canada boasts the most forest area certified by internationally recognized, third party systems as being managed in a sustainable way, respecting ecological values and Indigenous rights. Three quarters of Canada’s managed public forests are certified to one or more of three sustainable forest management certification systems: the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Forest Stewardship Council, and the Canadian Standards Association.As with all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies that are the basis for sustainable forest management, and include protections for old-growth forests. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures ensure that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably.Canadian wood pellets are primarily made from sawmill residues that are by-products of wood product manufacturing. The industry also uses branches and treetops from harvest operations, logs damaged by natural disturbances, or trees that are cut to manage long-term ecological values in the forest. If not used, these additional sources of wood fibre are typically left to decompose into the atmosphere, or may be burned onsite.Supporting markets for all material harvested, as part of a sustainable forest management plan, ensures that no part of the harvested tree is wasted, and delivers economic benefits to Canadians. As part of Budget 2023, Canada announced $368.4 million over three years, starting in 2023-24 to NRCan to renew and update forest sector support, including for Indigenous leadership in the sector.
Politique autochtonePolitique forestièreProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01488441-01488 (Affaires étrangères)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON30 mai 202319 juillet 20231 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01479441-01479 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB29 mai 202319 juillet 202312 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01478441-01478 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB29 mai 202319 juillet 202328 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01469441-01469 (Transport)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC18 mai 202319 juillet 202315 mai 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Canada est la terre d’accueil de la plus grande diaspora pendjabi au monde, qui compte près de 1 million de personnes, dont bon nombre sont de confession sikhe;
  • Le gouvernement au pouvoir a négligé d’inclure le Pendjab dans son accord « ciel ouvert », qui couvre pourtant les vols directs entre le Canada et l’Inde;
  • Amritsar est un important site religieux, un important carrefour commercial et culturel ainsi que la deuxième ville en importance du Pendjab.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de corriger l’accord « ciel ouvert » et d’établir un vol direct entre Amritsar et le Canada.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab. 
IndeTransport aérien
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01468441-01468 (Santé)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC18 mai 202319 juillet 202318 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • Les licences pour la production de cannabis à usage médical sont souvent utilisées de manière abusive, la production dépassant les quantités destinées à l’usage personnel étant détournée pour être vendue sur le marché noir;
  • La quantité de cannabis qu’un individu est autorisé à posséder à des fins médicales est impossible à consommer personnellement;
  • Les cultures dans les quartiers résidentiels ont des effets négatifs sur la santé et le bien-être des voisins, notamment des odeurs excessives, une circulation fréquente et une baisse de la valeur des propriétés;
  • Les autorités municipales n’ont que peu ou pas de pouvoir sur les plantations de cannabis sur leur territoire;
  • Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas soumis la production de cannabis à usage médical enregistré à l’examen et à l’inspection, ce qui a permis aux opérations de culture de cannabis sur les marchés gris et noir de prospérer dans le cadre de ce programme.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de revoir l’octroi de licences et la surveillance de la production de cannabis à des fins médicales personnelles, et d’accorder aux provinces les ressources et les pouvoirs nécessaires pour réglementer et faire respecter la production de cannabis à des fins médicales personnelles, ce qui habilitera les municipalités à réglementer et à faire respecter la loi.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreBackground on cannabis for medical purposes in CanadaCanada’s medical cannabis regime was created and then shaped over time by successive court decisions, which resulted in the evolution of a framework of legal access to cannabis for medical purposes.This model has evolved over the past two decades, from one that initially provided individual exemptions to enable medical patients to possess cannabis for their personal consumption, to a system of federal licensure that allows patients, with the support of their health care practitioner, to obtain cannabis from a licensed producer, to cultivate their own cannabis, or to designate someone to cultivate it on their behalf.In 2015, when the Government of Canada announced the commitment to legalize and regulate cannabis for non-medical purposes, a Task Force was put in place to consult and provide advice on the design of a new legislative and regulatory framework for legal access to cannabis.The Task Force engaged extensively with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, experts, patients, advocates, Indigenous governments and representative organizations, employers, and industry.In the final Task Force report (2016), it was recommended that the federal government maintain a separate medical access system (from non-medical) and commit to reviewing it within five years.Since October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations now govern Canada's cannabis for medical purposes program.The Cannabis Act and Cannabis Regulations strictly regulate the production, distribution, sale and possession of cannabis in Canada, including cannabis for medical purposes. The oversight of cannabis production is a shared responsibility across federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments.Under the Cannabis Regulations, Canadians who have been authorized by their health care practitioner can access cannabis for medical purposes in three ways:
  1. purchase quality-controlled cannabis from a wide variety of federally licensed sellers inspected by Health Canada;
  2. produce a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes; or,
  3. designate someone to produce it for them.
Individuals who are authorized to produce cannabis for medical purposes must abide by the requirements of the Cannabis Regulations. In addition, they must abide by all other applicable provincial, territorial, and municipal laws and by-laws, including complying with fire and building code regulations and any applicable landlord and tenant regulations.Health Canada’s roleHealth Canada is committed to protecting patients’ rights to reasonable access to cannabis for medical purposes and recognizes that most patients are using the medical access program for its intended purposes. Since the coming into force of the Cannabis Act and the Cannabis Regulations, however, Health Canada has seen a concerning trend with the size of certain personal and designated production sites and issues associated with them. As in any regulatory framework, there will be instances where individuals choose to operate outside of the law, and abuse of the medical purposes framework undermines the integrity of the system that many patients and health care practitioners rely on to access cannabis to address their medical needs. In April 2022, in an effort to address the risk of abuse and preserve the program’s integrity, Health Canada published Guidance on Personal Production of Cannabis for Medical Purposes. The document outlines proposed factors Health Canada may consider when making a decision to refuse or revoke a registration for personal or designated production of cannabis for medical purposes on public health or public safety grounds, including the risk of cannabis being diverted to an illicit market or activity. Health Canada continues to strengthen its oversight and reduce the risk of abuse of the cannabis for medical purposes registration program, using authorities under the Cannabis Regulations, by: 
  • conducting additional verifications when warranted (e.g., contacting the Health Care Practitioner (HCP) to confirm the validity of the medical document and to confirm the daily dosage amount); 
  • refusing or revoking a registration if it is determined that an applicant has submitted false or misleading information as part of their application, such as a forged medical document; 
  • proactively sharing information with provincial and territorial medical licensing bodies about the authorizing practices of HCPs in their jurisdiction, to inform any action they decide to take; 
  • verifying that there are no more than four registrations at any given production site—the maximum allowed in the regulations—to reduce the risk of large-scale production sites;
  • conducting inspections of personal registration and designated production sites to further verify compliance with the regulations; and,
  • acting on evidence from law enforcement that individuals who are registered to grow cannabis for medical purposes are not respecting the terms and conditions of their registration or the regulatory requirements.
As of April 30, 2023, Health Canada has refused or revoked over 1,800 registrations under the Cannabis Regulations, including over 1,200 for reasons of public health and public safety. Provincial, territorial, and municipal rolesIt is important to note that different levels of government and law enforcement have roles in maintaining public safety with respect to cannabis. It is the responsibility of municipalities to enforce their bylaws with respect to cannabis production, and law enforcement has the authority to take action against illegal cannabis activity under the Cannabis Act and against those who operate outside of the legal framework. Some communities have been successful in creating by-laws to limit the impact of the production of cannabis in residential areas and we plan to address this issue in upcoming outreach activities.Health Canada encourages all provinces, territories, and municipalities to use the tools at their disposal to confirm that individuals meet all standards and by-laws. This includes implementing any limitations on zoning, location, and nuisances such as noise and lighting that they feel are appropriate in their jurisdictions.Municipalities could require building permits and inspections of electrical work at personal production sites. Please note that it is outside of Health Canada’s jurisdiction to enforce provincial or municipal legislation.Municipalities may also wish to refer to the Municipal Guide to Cannabis Legalization developed by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, which provides guidance in areas such as odour and other nuisances.Health Canada engages and collaborates with provincial and territorial (PT) partners on a regular basis, including at a bi-monthly meeting with senior officials from each PT, and on an ad hoc basis regarding specific issues. In February 2023, Health Canada organized a multi-sectoral meeting with PT and municipal governments, as well as law enforcement partners, to discuss personal and designated production of cannabis for medical purposes.Support for law enforcementHealth Canada actively supports law enforcement by providing a dedicated 24-7 service to confirm whether specific individuals are authorized to possess or produce a limited amount of cannabis for medical purposes. The Department also provides information, where appropriate, to law enforcement and other authorities to assist with active investigations.Legislative review of the Cannabis ActOn September 22, 2022, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions launched the legislative review of the Cannabis Act. An Expert Panel is leading the review and a report.Among the key themes that the Expert Panel is exploring is the impact of the legalization and regulation of cannabis on access to cannabis for medical purposes.The Expert Panel will also be focusing on identifying priority areas for action with regards to protecting young persons and protecting public safety.Those who wish to provide input may contact the Cannabis Act Legislative Review Secretariat at legreview-examenleg@hc-sc.gc.ca.A final report will be developed in the second phase of the review and will include findings or recommendations, which will be tabled in both Houses of Parliament by March 2024.
CannabisCultures agricolesRéglementationRelations fédérales-provinciales-territoriales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01463441-01463 (Affaires étrangères)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON17 mai 202319 juillet 20233 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01457441-01457 (Agriculture)ToddDohertyCariboo—Prince GeorgeConservateurBC16 mai 202319 juillet 20231 mai 2023Pétition au ministre de la Santé Attendu que :
  • Le glyphosate est le pesticide le plus vendu au Canada. Il est utilisé en agriculture comme herbicide et pour tuer les cultures à récolter, en foresterie pour tuer les arbres et la végétation cibles indésirables, et comme herbicide sur les emprises, les terrains commerciaux et résidentiels, les terrains de golf, les terrains des écoles et d’autres espaces verts;
  • En conséquence, la population canadienne, y compris les nourrissons et les enfants, consomme des résidus de glyphosate dans sa nourriture et son eau et est exposée à ces résidus lorsqu’elle fait des activités récréatives ou professionnelles à l’extérieur comme la chasse ou la récolte de produits;
  • L’utilisation du glyphosate nuit aux espèces aquatiques et terrestres et entraîne une perte de biodiversité, rendant ainsi les écosystèmes plus vulnérables à la pollution et au changement climatique;
  • Elle met en danger les pollinisateurs, notamment les abeilles sauvages et les papillons monarques, et favorise les incendies de forêt, car les forêts composées uniquement de conifères brûlent plus vite et plus intensément que les forêts mixtes;
  • En 2015, le Centre international de recherche sur le cancer de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé a qualifié le glyphosate de « cancérogène probable » pour les humains;
  • Il a été constaté que le glyphosate nuit à la santé humaine, notamment en endommageant la fonction cellulaire et en provoquant des effets sur la reproduction, des perturbations hormonales, des perturbations du microbiome et des cancers;
  • La Loi sur les produits antiparasitaires est renvoyée au Parlement pour y être examinée, et Santé Canada procède à la transformation de l’Agence de réglementation de la lutte antiparasitaire.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au ministre de la Santé de prendre les mesures suivantes :
  • 1. Interdire la vente et l’utilisation du glyphosate pour protéger la santé humaine et l’environnement;
  • 2. Élaborer un plan complet pour réduire l’utilisation globale des pesticides au Canada.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenIn Canada, the regulation of pesticides is shared among all levels of government. Federally, pesticides are regulated under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Our number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when it is used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from up to 200 scientific studies (or in some cases more) may be required to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people (including chronic effects, such as cancer), animals, or plants, including organisms in the soil and water. This assessment also takes into consideration sensitive populations, such as pregnant and nursing women, infants, children, and seniors.Health Canada also periodically re-evaluates pesticides that are on the market to assess whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards and hence whether they should continue to be permitted for use in Canada. An extensive scientific re-evaluation of glyphosate, completed in 2017, showed that under the established conditions of use, glyphosate does not pose unacceptable risks to human health (including reproductive, hormonal and gastro-intestinal health, or chronic effects such as cancer) or the environment (including biodiversity). This re-evaluation considered data not only from manufacturers, but also from a large body of published independent scientific studies, and information from other internationally recognized regulatory agencies. Over 1,300 studies were reviewed, totalling more than 89,000 pages.As part of the re-evaluation of glyphosate, Health Canada considered all available scientific evidence, including published scientific data, required guideline studies, and any epidemiological evidence on the topic of the potential hormonal (endocrine) disrupting properties of glyphosate. Based on weight of evidence review of high-quality scientific studies for glyphosate, no compelling evidence of potential interaction with the endocrine system was noted. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program and the European Food Safety Authority also reached the same conclusion following completion of their reviews of all lines of scientific evidence on this topic.Health Canada took the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) into consideration but found that the levels at which Canadians are exposed to glyphosate do not cause any harmful effects, including cancer. It is important to note that the level of exposure to the pesticide is not factored into the hazard-based approach used by some organizations (such as IARC), and thus do not constitute a risk assessment. While IARC (a branch of the World Health Organization, or WHO) categorized glyphosate as a probable carcinogen from a hazard perspective in 2015, the WHO concluded in a Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues with the Food and Agriculture Organization in May 2016 that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk to humans from exposure through diet.Health Canada establishes maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in food. MRLs represent the maximum amount of residue that may remain on a food when a pesticide is used according to its label directions. MRLs apply to all foods, regardless of whether they are grown in Canada or imported and are set at levels well below the amount that could pose a health concern. Canadian MRLs are set only after extensive review of the scientific information and after a thorough risk assessment confirms that there are no health concerns for any segment of the population (including those referred to above), when all possible food sources are eaten every day, over a lifetime. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tests food products for chemical residues as part of its National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program. If any product exceeds the MRLs set by Health Canada, the CFIA takes appropriate enforcement action. Compliance with respect to glyphosate MRLs is very high, with CFIA’s most recent data indicating a compliance level of 99.4%.As for the potential health impacts of glyphosate on the human intestinal microbiome, there is very little scientific evidence to support the claim that glyphosate has any direct impact on human gut microflora or has any subsequent health effect. Further to this, in 2021, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency published results of their scientific research (in English only) indicating limited effects of glyphosate on intestinal microbiome, further supporting Health Canada’s current position on this matter.Regarding the effects of pesticides on soil microbial communities, literature on the subject was reviewed as part of the re-evaluation of glyphosate. The effects of glyphosate on forest and agricultural soil microbial communities were shown to be inconsistent and consequently no clear conclusion can be drawn from the available scientific information.Registered pest control products in Canada, including glyphosate, do not cause injuries to human health including harming cellular function and causing reproductive effects, hormone disruption, microbiome disruption and cancer, whether through diet or non-dietary exposures (such as inhalation) when they are used according to label instructions. This determination by Health Canada and key foreign regulatory partners is based on results of specifically designed laboratory studies that are used to establish the permissible levels of exposure, which are then used to derive label instructions. These permissible levels for human exposure are set over one-hundred, or more, times lower than the amount that could potentially cause harm. These acceptable levels of exposure also take into account various types of populations who could be exposed to pesticides, including workers who handle pesticides, the general population, as well as sensitive sub-populations (such as pregnant women, children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals)With regards to potential human exposure to pesticides (including for glyphosate), it should be noted that the public may report health impacts they believe to be related to pesticide exposure to Health Canada’s Incident Reporting Program by completing a Voluntary Incident Report. Health Canada uses this information in its risk assessments and to monitor for safety after pesticides are registered.With respect to pollution and climate change, please note that Canada, along with 195 member nations, has recently concluded the negotiations of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal. The COP15 adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), including four goals and 23 targets for achievement by 2030 to safeguard nature and halt and reverse biodiversity loss, putting nature on a path to recovery by 2050. Target 7 focuses on reducing the negative impacts of pollution on biodiversity. The target commits to, among other goals, reduce the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least half including through integrated pest management, based on science, taking into account food security and livelihoods.Health Canada is collaborating with Environment and Climate Change (ECCC), which provides the National Focal Point for the GBF and is the federal lead on a national response. We will continue to work with them and other federal partners in determining next steps for Target 7, as part of developing a national biodiversity strategy and action plan.With regards to glyphosate use in forestry, Health Canada has concluded that this use is acceptable, when label directions are followed. These findings were based on an extensive review of the available scientific information on glyphosate. A forest cultivation site would receive one or at most two treatments early on in a 50-to-80-year cultivation cycle.This year’s wildfire conditions are unprecedented and deeply concerning. Serious wildfires have prompted evacuations for tens of thousands of Canadians across the country, including in many Indigenous communities. As we continue to monitor the situation, we have been in regular contact with all affected provinces and territories to ensure they have the support they need. When Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Quebec reached out for help, we answered – and we stand ready if more provinces or territories require federal assistance.Provincial/territorial and municipal governments have shared responsibilities in regulating pesticides. While Health Canada authorizes pesticides, it does not determine whether a product should or will be used (for example, for vegetation control, or for any other purpose). Likewise, provincial authorities oversee management of forestry resources and are best placed to determine if a registered pesticide (such as glyphosate) should be used for forestry management, based on their knowledge of local conditions and their objectives in managing natural resources within the province. The decision to use an herbicide in forestry operations would be included as part of a provincial forest management plan. Permitting or restricting the use of federally approved pesticides falls under the authority of the province, for both provincial crown land and privately held land within the province.Regarding potential impacts of glyphosate on pollinators (including bees and monarch butterflies). Health Canada’s environmental risk assessment for glyphosate did not identify any population level risks to pollinators, such as bees and monarchs.To further strengthen pesticide oversight and protection of human health and the environment and improve transparency, in August 2021, the Federal Government announced a $50 million investment in Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). With this funding, the PMRA has established a Transformation Agenda, which includes initiatives in four major areas: strengthened human and environmental health and safety oversight and protection through modernized business processes, improved transparency to increase understanding of the decision-making process, increased availability of real-world data and independent advice to better inform regulatory decision making, and a targeted review of the PCPA.In spring 2022, Health Canada launched the targeted review of the PCPA. A What We Heard report that summarizes the feedback received from partners and stakeholders has been published on the Government of Canada’s web site. The Department continues to consider all feedback received during these consultations to inform future potential measures to improve protection of human health and the environment from risks posed by pesticides. For those interested stakeholders who wish to engage further with the PMRA on its transformation agenda, they are encouraged to contact its transformation team directly by emailing: pmra-arla-transformation@hc-sc.gc.caThe PMRA is taking measures to further strengthen environmental protection for people, plants, and animals, and to improve the transparency of review processes for pesticides like glyphosate. For instance, the PMRA has created a Science Advisory Committee on Pest Control Products (SAC-PCP), which provides Health Canada with independent scientific advice to support evidence-based decision making on pesticides. The PMRA has also diversified the sources and increased the volume of data and information to inform its decisions on pesticides, by launching a water sampling program that collects real-world data from rivers, streams, wetlands, and lakes across Canada. The data from this program is available here. The PMRA is also working with partners and grower groups to collect real-world data on pesticide use in Canada, to inform the development of a national pesticide use data program. Further, the PMRA is incorporating plain language communications in key pesticide regulatory decisions to support more meaningful public participation in the regulatory process.As a part of our commitment to modernize our business processes, PMRA is evolving its oversight model to one that continually monitors the potential risks of pesticides, including through scientific literature, foreign regulatory decisions, and incident reports, throughout the life cycle of a pesticide rather than at predetermined review periods. PMRA will be engaging the public in a consultation in Fall 2023, where interested stakeholders will be encouraged to provide their comments to PMRA. The public consultation will be posted on the PMRA’s Pesticides and pest management consultations webpage.Please be assured that Health Canada continues to monitor for new information on all pesticides (including glyphosate) and will take appropriate action if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the use of the products is resulting in risks of concern to human health or the environment. When the science-based assessment indicates that potential risk to human health or the environment is not considered acceptable when risk management measures are applied, Health Canada will take appropriate action which may include cancelling specific uses or all uses of a pesticide, depending on the outcome of assessment. When all uses of a pesticide are cancelled, the pesticide is phased-out from the Canadian market.
GlyphosateInterdictionPesticidesPolitique agricole
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01454441-01454 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB15 mai 202319 juillet 20238 février 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, portons à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : Attendu que :Malgré la libération récente des Canadiens Micheal Spavor et Micheal Korvig après 1 000 jours de détention injuste en Chine, au moins 115 Canadiens sont toujours emprisonnés en Chine, dont Huseyin Celil, détenu depuis plus de 5 000 jours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien d’origine ouïghoure qui milite pour la défense des droits de la personne et qui est détenu en Chine pour avoir soutenu les droits politiques et religieux des Ouïghours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien qui a fui la Chine en Ouzbékistan après avoir été injustement emprisonné pendant 48 jours en 2001 et qui, après avoir été reconnu par les Nations Unies comme un réfugié, a immigré au Canada où il a obtenu la citoyenneté canadienne et renoncé à sa citoyenneté chinoise; Le gouvernement chinois a refusé de reconnaître la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui a refusé l’accès à un avocat, à sa famille et aux autorités canadiennes, alors qu’il a été contraint de signer des aveux et qu’il a subi un procès illégal et inéquitable;Il est désormais évident que le traitement des Ouïghours par le gouvernement chinois répond à la plupart, sinon à la totalité des critères relatifs au génocide définis dans la Convention des Nations Unies pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide; Le Canada ne peut rester insensible à la souffrance injuste d’un citoyen canadien. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes afin de corriger la situation : 1. Exiger que le gouvernement chinois reconnaisse la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui fournisse des services consulaires et juridiques conformément au droit international; 2. Déclarer officiellement que la libération de Huseyin Celil de sa détention en Chine et son retour au Canada sont des priorités du gouvernement canadien au même titre que l’étaient la libération de Michael Kovrig et Michael Spavor; 3. Nommer un envoyé spécial chargé d’obtenir la libération de M. Celil; 4. Demander l’aide de l’administration Biden et d’autres alliés à travers le monde pour obtenir la libération de M. Celil.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe case of Mr. Huseyincan Celil is a priority for Canada, as the Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned with his detention. Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil’s case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so.Global Affairs Canada remains in regular contact with Mr. Celil’s family in Canada and continues to provide them with consular services. While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case. The Government of Canada will continue to seek access to Mr. Celil in order to verify his well-being.The safety and well-being of Canadians abroad remain of utmost importance to Canada.
Canadiens à l'étrangerCelil, HuseyincanChineDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01453441-01453 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB15 mai 202319 juillet 202325 mars 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter.
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01451441-01451 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB15 mai 202319 juillet 202311 décembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023e-4334e-4334 (Santé)BrendanLeierGarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB16 mars 2023 à 11 h 39 (HAE)15 avril 2023 à 11 h 39 (HAE)15 mai 202319 juillet 202319 avril 2023Pétition au<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que: De solides preuves médicales montrent que l'accès à la thérapie à base de substances psychédéliques permet de traiter efficacement la souffrance existentielle des mourants, la dépression, l'anxiété, la toxicomanie, le trouble de stress post-traumatique et d'autres problèmes de santé mentale et d'améliorer la qualité de vie; En dépit de son faible potentiel d'effets nocifs, la psilocybine requise pour la thérapie à base de psilocybine n'est actuellement disponible que dans le cadre d'essais cliniques et sous réserve d'une autorisation individuelle spéciale accordée par Santé Canada; Il est paradoxal et contraire à l'éthique d'autoriser les médecins à fournir l'aide médicale à mourir à leurs patients tout en empêchant ces mêmes médecins de traiter la détresse de fin de vie des patients en recourant à la psilocybine.Nous, soussignés, Canadiens compatissants, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de permettre à la population canadienne d'avoir un accès rapide et illimité à la psilocybine thérapeutique, sous quelque forme que ce soit, pour soulager ses souffrances en accordant des exemptions au titre de l'article 56.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreHealth Canada recognizes the importance of Canadians having access to the treatments they need, as well as the growing interest in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, including with psilocybin. At this time, with the exception of ketamine, there are no authorized therapeutic products containing psychedelic drugs in Canada or elsewhere.There is ongoing research evaluating the potential therapeutic benefit of the use of psilocybin in the treatment of various mental health and substance use disorders, such as treatment-resistant depression and end-of-life anxiety and distress. Based on preliminary results from clinical trials, there is early evidence that psilocybin, in combination with psychotherapy, may have potential therapeutic benefit; however, as with all drugs, there is the possibility of potential psychological and physical risks that may occur in certain persons exposed to psilocybin.Health Canada recognizes there are times when access to unauthorized drugs, such as psilocybin, may be appropriate, and encourages patients to discuss potential treatment options with their health care provider.Clinical research is essential to understanding the effects of any drug, including psilocybin, in a therapeutic context, as well as for the development of drug products that are safe and effective. Of note, the number of authorized clinical trials with psilocybin has increased significantly in recent years. To date, Health Canada has authorized the sale of psilocybin for use in 25 Canadian clinical trials. Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Canada has provided funding of almost $3 million to fund three new clinical trials evaluating psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in Canada. In January 2022, regulatory changes came into effect that made it possible for health care practitioners to request access, on behalf of their patients, to restricted drugs like psilocybin through Health Canada’s Special Access Program (SAP). The SAP permits health care practitioners to request access to unauthorized drugs for the treatment of serious or life-threatening conditions in instances where conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable or unavailable.Clinical trials remain the most appropriate way to advance research about products with a possible medical benefit and bring it toward market authorization. Both clinical trials and the SAP have safeguards and requirements in place to protect the health and safety of patients, help ensure the quality of the drug, and provide for administration and oversight by a qualified professional in accordance with national and international, ethical, medical, and scientific standards.There are no safeguards and requirements in place for a section 56 (s.56) exemption under the CDSA to help protect the health and safety of patients, to help ensure the quality of the drug, and to provide for administration and oversight by a qualified professional. Therefore, access to psychedelics through clinical trials or the SAP should generally be pursued instead of an individual s.56 exemption, unless it can be demonstrated that access to a psychedelic drug is not possible or suitable through these existing regulatory legal routes.Medical assistance in dying (MAID) remains a complex and deeply personal issue for many Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that the practice of MAID balances laws that give autonomy and freedom of choice for Canadians, a system that provides strong safeguards that protect those who may be vulnerable, and a process that guarantees compassionate and diligent consideration of every request for MAID. 
PsilocybineSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01449441-01449 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB15 mai 202319 juillet 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted for that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application. If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, applicants may be eligible for relief, on a case-by-case basis, using mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01446441-01446 (Citoyenneté et immigration)GregMcLeanCalgary-CentreConservateurAB15 mai 202319 juillet 202315 mai 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté ATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Soudan est confronté à une crise politique depuis que l’armée a dissous le gouvernement de partage du pouvoir et déclaré l’état d’urgence;
  • Le mouvement prodémocratique et les forces de sécurité se sont affrontés lors de manifestations de masse et de tueries;
  • La violence ethnique s’est intensifiée dans certaines régions en raison de litiges fonciers, faisant des centaines de morts et entraînant l’instauration de l’état d’urgence.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de :
  • Traiter rapidement les dossiers d’immigration des résidents soudanais qui souhaitent immigrer au Canada, en particulier ceux dont les membres de la famille sont citoyens canadiens ou résidents permanents.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Canada continues to call for an end to violence in Sudan and stands with the Sudanese people as they strive for peace.To support Sudanese nationals in Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced new Temporary measures for Sudanese nationals who are currently in Canada and may be unable to return home due to the rapidly deteriorating situation in their country.As of April 30, 2023, Sudanese nationals can apply for an extension of their status in Canada and move between temporary resident streams, allowing them to continue studying, working or visiting family free of charge. This includes applying for open work permits that provide access to the labour market and greater flexibility to support themselves while they are in Canada. These measures will help ensure the continued safety of the Sudanese population already in Canada, keep families together, and give them a safe place to stay.IRCC also introduced Temporary measures  to support family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents who have departed Sudan since the violence erupted.Under these measures, eligible foreign nationals who fled Sudan on or after April 15, 2023 with their Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member(s) may be issued a fee-exempt temporary resident document to facilitate their travel to Canada. Travel must be completed before July 15, 2023. Once in Canada, they will be eligible to apply for a fee-exempt open work permit or study permit, as well as submit a fee-exempt permanent resident application under the family class. Under these measures, a foreign national is eligible for facilitated travel to Canada if they meet the following requirements:
  1. is the family member – per the definition of subsection 1(3) of the Regulations – of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023;
  2. is outside of Sudan in a third country; and
  3. left Sudan on or after April 15, 2023
Further, to facilitate immigration applications for those still in Sudan so they can travel once it’s safe to do so, IRCC is also prioritizing the processing of completed temporary and permanent residence applications already in the system from people still in the country. This includes visitor visa applications for eligible immediate family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents, so they can join their loved ones here in Canada.Canada is also waiving passport and permanent resident travel document fees for citizens and permanent residents of Canada in Sudan who wish to leave.
Immigration et immigrantsSoudan
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01437441-01437 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB10 mai 202319 juillet 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01436441-01436 (Transport)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC10 mai 202319 juillet 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Attendu que :
  • Le plan de transports de 10 ans du gouvernement prendra fin en 2027;
  • Prendre des mesures en faveur du transport public, c’est d’agir sur le changement climatique, car les transports sont responsables d’environ 25 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre du Canada;
  • Selon la Fédération des municipalités canadiennes, une transition vers un transport public à zéro émission peut aider le Canada à atteindre ses engagements de l’Accord de Paris sur le climat de 2030.
Nous, soussignés, les citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • mettre en place un mécanisme permanent de financement fédéral du transport public qui va au-delà du plan de 10 ans se terminant en 2027;
  • collaborer avec tous les ordres de gouvernement afin de fournir un financement durable, prévisible, à long terme et adéquat;
  • mettre en place des mesures de responsabilisation afin que tous les gouvernements travaillent ensemble pour améliorer l’accès au transport public.
Response by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellCanada’s public transit systems provide essential service to millions of people, generate billions of dollars in economic benefits, and help Canada meet its climate targets given that the transportation sector accounts for approximately 25 percent of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2015, the Government of Canada has made the most significant public transit investments in Canada’s history, delivering federal investments of more than ten times of what was provided in the decade prior.Investments in public transit and active transportation are critical to build a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Canada, helping to improve quality of life by enabling people to get around more easily and to tackle traffic congestion, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. They are also closely connected to housing affordability, providing opportunities to build more housing supply by allowing communities to build more densely.To help ensure major transit projects are built sooner, the Government of Canada accelerated the delivery of funding provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, partnering with provinces to deliver important transit and active transportation infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities today and into the future.Building on the success of dedicated transit funding through the Investing in Canada Plan, in 2021, the Government introduced the Zero Emission Transit Fund, the Active Transportation Fund, and the Rural Transit Solutions Fund. These dedicated transit programs, which will deliver funding until 2025-2026, aim to accelerate the shift towards clean, sustainable transportation modes across the country and facilitated federal funding for key public transit projects.In 2026-27, the Government of Canada will launch permanent transit funding providing an average of $3 billion per year. This ongoing funding will deliver stability required for long-term planning and collaboration across orders of government while allowing flexibility to address regional needs and considerations. Permanent federal funding for public transit and active transportation presents an opportunity to work with provinces, territories, municipalities, transit agencies, Indigenous peoples and other partners to align investment priorities and address shared objectives, including driving economic, environmental and social outcomes, and improving housing supply and affordability in communities of all sizes across Canada.Reporting to the public will provide a clear picture of the impact of these investments and support accountability. The Government of Canada concluded engagement on the federal vision for permanent public transit funding in October 2022. A PDF version of the Engagement Paper: Permanent Public Transit Funding in Canada is currently available online  and a summary report of what we heard during the engagement will be published online in Spring/Summer2023. 
Relations fédérales-provinciales-territorialesTransport en commun
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01435441-01435 (Environnement)RubySahotaBrampton-NordLibéralON10 mai 202319 juillet 20233 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et aux députésAttendu que le secteur du pétrole et du gaz, même s’il représente seulement 5 % de l’économie canadienne, est responsable de 26 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre du Canada, plus que tout autre secteur, et que ses émissions ont augmenté de 87 % depuis 1990 alors que celles des autres secteurs ont diminué.Nous, les soussignés, membres du personnel et étudiants de l’école secondaire catholique Notre Dame de Brampton, en Ontario, prions le gouvernement du Canada et les députés d’imposer au secteur du pétrole et du gaz un plafond strict de ses émissions afin de juguler la crise climatique.Nous vous exhortons à imposer au secteur du pétrole et du gaz un plafond strict de ses émissions qui :
  • 1. Interdise immédiatement aux entreprises pétrolières et gazières de polluer à des niveaux supérieurs à ceux d’aujourd’hui;
  • 2. Réduise immédiatement les émissions de façon à atteindre une réduction de 60 % par rapport aux niveaux d’aujourd’hui d’ici 2030;
  • 3. Couvre toutes les sources pétrolières et gazières, dont l’extraction de nouvelles réserves, les pipelines, les raffineries, les installations d’exportation de gaz naturel liquéfié et la combustion de combustibles fossiles;
  • 4. Ne nuise pas à l’engagement du gouvernement à éliminer graduellement les subventions aux combustibles fossiles;
  • 5. Pave la voie à une transition équitable vers la carboneutralité d’ici 2050 pour toute la population du Canada comprenant des collectivités fortes et durables ainsi que des millions de bons emplois à faibles émissions et respectant les droits et la souveraineté des Autochtones tout en réduisant rapidement le recours aux combustibles fossiles pour notre avenir.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.As the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and a major contributor to Canada’s economy, the oil and gas sector has a critical role to play in meeting Canada’s climate objectives. The Government of Canada recognizes the oil and gas sector’s significant contributions in creating good jobs, including in Indigenous communities, as well as leading Canadian clean tech investment, and playing a key role in North American and global energy security. The sector will continue to be instrumental throughout Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This is why the Government remains committed to working with industry, provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, and civil society in decarbonizing this sector while maintaining competitiveness, energy security, affordability, and market access.Canada’s Emissions Reduction Plan (ERP) includes a “projected sectoral contribution” towards Canada’s 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution representing an emissions reduction of 42 percent below 2019 levels by 2030 for the oil and gas sector. Many steps have been taken to help transform the sector, including establishing federal regulations requiring the oil and gas sector to reduce methane emissions by 40-45 percent below 2012 levels by 2025, proposing clean fuel regulations to reduce the carbon intensity of liquid fossil fuels, and the launch of several investment programs to accelerate the development of technologies needed to get Canada to net-zero emissions by 2050.The Government has also announced further steps, including a commitment to cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector at the pace and scale needed to get to net zero by 2050. Work is ongoing on the design of the cap, but the intention is to establish an ambitious yet achievable cap.The Government recognizes that inefficient fossil fuel subsidies undermine efforts to deal with climate change, wasteful energy consumption, problems in the market, and barriers to clean energy investment, and has committed to accelerate its G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. To this end, it has already taken action to phase out or rationalize nine tax measures supporting the fossil fuel sector.Earlier this year, the Government released its Sustainable Jobs Plan to enable the creation of good, middle class jobs across Canada. Building a global, net-zero future represents significant opportunities for job creation and economic growth, and the Government is committed to ensuring workers across the country have the supports they need to fully seize this generational economic opportunity. The plan complements the Government’s $120B in investments since 2016 to drive sustainable economic growth and will help to create jobs in every sector of the economy, including the conventional energy industry – generating opportunities across every region of the country. Key next steps under the Plan include tabling legislation to ensure a legal framework for accountability, governance and engagement is in place.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie vertePétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01434441-01434 (Affaires étrangères)StéphaneBergeronMontarvilleBloc QuébécoisQC10 mai 202319 juillet 202329 novembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes CONSIDÉRANT QUE:À cause de la guerre dans la région du Tigré, en Éthiopie, plus de 63 000 habitants se sont réfugiés dans des camps au Soudan, 2,2 millions de civils ont été déplacés à l’intérieur de leur propre pays et plus de 91 % des 6 millions d’habitants de la région ont besoin d’aide humanitaire;Les forces éthiopiennes et les envahisseurs venus de l’Érythrée et d’Amhara ont collectivement commis une autre série d’atrocités, de crimes de guerre et de crimes contre l’humanité à l’endroit des civils au Tigré;La guerre du Tigré a provoqué une famine : même si le Programme alimentaire mondial estime que 5,2 millions de personnes, soit 91 % de la population du Tigré, ont besoin d’une aide alimentaire d’urgence, l’état de siège et l’embargo imposés empêchent le peuple du Tigré d’avoir accès à de l’aide humanitaire et à des services de base;Les soldats érythréens, éthiopiens et amharas ont systématiquement eu recours à la violence sexuelle comme arme de guerre au Tigré;Depuis novembre 2020, le Canada a fourni pour 54,5 millions de dollars d’aide humanitaire à l’Éthiopie pour remédier à la crise du Tigré, et il est fort probable que le gouvernement de l’Éthiopie se servira de cet argent pour acheter de l’équipement militaire comme des drones plutôt que pour soulager la population du Tigré et des autres régions de l’Éthiopie.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :
  • De demander sur-le-champ au gouvernement de l’Érythrée de cesser son invasion de la région du Tigré en Éthiopie et de retirer ses forces armées de cette région;
  • De demander sur-le-champ qu’une aide humanitaire puisse être librement acheminée au Tigré et de demander que des discussions sur l’aide humanitaire soient entamées en vertu de la Résolution 2417 (2018);
  • De cesser sur-le-champ d’envoyer à l’Éthiopie des fonds canadiens qui ne sont pas expressément destinés à sauver des vies, jusqu’à la cessation des hostilités;
  • De faire un compte rendu de la manière dont le Canada a versé des fonds d’aide humanitaire à l’Éthiopie pour venir en aide aux personnes touchées par la guerre dans la région du Tigré;
  • De demander sur-le-champ qu’une commission d’enquête dirigée par l’ONU soit autorisée à entrer au Tigré pour enquêter sur les crimes contre l’humanité, les crimes de guerre, les crimes contre la personne et les violations des droits de la personne commis au Tigré.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada welcomed the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front on November 2, 2022, as a necessary step toward peace and security and noted the importance of the commitment to an immediate and permanent ceasefire. Following the agreement, Canada commended all parties involved in the African-led peace process, including the African Union, offered Canadian support for implementation, and called on all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and humanitarian needs. Canada supports the signatories and all Ethiopians as they continue to take concrete steps toward the implementation of the Agreement, a comprehensive and lasting peace, inclusive national dialogue, and reconciliation.The Government of Canada continues to call upon all parties to fulfill their obligation to allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need throughout Ethiopia. In early 2023, Canada committed $1.4 million to programming focused on protecting people in Northern Ethiopia—including Tigray—from the threats posed by new Explosive Remnants of War and to facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance.Canada has also repeatedly and publicly called for the swift withdrawal of Eritrean forces from northern Ethiopia, including through public joint statements with likeminded countries. On September 22, 2022, officials of the Government of Canada spoke at the OHCHR and denounced the resumption of hostilities in northern Ethiopia, urged all parties to cease violence immediately, respect human rights and implement accountability measures, and called for the immediate withdrawal of Eritrean Defence Forces.Canada continues to press the Government of Ethiopia for justice and accountability for victims and survivors of human rights violations and abuses resulting from the conflict in northern Ethiopia. This has included Canada being a signatory to two resolutions at the United Nations Human Rights Council in 2021, and continuing to press parties to uphold their legal obligations under both international human rights and humanitarian law.In addition, Canada supports efforts underway in Ethiopia to implement social and economic reforms, including efforts to strengthen the capacity to uphold fundamental freedoms and foster inclusive dialogue. In this regard, the Government of Canada has funded programs that seek to strengthen Ethiopia’s democratic institutions and the conduct of free and fair elections, with a special focus on ensuring the participation of women, youth and ethnic groups, in the electoral process.Moreover, Canada works closely with its humanitarian partners, including United Nations agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, and non-governmental organizations, to help populations affected by crisis in Ethiopia, based on need. In 2022, Canada’s humanitarian funding for Ethiopia totalled nearly $66 million to assist people affected by conflict, insecurity, and drought. This funding helped to provide food, treatment for acute malnutrition and other critical healthcare, access to safe water and sanitation, emergency shelter and essential household items, and protection services to those in need. Canada is continuing to provide support for humanitarian assistance in response to needs throughout Ethiopia in 2023. It does not provide humanitarian assistance funding directly to local authorities, including in Ethiopia.Canada continues to urge meaningful action toward the implementation of the recommendations in the joint report undertaken by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) which are based on a joint investigation into the allegations of human rights violations and abuses, and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by parties to the conflict. Additionally, Canada continues to press the Government of Ethiopia to deliver on its commitments to credible and transparent human rights investigations.In early 2023, Canada committed $2 million to programming focused on advancing recommendations drawn from the OHCHR-EHRC joint investigation and more broadly, to positively advance transitional justice and accountability options in Ethiopia. Canada encourages Ethiopia to undertake credible and independent investigations, aligned with international standards. Canada views accountability for human rights abuses as crucial to a sustainable peace.
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesDroits de la personneÉthiopiePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01433441-01433 (Justice)EricDuncanStormont—Dundas—South GlengarryConservateurON9 mai 202319 juillet 20233 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesÀ l’honorable Chambre des communes du CanadaNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de rejeter tous les projets de loi qui favorisent la mort au détriment de la vie, pour tenir compte de la demande de ces pétitionnaires :Nous, les soussignés, sommes pour la vie et contre l’avortement et l’aide médicale à mourir, et demandons à nos représentants gouvernementaux d’intervenir afin que tous les projets de loi favorisant la mort au détriment de la vie soient rejetés.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone should decide what happens to their bodies. The Supreme Court of Canada in 1988 struck down Canada’s criminal law against abortion, and the Government took the necessary steps to complete the repeal of those provisions by introducing amendments to take them off the books, which were enacted in 2019. Our Government is committed to upholding all the rights enshrined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, including section 7, which provides that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. All women in Canada have the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services and our Government will always support that. The debate over a woman’s right to choose is over.  Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.In 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada declared the Criminal Code prohibition against assisted death to be unconstitutional, which led to the legalization of medical assistance in dying (MAID) in 2016. As a Government, we are committed to ensuring that our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, protect those who may be vulnerable, and support autonomy and freedom of choice. MAID is a deeply personal and complex choice that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam van KoeverdenEveryone has the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive healthcare services, including access to abortion. This Government has been clear that it supports the right to choose and believes that safe and legal abortion services should be available to all Canadians who seek them.Medical assistance in dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal matter that touches people and families at difficult and often painful times in their lives. The Government of Canada believes that Canadians deserve to live in comfort and dignity, with access to care, including end-of-life care, that is appropriate to their needs and that respects their wishes. It also recognizes that MAID is a deeply personal choice and is committed to ensuring our laws reflect Canadians’ evolving needs, support their autonomy and freedom of choice, and protect those who are vulnerable.
Aide médicale à mourirAvortement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01432441-01432 (Protection des consommateurs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB9 mai 202319 juillet 202325 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants :Attendu que :Le Centre antifraude du Canada signale une augmentation du blanchiment d’argent et de la fraude avec la mise en place de faux comptes bancaires, dans lesquels l’argent des comptes d’épargne de personnes âgées trompées est déposé, potentiellement dans le but de financer le terrorisme;Le gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique évalue que 46,7 milliards de dollars ont été blanchis dans l’économie canadienne en 2018;Le CANAFE (Centre d’analyse des opérations et déclarations financières du Canada) affirme que les exigences ne sont pas suffisantes pour empêcher les fraudeurs de transférer illégalement de l’argent, sous prétexte de légitimité, par le système de virement télégraphique au Canada;Notre population canadienne croissante de retraités est de plus en plus la cible de fraudeurs en raison de la richesse qu’ils ont accumulée au cours de toute leur vie pour les aider à financer leur retraite et en raison de leur vulnérabilité causée par un manque de mesures de contrôle et de protection quant au transfert d’argent dans le système bancaire canadien;Des aînés voient leurs économies accumulées sur plusieurs années disparaître en raison de la sophistication des fraudeurs professionnels et des subterfuges que ces derniers utilisent pour exploiter les aînés ainsi que le système bancaire canadien actuel.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’entreprendre un examen en profondeur et exhaustif du système de transfert actuel de l’argent des citoyens canadiens dans l’objectif de mettre en place des procédures, des protocoles et des garde-fous plus stricts afin de protéger les personnes âgées, en particulier, contre la perte causée par la fraude de leurs économies et de leur richesse accumulées au cours de toute leur vie.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada is committed to a strong and comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime. The government continually reviews the Regime to ensure that it is responsive to evolving risks. Since 2019, the government has made investments of over $319.9 million and a number of legislative and regulatory changes to enhance the effectiveness of the Regime.Budget 2023 proposes legislative amendments to strengthen the investigative, enforcement, and information sharing tools of Canada’s AML/ATF Regime. These amendments will complement the government’s Budget 2022 commitment to establish a new Canada Financial Crimes Agency to become the lead enforcement agency against financial crime.On June 6th, 2023, a public consultation was launched that will examine ways to improve Canada's AML/ATF Regime, as well as examine how different orders of government can collaborate more closely. This consultation will support the parliamentary review required under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. Details of these consultations can be found here: Consultation on Strengthening Canada's Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Regime - Canada.caIllicit funds laundered by criminal actors are often generated illegally through fraud, including fraud that targets seniors. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadians from these types of crimes. One major way it does so is through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is the central repository for fraud information and intelligence in Canada, and is jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau of Canada. As a National Police Service function, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre gathers intelligence on fraud affecting Canadians, and assists all law enforcement agencies across Canada with fraud prevention and enforcement. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a Senior Support Unit entirely supported by volunteers who are dedicated to reducing the impact of fraud across Canada. The Senior Support Unit is a critical component of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, providing advice, education and reassurance to vulnerable Canadians targeted by fraudsters. The Senior Support Unit receives reports referred by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s Intake Unit, after identifying that further assistance for a senior or vulnerable individual is needed.
Banques et services bancairesPersonnes âgéesSécurité électronique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01431441-01431 (Santé)LarryBrockBrantford—BrantConservateurON9 mai 202319 juillet 202311 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Grace-Lindsay McSweeney, une jeune fille de 12 ans de Brantford, en Ontario, est morte en mars 2022 d’une surdose de Tylenol;
  • L’acétaminophène est l’un des ingrédients principaux du Tylenol;
  • Chaque année, quelque 10 000 personnes font une surdose d’acétaminophène au Canada;
  • Le Canada est actuellement aux prises avec une crise de santé mentale qui fait des victimes parmi les jeunes de tous les âges;
  • Chaque jour, une dizaine de Canadiens environ se suicident;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada s'est engagé à mettre en place un Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale à l’intention des provinces.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • d’exiger l’affichage de mises en garde concernant le risque de surdose mortelle sur tous les produits pharmaceutiques qui contiennent de l’acétaminophène;
  • de retirer l’acétaminophène des produits non analgésiques en vente libre et de voir à ce que les produits contenant de l’acétaminophène soient conservés derrière le comptoir et qu’ils soient vendus à des personnes de plus de 18 ans seulement;
  • d’exiger que tous les produits renfermant de l’acétaminophène soient vendus dans des contenants protège-enfant, et que la quantité pouvant être vendue soit réduite à 36 unités;
  • de restreindre le dosage des produits à un maximum de 325 mg d’acétaminophène par dose unitaire, ce qui réduirait le risque de surdose intentionnelle ou accidentelle;
  • d’offrir une aide immédiate aux provinces pour la prestation de services de consultation en santé mentale aux jeunes Canadiens qui en ont besoin.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreOn behalf of Health Canada, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Grace-Lindsay McSweeney.Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used medications for pain (analgesic) and fever (antipyretic). There is significant public reliance on acetaminophen-containing products, as evidenced by the concerns raised and heightened media attention generated by recent shortages of these products. Although generally considered to be a safe medicine when used appropriately, taking more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen can lead to unintended adverse effects, such as serious and possible fatal liver injuries.Over the past decade, Health Canada has taken a number of steps to help mitigate the risks of serious liver injury associated with the improper use of acetaminophen products. In 2009, Health Canada issued several public risk communications and updated the Acetaminophen Labelling Standard for non-prescription acetaminophen products to include warnings related to serious (including fatal) liver injury that can be associated with acetaminophen overdose or extended use.In January 2014, Health Canada completed a safety review, which was followed by a technical discussion in July 2014 on the proposed risk minimization options with key stakeholders, including health professionals, patients, and industry. Through this meeting, the Acetaminophen Education Approach Steering Committee was formed, comprised of representatives from Health Canada and stakeholder associations (which included industry and patient advocacy groups), and was tasked with developing an educational approach to raise awareness of liver injury risks. In addition, they collaborated with Food, Health & Consumer Products of Canada to conduct a survey to examine consumer knowledge of acetaminophen with the goal to inform potential changes to the educational messages and identify possible knowledge gaps in awareness of the risks associated with acetaminophen.In Fall 2014, Health Canada developed a web page about acetaminophen safety for the Canadian public on the Healthy Canadians website. This information can be found here.In July 2015, a summary of the review outcome (i.e., Summary Safety Review) was posted on Health Canada’s website, as well as an Information Update on the Healthy Canadians website.A technical discussion was held in November 2015 with health professionals, patient groups, and industry to discuss the risk minimization options in further detail. The outcome was that a revised labelling standard for non-prescription acetaminophen products was published, which includes stronger warnings, clearer instructions, plainer language, and the addition of a drug facts table on product packages to help consumers better identify products that contain acetaminophen, understand its risks, and use these products as directed. A second outcome was that children's liquid products be supplied with an accurate dosing device to reduce the risk of dosing errors, which was only a requirement for pediatric products.In January 2016, social media messages about acetaminophen safety commenced on the Healthy Canadians’ Twitter and Facebook pages.Further to Health Canada’s past and ongoing efforts to support the safe and appropriate use of acetaminophen in Canada, we wish to comment on the following calls to action, as listed in the petition:       1. Require warning labels about letal overdose risk on all medical products that contain acetaminophen;All acetaminophen products in Canada are required to include a warning statement warning about taking:
  • more than the recommended dose in 24 hours;
  • with other drugs containing acetaminophen; and,
  • while drinking three (3) or more alcoholic drinks every day (for adult use products only).
Health Canada continually reviews the labelling requirements for acetaminophen-containing and other non-prescription drugs available in a self-selection environment (e.g., over the counter at local drugstores and other general retailers), specifically in the context of informing consumers of severe or possible consequences that may occur when a consumer takes too much of the medication. Health Canada promotes, where possible, increased visibility of the existing warnings, particularly on peel-back labels.       2. Remove acetaminphen from nonalgesic over-the-counter products and ensure the sale of acetaminophen products be from behind the counter, with a minimum purchasing age; The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is responsible for determining how an over-the-counter drug can be sold in different settings in Canada. NAPRA regulates the practice of pharmacy across Canada, which includes deciding where drug products can be sold, whether it is at a pharmacy or another retail outlet, and the placement of drug products within a pharmacy; this process is referred to as drug scheduling.Health Canada is an observer of the NAPRA’s National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) and will bring the above petition request to the attention of NAPRA for consideration at the next meeting. While ultimately any decision regarding the placement of sale and/or age restrictions would be taken by NAPRA, Health Canada will be available to support NAPRA in any future decision-making with respect to the scheduling of acetaminophen. However, internationally, acetaminophen is largely available via most retail outlets, and assigning a more stringent drug schedule in Canada would be a notable contrast to our foreign regulators. Health Canada seeks to avoid limiting access of these important pain and fever relief therapies to Canadians, and complexities are particularly noteworthy for certain consumer and vulnerable patient populations (e.g., pregnant women with limited safe pain relief alternatives, people who suffer from arthritis in the hands, people who are sensitive or allergic to other analgesics, etc.). Regarding purchasing age restrictions, it remains unclear to Health Canada whether a difference in scheduling, based on indicated subpopulations, could result in real-world impact at point-of-sale. Such a restriction may not be an appropriate mechanism to address intentional overdose, particularly when considering the prominence of acetaminophen-containing products in Canadian households. Limiting access of acetaminophen-containing products to older children and adolescents may introduce unintended consequences (e.g., limit the ability of young Canadians to support aging parents or grandparents, or those suffering from other health complications, such as arthritis, etc.), which could lower the quality of life for many vulnerable Canadians and Canada’s aging population.       3. Ensure all acetaminophen products be required to have a child lock cap, and reduction on the quantity being sold to 36 units;Acetaminophen products intended for infants and children are required, in all circumstances, to be packaged in a child-resistant container. Products intended for adults and children aged 12 and over may be sold without a child-resistant container, but require additional labelling, and the manufacturer must make a child-resistant version available for consumer purchase. This approach to labelling and packaging aims to balance the safety considerations to control access of drug products to children while allowing other vulnerable people who require pain relief medication but may have difficulty opening child resistant containers (such as the elderly or people with debilitating arthritis in their hands) to have access to these products. Additionally, in 2021/22, Health Canada created a social media campaign aimed at promoting awareness of safe use and storage of medications, including acetaminophen. Health Canada leveraged messaging through high exposure social medial channels (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, etc.) to educate and inform the public of how to properly and safely store medications, such as acetaminophen, to prevent their access by children. Health Canada will consider options for regular future public awareness communications.       4. Restrict products to a maximum of 325 mg of acetaminophen per unit dose, thus reducing risk of both intentional and unintentional overdoses; and,While 325 mg acetaminophen per unit dose provides pain and fever relief for many Canadians, evidence to support greater effectiveness exists for higher-dose acetaminophen products (including 500 mg and 650 mg). Ensuring that Canadians have access to medications to manage their symptoms is an important consideration when evaluating the appropriateness of higher-dose products. For example, these products become critical for people who have trouble swallowing, or for those who take many medications. Any amendments to these limits would require considerable evidence and justification to support that the benefit-risk profile of the drug is not favorable when used as intended.       5. Offer immediate assistance to the provinces in the provision of mental health counselling for Canadian youth in need.Our government recognizes the significant mental health challenges being faced by Canadian youth and is committed to supporting their mental health needs. Budget 2023 confirmed that the Government of Canada will increase health funding to provinces and territories by close to $200 billion over 10 years, including for mental health and substance use services and supports. Of this funding, $25 billion will be flowed through tailored bilateral agreements across four priority areas, which includes mental health and substance use health.This investment will build on the 2017 investment of $5 billion over 10 years to provinces and territories to improve access to mental health and addictions services, which includes a focus on expanding community-based mental health and substance use services for children and youth. One way in which provinces and territories are supporting this priority area is by expanding Integrated Youth Services (IYS). IYS models of care provide locally relevant, effective, youth-focused, and integrated services for mental health, substance use within the community. This includes “one stop shop” integrated youth hubs. There are currently approximately 70 operational integrated youth hubs across Canada and more under development.All 13 provinces and territories have developed or are developing an IYS network in their regions to implement and advance the IYS model through the sharing of best practices. Provinces and territories could use the new investment to further advance access to IYS for mental health/substance use health.Another key initiative that Canadians, including youth, can access is the Wellness Together Canada (WTC) portal. The portal, launched in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, provides free, credible information and supports available 24/7 to individuals across Canada in both official languages to help address their mild to moderate mental health and substance use issues.Through the portal, Kids Help Phone delivers one-to-one counselling via phone and text lines dedicated to youth, so that youth can access services tailored to their needs. PHAC provided more than $14.8 million over 36 months, from April 2020 to March 2023, to Kids Help Phone to provide crisis support to children and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. WTC also features extensive youth-specific content available through a specific landing page designed for youth to make it easier to access tools and resources dedicated for them.The introduction of 9-8-8, a national three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress in Canada, is also a priority for our government. Budget 2023 announced $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 9-8-8. The number will replace Talk Suicide, and, through this service, Canadians will be able to call or text when in need of immediate suicide prevention and emotional distress support. This number will be activated across Canada on November 30, 2023.Previous Distress Line InvestmentsThe Government of Canada is committed to supporting initiatives that will help to prevent suicide and provide support to those affected by suicide. This is why we are providing $21 million over five years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to implement Talk Suicide Canada, a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service. Talk Suicide Canada is currently providing suicide crisis support from trained responders, in English and French, and is available by calling toll-free at 1-833-456-4566 (available 24/7), or by texting 45645 between 4pm to 12am ET. This service includes immediate access to information and resources, such as emergency services, referrals, safety plans, and bereavement support.We are also working with community-based organizations to ensure children and youth, including post-secondary students, have access to mental health supports as they recover from the pandemic and in the long-term. This includes:
  • $2M from 2021-26 to CHEO to spread the Aaniish Naa Gegii: the Children’s Health and Well-being Measure co-developed with Indigenous partners;
  • $6.8M from 2019-24 to Foundry to help organizations implement integrated models of youth mental health care; 
  • $9M in funding to Frayme from 2019-2024 to promote broader implementation of integrated youth services in Canada;
  • $7M to the YMCA to spread enhance and spread Y Mind and Mind Medicine programs aimed at 13-30-year-olds with anxiety and depression;
  • $2M to the Canadian Mental Health Association to pilot a Campus Peer Support program in five universities; and,
  • support to MHCC for the development of the National Standard of Canada for Mental-Health and Well-Being for Post-Secondary Students.
I would like to reiterate my most profound condolences to the family and friends of Grace-Lindsay McSweeney. We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.
AcétaminophèneConsommation et abus de droguesSanté mentaleTransfert canadien en matière de santé mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juillet 2023441-01430441-01430 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB9 mai 202319 juillet 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 juin 2023441-01429441-01429 (Justice)MartinShieldsBow RiverConservateurAB8 mai 202321 juin 202320 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • À moins que le Parlement n’intervienne, l’aide médicale à mourir sera offerte aux Canadiens atteints d’une maladie mentale à compter du 17 mars 2023;
  • Le Parlement juge prioritaire que tous les Canadiens aient accès à du soutien en santé mentale;
  • L’on doit aider les Canadiens vulnérables à prévenir le suicide, et non les aider à se suicider;
  • L’aide médicale à mourir pourrait banaliser le suicide et faire en sorte que les personnes atteintes d’une maladie mentale y voient une solution à leurs problèmes;
  • Au lieu de permettre aux personnes atteintes d’une maladie mentale de solliciter l’aide d’un médecin pour mourir, le Canada devrait tout mettre en œuvre pour bonifier les programmes de soutien en santé mentale et en faciliter l’accès.
Par conséquent nous, soussignés citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • Revenir en arrière et faire en sorte que les personnes atteintes d’une maladie mentale n’aient pas accès à l’aide médicale à mourir.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeMedical assistance in dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal matter. In 2021, Parliament passed former Bill C-7, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying), which responds to the September 2019 Superior Court of Quebec ruling in Truchon,which struck down the eligibility criterion of “reasonably foreseeable natural death” from the Criminal Code MAID regime.The Government recognizes the difficult issues that arise when a mental illness is the sole underlying medical condition for a MAID request. Former Bill C-7, as adopted, excluded mental illness, on its own, as an eligible medical condition until March 2023. This temporary exclusion provided time for a panel of experts to examine the issue and recommend protocols, guidance and safeguards to apply to requests for MAID by persons who have a mental illness. The Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness was launched to undertake this review, and tabled its final report on May 13, 2022. Former Bill C-7 also required the establishment of a joint Parliamentary Committee to study this issue and other important issues concerning MAID. The Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) undertook this study and tabled its final report on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.On March 9, 2023, the MAID mental illness exclusion was extended for one year through Bill C-39, An Act to amend An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). This means that the provision of MAID where the sole underlying medical condition is a mental illness will continue to be prohibited until March 17, 2024. This extension will allow more time for the dissemination and uptake of key resources to the medical and nursing communities, and for the Government to meaningfully consider AMAD’s final report which provides further insight in this area.The Government continues to consider ways to ensure that our MAID laws reflect our evolving understanding of Canadians’ needs, support autonomy and freedom of choice, and protect those who may be vulnerable.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 juin 2023441-01428441-01428 (Affaires étrangères)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON8 mai 202321 juin 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 juin 2023441-01427441-01427 (Affaires et commerce)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC8 mai 202321 juin 202312 décembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals. The Government continues to consider the results of these consultations, as well as best practices and other inputs received during continued engagement with numerous civil society organizations, industry associations, foreign governments and other stakeholders.On May 3, 2023, Members of Parliament passed Senate Public Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada is responsible for the implementation of this Act.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped bring attention to the issue of forced labour in supply chains. The Government recognizes that S-211 may serve as an important first step, however, more is needed. The Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation in 2024 to help eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. The legislation will be strong, effective, and enforceable. For example, whereas S-211 only requires entities to report on forced labour in their supply chains, government legislation would include due diligence measures to ensure they take action to eradicate it. Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01472441-01472 (Pêches)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC18 mai 202320 juin 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Un sondage réalisé en 2011 a révélé que 70 % des Britanno Colombiens étaient d’accord avec l’énoncé selon lequel « le saumon sauvage du Pacifique revêt autant d’importance pour les Britanno Colombiens que la langue française pour les Québécois »;La montaison du saumon rouge du Fraser a chuté subitement en 2009, alors que 1 million de saumons seulement, sur les 10 millions attendus, sont retournés frayer; Cette chute a incité le gouvernement du Canada à lancer une vaste commission d’enquête fédérale en 2012, sous la direction de l’honorable Bruce Cohen, pour enquêter sur la cause de ce déclin catastrophique; Les recommandations suivantes font partie des 75 recommandations découlant de l’enquête du juge Cohen :
  • Le gouvernement du Canada devrait retirer du mandat de Pêches et Océans la promotion de l’élevage du saumon comme industrie et du saumon d’élevage comme produit,
  • Le ministère des Pêches et des Océans devrait tenir explicitement compte de la proximité du saumon rouge du fleuve Fraser dans l’établissement des fermes salmonicoles, envisager de déménager les fermes salmonicoles qui sont trop près des voies de montaison du saumon, et envisager d’interdire complètement l’élevage du saumon en enclos de filet, particulièrement dans la région des îles Discovery,
  • Le ministère des Pêches et des Océans devrait encourager la Colombie Britannique à exiger que les utilisateurs de pesticides en foresterie et en agriculture consignent les endroits où des pesticides ont été appliqués et les quantités utilisées, et en fasse rapport annuellement à la province,
  • Pour favoriser la pérennité du saumon rouge du fleuve Fraser, le gouvernement du Canada devrait encourager, au Canada et à l’étranger, la prise de mesures raisonnables pour lutter contre les causes du réchauffement des eaux et des changements climatiques;
Des années plus tard, les recommandations du juge Cohen n’ont pas encore été mises en œuvre. PAR CONSÉQUENT, LES PÉTITIONNAIRES prient la Chambre des communes d’adopter le principe de précaution et de mettre immédiatement en œuvre les 75 recommandations formulées par le juge Cohen afin de sauver notre saumon.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mike KellowayThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of the Cohen Commission’s recommendations and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), along with Environment and Climate Change Canada, and the Province of British Columbia, have now taken actions to address all 75 of the recommendations.Many of the Cohen recommendations are broad reaching, and consequently, acting on many of the recommendations is an ongoing task. Ongoing work on many of the Cohen recommendations continues, particularly across several key areas, such as salmon stock assessment, health status assessment, habitat protection and restoration, precautionary approach to salmon aquaculture, and fisheries management.Commitment to ongoing action is reflected in the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan which outlines specific activities and approaches led by DFO over the last five years towards restoring and maintaining healthy and diverse Pacific salmon populations and their habitats. A five-year report of the Implementation Plan will be published in 2023.Please see the 2018 Cohen Response Status Update Report and Annex (http://www.dfo- mpo.gc.ca/cohen/report-rapport-2018-eng.htm) for more detail on DFO’s actions to date in response to the Cohen Commission recommendations and the Wild Salmon Policy 2018-2022 Implementation Plan (https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/ip-pmo/index-eng.html). Additionally, the third Wild Salmon Policy Annual Report was released on February 4, 2022 (https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/salmon-saumon/wsp-pss/annual-annuel/2020-2021-eng.html).
Commission CohenFleuve FraserPêches du PacifiquePolitique sur les pêchesSaumon sockeyeStocks de poissons
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01471441-01471 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB18 mai 202320 juin 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01467441-01467 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB17 mai 202320 juin 202321 octobre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01466441-01466 (Justice)JeremyPatzerCypress Hills—GrasslandsConservateurSK17 mai 202320 juin 202321 octobre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01465441-01465 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB17 mai 202320 juin 20234 novembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01464441-01464 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC17 mai 202320 juin 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • Le Rapport spécial sur les conséquences d’un réchauffement planétaire de 1,5 °C, du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat des Nations Unies, établit clairement que l’avenir de l’humanité repose sur l’adoption de changements « rapides et vastes » pour limiter le réchauffement à 1,5 °C au cours des 11 prochaines années et atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050;
  • Le Canada est en voie de dépasser considérablement le plafond d’émissions fixé par l’Accord de Paris pour 2030 (Rapport du vérificateur général de 2018), les émissions liées au pétrole et au gaz et au transport ne cessant d’augmenter (Gouvernement du Canada);
  • L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé a été claire : « le changement climatique est la plus grande menace mondiale du XXIe siècle pour la santé »;
  • Les effets du changement climatique sur la santé, notamment les maladies pulmonaires, les maladies liées à la chaleur, la propagation de maladies infectieuses, les déplacements, la famine, la sécheresse et les effets sur la santé mentale, se font sentir au Canada et à l’étranger et devraient s’accélérer sur notre planète à un rythme sans précédent, menaçant « les vies humaines et la viabilité des systèmes de santé nationaux dont ils dépendent » (Lancet Countdown 2018 Report : Briefing for Canadian Policymakers).
Nous, soussignées, membres de Physician Mothers of Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • de donner suite au rapport de l’Association canadienne des médecins pour l’environnement, intitulé « Appel à l’action sur les changements climatiques et la santé » (5 février 2019), où elle énonce clairement des mesures précises pour mettre fin aux émissions;
  • de faire de l’élimination des émissions et de la préservation d’un environnement sain les hautes priorités pour tous les portefeuilles et dans toutes les décisions prises par les parties fédérales et provinciales;
  • de mettre en œuvre une stratégie nationale de tarification du carbone;
  • de s’engager à éliminer rapidement les carburants fossiles et le charbon de notre économie;
  • de s’engager à intégrer rapidement les énergies vertes et une infrastructure à zéro émission à l’échelle du pays;
  • d’éliminer les produits de plastique à usage unique.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient, economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Act  also holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,  Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Committing to accelerate our G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies from 2023 to 2025, and develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing of the Canadian Center for Climate Services which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is taking a multi-faceted approach towards zero plastic waste and the transition to a circular economy focused on eliminating plastic pollution at its source and on keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment.The Government has developed a management framework for single-use plastics that provides a transparent and evidence-based approach to monitoring risks to the environment posed by single-use plastics. The framework includes four criteria to determine if a single-use plastic should be banned: if the item is prevalent in the environment, poses a threat of harm (e.g., to wildlife and their habitat), is difficult to recycle, and has readily available alternatives. Using these criteria, the Government identified six categories of single-use plastics, and on June 22, 2022, published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. These Regulations prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. Single-use plastic flexible straws will remain available, under certain conditions, to allow continued access to those who require them for health and accessibility reasons. The Government is also developing regulations to require that all plastic packaging in Canada contain at least 50% recycled content by 2030. The same regulations will also include labelling rules that prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol unless 80% of Canada’s recycling facilities accept, and have reliable end markets for, these products. Working with provinces and territories, the Government will also implement and enforce an ambitious recycling target of 90% for plastic beverage containers. The Government has also committed to supporting provincial and territorial producer responsibility efforts by establishing a plastics registry that would report annually on plastics in the Canadian economy.Actions such as these, as well as ongoing efforts with provinces and territories to ensure that producers are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, will help address the issue of plastic pollution from single use plastics.The Government of Canada also recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to adapt to the impacts of climate change including higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. Working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners and stakeholders, the federal government is developing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This Strategy will advance a shared vision for climate resilience and provide a blueprint for whole-of-society action to help communities and residents of Canada better adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change.These and other historic commitments aim to increase Canada’s climate and environmental ambition, and to help people living in Canada be more resilient to climate impacts. These commitments will benefit all Canadians, in particular those groups that are disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change including children, low-income communities, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.    
Association canadienne des médecins pour l'environnementCombustibles fossilesÉnergie et combustibles renouvelablesGaz à effet de serrePlastiquesTarification du carbone
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01455441-01455 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB15 mai 202320 juin 202312 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies. The Parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) recently completed its review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to MAID and their application, and of other issues, including those relating to mature minors (i.e., minors who have the capacity to make medical decisions). AMAD’s final report was tabled in Parliament on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01452441-01452 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB15 mai 202320 juin 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01447441-01447 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB15 mai 202320 juin 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023e-4266e-4266 (Santé)JanelleBreese BiagioniAlistairMacGregorCowichan—Malahat—LangfordNPDBC1 février 2023 à 14 h 53 (HAE)2 mai 2023 à 14 h 53 (HAE)12 mai 202320 juin 20233 mai 2023Pétition au<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Environ 165 000 nouveaux cas de lésions cérébrales se produisent chaque année au Canada;Les prestataires de services de santé et de services communautaires doivent être mieux informés sur les liens entre les lésions cérébrales, la santé mentale et les dépendances;Pour chaque joueur de la Ligue nationale de hockey ayant subi une commotion cérébrale en pratiquant son sport, on compte plus de 5 500 femmes canadiennes ayant subi la même blessure à cause de la violence familiale;Il y a eu 21 824 hospitalisations pour intoxication liée aux opioïdes entraînant une lésion cérébrale hypoxique entre janvier 2016 et juin 2020 au Canada;On estime que 60 % des survivants d’une lésion cérébrale souffrent d’anxiété ou de dépression;Le risque de suicide augmente de 400 % chez les survivants d’une lésion cérébrale;Les survivants d’une lésion cérébrale courent un risque accru de 200 % d’avoir des problèmes de dépendance après avoir subi une telle lésion; Bien que le gouvernement fédéral se soit engagé à consacrer 11 milliards de dollars sur dix ans à l’amélioration du soutien communautaire et des services de santé mentale ou de lutte contre la toxicomanie, aucune mesure ne vise expressément les difficultés liées aux lésions cérébrales.Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions au gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer le projet de loi C-277 qui porte sur l’élaboration d’une stratégie nationale visant à promouvoir et à améliorer la sensibilisation aux lésions cérébrales, la prévention et le traitement de ces lésions ainsi que la réadaptation et le rétablissement des personnes cérébrolésées.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam van KoeverdenThousands of Canadians are hospitalized each year due to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), which can range from mild to severe and include concussions. Work has been done in recent years across governments, with stakeholders and health care professionals to provide support to TBI survivors and improve education and awareness of TBI, as injuries to the head and brain are of special public health concern. Efforts are underway to recognize, educate, and prevent the public health issue of TBI and concussions in Canada.In response to the Minister of Health’s and Minister of Canadian Heritage’s mandates in 2015 and 2019, the Government of Canada supported the implementation of a pan-Canadian concussion strategy and the development of tools and resources to raise awareness for parents, coaches, and athletes on concussion treatment.Budget 2016 committed $1.4 million to support the development and implementation of a harmonized approach with provinces and territories on concussion prevention, detection, and management in Canada. With this funding administered through the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Parachute, a national injury prevention organization, developed The Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport (2017) to present a harmonized approach to concussion management. In November 2018, PHAC provided Parachute with $1.18 million in funding to produce education and awareness resources for parents as well as school and sport stakeholders to support Canadians in their return to school, sports, and daily activities post-concussion, as well as provide resources for medical and allied health professionals.PHAC also funded the SCHOOLFirst project, led by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, to provide information to Canadian teachers and school boards on best practices for students returning to school after a concussion and the Concussion Ed application to help parents manage their child's concussion.Additionally, between 2017 and 2022, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) invested $51 million in research on traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, with $12.1 million invested in 2021-2022 alone. This encompasses a broad spectrum of research on traumatic brain injuries, including on sports-related concussions, injuries related to intimate partner violence, and the intersection of brain injury and mental health (including anxiety and depression). CIHR’s support for research in this investment includes a $1.5 million, five-year Network Catalyst Grant to Dr. Keith Yeates at the University of Calgary to establish the Canadian Concussion Network (CCN). This network brings together Canadian concussion researchers, clinicians, and stakeholders from multiple fields – including sports, health, education, and industry – to shape best practices and policies in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of concussions, with a particular focus on youth and sport.The Government of Canada also works closely with provincial and territorial counterparts on the pan-Canadian concussion strategy and raising awareness for parents, coaches, and athletes on concussion treatment. In September 2021, federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in collaboration with the sport and health sectors, worked together to launch the first annual concussion awareness week and day.In addition to education and prevention efforts, injury surveillance is a cornerstone of public health and important to understanding the burden, identifying risk and protective factors, and assessing the progress and success of prevention efforts.In August 2020, PHAC released a comprehensive surveillance report on traumatic brain injuries and concussions in Injury in Review, 2020 edition: Spotlight on Traumatic Brain Injuries Across the Life Course. This report provides national surveillance statistics on head injuries and traumatic brain injuries across the life course, including deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits, and summarizes findings from various surveillance systems reporting on:
  • Deaths—from the Canadian Vital Statistics Death Database (CVS:D) of Statistics Canada;
  • Hospitalizations—from the Hospital Morbidity Database (HMDB) and the Discharge Abstract Database (DAD) of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI);
  • Emergency department visits—from the National Ambulatory Care Reporting System (NACRS) (CIHI); and,
  • Emergency department visits—from the Public Health Agency of Canada's electronic Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (eCHIRPP).
To augment the surveillance of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries, PHAC partnered with Statistics Canada on a Rapid Response Survey on Head Injuries/Concussions. Data from this survey is expected to be released in 2023.In 2022, PHAC launched the Concussion Detection Challenge, which aims to prevent severe health outcomes associated with concussions by encouraging innovators to bring forward solutions that detect concussions using objective clinical indicators. The intent is to generate user-friendly solutions that can be used by health practitioners and allied professionals with little specialized training. The Challenge is delivered through the Innovative Solutions Canada program administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.Traumatic brain injury resulting from family and gender-based violence is a serious public health issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities, and can have life-altering effects on survivors. PHAC is also investing up to $10 million per year to prevent and address family violence and support the health of survivors.Through Canada’s Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence, PHAC also invests up to $8.5 million per year ongoing in initiatives to prevent youth dating violence and child maltreatment, and to equip health professionals to recognize and respond safely to gender-based violence.The Government of Canada is also committed to supporting initiatives that will help to prevent suicide and provide support to those affected by suicide. In support of this, the Government is providing $21 million over five years to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to implement a pan-Canadian suicide prevention service in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and Crisis Services Canada. Talk Suicide Canada is currently providing individuals with access to crisis support from trained responders, via phone (24/7) by calling toll-free 1-833-456-4566, or by texting 45645 between 4pm to 12am ET. This includes immediate access to trained responders, providing information and resources, including support for someone concerned about a loved one considering suicide.Moving forward, the Government of Canada is advancing the introduction of 9-8-8, a three-digit number for suicide prevention and emotional distress that will provide crisis support for Canadians via phone and text. Budget 2023 announced $158.4 million over 3 years to support the implementation of 988, which will be launched across Canada on November 30, 2023, and will build on the existing Talk Suicide Canada service.The Government of Canada also prioritized providing mental health crisis support during the COVID-19 pandemic. To support distress centres that were experiencing a surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, an investment of $50 million was made to bolster their capacity. Through this investment, $2 million was also provided to CAMH to support the development and curation of resources for distress centres to better meet the needs of diverse populations, including older adults, youth, LGBTQ2+ populations, First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, racially and linguistically diverse groups, and people with disabilities.Finally, the Government is committed to developing a National Suicide Prevention Action Plan based on the best available evidence. To advance this, PHAC is engaging with stakeholders and partners on key elements of the Action Plan, building on best practices and innovations in suicide prevention and life promotion. The National Action Plan will complement the implementation of 9-8-8. It will also build on the existing Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, which was released in 2016 and communicates the Government of Canada’s guiding principles and strategic objectives for suicide prevention, most notably: raising awareness and reducing stigma; connecting people to information and resources; and accelerating innovation and research. We are aware of Bill C-277, An Act to establish a national strategy on brain injuries and look forward to considering this bill when it is debated in the House of Commons.
C-277, Loi prévoyant l'élaboration d'une stratégie nationale sur les lésions cérébralesLésions cérébrales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01440441-01440 (Santé)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC11 mai 202320 juin 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • La crise de surdoses qui sévit au Canada est une situation d’urgence sanitaire, comme l’ont déjà déclaré le directeur de la santé publique de la Colombie-Britannique et plusieurs municipalités du Canada;
  • Depuis 2016, on compte plus de 13 900 décès liés aux opioïdes au Canada et 17 050 hospitalisations pour intoxication aux opioïdes;
  • Les Autochtones sont surreprésentés parmi les personnes touchées par la crise des surdoses;
  • L’Association canadienne de santé publique, la Global Commission on Drug Policy, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé et les Nations Unies recommandent de décriminaliser les drogues.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement, de :
  • Déclarer l’état d’urgence sanitaire en raison des décès par surdose qui se produisent au Canada;
  • Redéfinir la crises des surdoses aux Canada comme un enjeu sanitaire plutôt que comme un problème de criminalité;
  • Adopter une stratégie globale et multidimensionnelle face à la crise des surdoses en s’attaquant aux problèmes de toxicomanie, de pauvreté, de logement, de soins de santé, de discrimination raciale, d’inégalité des conditions économiques et d’incertitude économique;
  • Accueillir, en vue d’y donner suite, les recommandations des travailleurs sociaux, des travailleurs de première ligne, des infirmières, des médecins, des consommateurs de drogues et des personnes intervenant directement auprès des toxicomanes;
  • Décriminaliser les drogues au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $1 billion to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Close to $500 million through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) since 2017 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $45 million to develop national standards for mental health and substance use services, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations and key stakeholders, to address long-standing challenges in the delivery of mental health and substance use services and supports across the country; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada, and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada, and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada, to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $26 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of June 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites offering services has grown from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and,  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including: regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and on-the-ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01439441-01439 (Affaires et commerce)LouiseChabotThérèse-De BlainvilleBloc QuébécoisQC11 mai 202320 juin 20234 mai 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaAttendu que :
  • des entreprises basées au Canada contribuent aux atteintes aux droits humains et à la perpétration de dommages environnementaux partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces atteintes et défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont particulièrement menacés;
  • le Canada encourage mais n'exige pas des entreprises qu'elles préviennent de tels préjudices dans leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales.
Nous soussigné-e-s, citoyen-ne-s et résident-e-s du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d'adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits humains et d'environnement qui :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent les impacts négatifs sur les droits humains et l'environnement tout au long de leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, y compris en évaluant soigneusement la manière dont elles pourraient contribuer à des atteintes aux droits humains ou à l'environnement à l'étranger et en garantissant l'accès à des voies de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • entraînerait des conséquences significatives pour les entreprises qui omettent de faire preuve de diligence raisonnable adéquate et d'en faire rapport; et établirait un droit statutaire pour les personnes lésées de demander justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals. The Government continues to consider the results of these consultations, as well as best practices and other inputs received during continued engagement with numerous civil society organizations, industry associations, foreign governments and other stakeholders.On May 3, 2023, Members of Parliament passed Senate Public Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada is responsible fo the implementation of this Act. Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped bring attention to the issue of forced labour in supply chains. The Government recognizes that S-211 may serve as an important first step, however, more is needed. The Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation in 2024 to help eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. The legislation will be strong, effective, and enforceable. For example, whereas S-211 only requires entities to report on forced labour in their supply chains, government legislation would include due diligence measures to ensure they take action to eradicate it.  Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée20 juin 2023441-01438441-01438 (Culture et patrimoine)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC11 mai 202320 juin 202317 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE
  • En avril 2022, le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé qu’il verserait 454 112 $ et que la province de la Colombie-Britannique verserait 9 545 888 $ pour la construction d’un nouveau centre aquatique régional dans le district de Kent;
  • Dans les mois suivant l’annonce, l’inflation et les perturbations de la chaîne d’approvisionnement ont fait grimper le coût de la construction d’environ 30 % et que le district a besoin de plus de fonds;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada s’est montré prêt à faire preuve de souplesse pour le financement de projets dans les communautés rurales et soutenant la réconciliation;
  • Les familles autochtones vivant dans des réserves dans les régions voisines du district de Kent utilisent de nombreux services dans la communauté et tireraient avantage de ce centre aquatique;
  • Le district de Kent a reçu un soutien écrit envers le projet de la part des communautés voisines, dont les Premières Nations de Seabird Island, Cheam, Stó:lo, Sts'ailes, Sq'éwlets, Skawahlook, Popkum et Peters, le village de Harrison Hot Springs et les régions C et D du district régional électoral de Fraser Valley
PAR CONSÉQUENTNous, soussignés, résidents du district de Kent, de Harrison Hot Springs, des Premières Nations de Seabird Island, Cheam, Stó:lo, Sts'ailes, Sq'éwlets, Skawahlook, Popkum et Peters ainsi que des régions C et D du district régional électoral de Fraser Valley, prions le ministre de l’Infrastructure et des Collectivités de fournir des fonds supplémentaires pour soutenir la construction du centre aquatique régional Lets'emot.
Response by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to renewing the relationship between Canada and Indigenous peoples based on the recognition of rights, respect, cooperation and partnership, as well as implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This includes making significant infrastructure investments in Indigenous communities that improve socio economic conditions and community well being.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has made significant infrastructure investments in British Columbia, with more than $5.5 billion in Federal funding provided for projects in the province, which includes just under $2.86 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Over $240 million has been allocated to community, culture, sport and recreation projects through Infrastructure Canada’s various programs.On March 2, 2022, Infrastructure Canada approved $454,112 in funding for the District of Kent Aquatic Centre. The project was prioritized through the final provincial intake under the Community, Culture, and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which is managed by British Columbia’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs. This final intake allocated all remaining funding under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream in British Columbia. The combined federal and provincial funding totals $10 million, representing a 73% cost share on the District of Kent Aquatic Centre project.With respect to infrastructure projects experiencing cost overruns, it is important to note that Infrastructure Canada provides a contribution toward the total estimated eligible cost of a project, and that contribution is capped at a maximum amount at the time of approval. Infrastructure Canada is not in a position to increase federal funding to cover cost overruns.As of March 31, 2023, no further projects can be submitted by British Columbia under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, and the program allocation available for projects in the province has been fully committed.Nevertheless, following the March 31, 2023 project submission deadline for provinces, new time-limited flexibilities may be available to redistribute funding that remains unused in projects as a result of cancellations, cost savings or descoping. For example, provinces may request the decommitment of unused funding for its reallocation to other projects to accommodate scope increases and, in exceptional cases, revised cost estimates. These flexibilities are time-limited. All requests for decommitments and reallocations should be submitted by the Province of British Columbia through established program communication channels. Any such requests would be reviewed by Infrastructure Canada and approved at Canada’s discretion.These flexibilities acknowledge the ongoing volatility in the construction sector, and are intended to ensure the ongoing availability and maximal use of federal funding for provinces and municipalities.Additional federal funding may be available for the project under the Canada Community Building Fund, which is managed by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities. Please note that the maximum funding from all federal sources for municipal projects approved under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream of the Investing in Canada Instructure Program cannot exceed forty percent of total eligible costs. For questions related to the current availability of funds in British Columbia under the Canada Community Building Fund, it is recommended that you contact the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.As some of Infrastructure Canada’s largest infrastructure funding programs have reached full allocation, the department is taking stock of existing programs and gaining an understanding of needs, which will help to inform the development of the next suite of federally-led infrastructure programming. Infrastructure Canada recognizes that infrastructure programs will need to be efficient and flexible, and attuned to regional and local priorities, while delivering the economic, social, and environmental outcomes that Canadians expect.
AgassizInstallations sportives et récréatives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juin 2023e-4340e-4340 (Affaires étrangères)KarenRodmanSalmaZahidScarborough-CentreLibéralON2 mars 2023 à 11 h 18 (HAE)1 avril 2023 à 11 h 18 (HAE)4 mai 202319 juin 20233 avril 2023 Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Les tremblements de terre de février 2023 en Syrie et en Turquie ont été dévastateurs, laissant des milliers de personnes mortes, blessées et sans domicile, et des infrastructures critiques détruites; L’aide doit être fournie de toute urgence à toutes les zones touchées en Syrie, comme elle l’a été en Turquie; Les sanctions économiques coercitives unilatérales du Canada empêchent l’aide d’atteindre de nombreuses régions en Syrie; La Charte de l’ONU reconnaît que les sanctions économiques sont un acte de guerre, et donc, se réserve le droit d’établir uniquement ces mesures économiques sous l’égide du Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU; La Syrie n’est pas sanctionnée par l’ONU; Les sanctions économiques unilatérales sont incompatibles avec les principes généraux du droit international; Le Canada a placé des sanctions économiques coercitives unilatérales sur la Syrie;Les États-Unis ont suspendu certaines sanctions sur la Syrie, en réponse aux tremblements de terre; Il y a eu un appel de la part des organisations internationales des droits de l’homme et humanitaires, et des groupes confessionnels pour supprimer les sanctions, afin que l’aide nécessaire puisse atteindre toutes les régions de la Syrie; Une aide humanitaire d’urgence est nécessaire immédiatement, et il y aura un besoin critique d’aide pour reconstruire et se remettre pendant de nombreux mois et même des années. Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de mettre fin immédiatement et de façon permanente à ses sanctions économiques unilatérales contre la Syrie, afin que toute la société civile syrienne touchée puisse recevoir les ressources dont elle a un urgent besoin.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada remains deeply concerned by the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye, which have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and injured many more. In response, Canada announced that it is providing $50 million in humanitarian assistance to support the international response to this emergency, $20 million of which is dedicated to Syria. This contribution is actively helping support emergency medical services and providing shelter, food and other essential items to populations most effected in Syria and Türkiye. This is in addition to the $50 million Canada allocated in humanitarian assistance for Syria in 2023.Canada first imposed sanctions against Syria in May 2011, in response to the Syrian government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protestors. Canada’s sanctions are enacted under the Special Economic Measures Act, and target members of the Syrian regime responsible for human rights violations and resulting breach of international peace and security in the region. They are not targeting the Syrian population at large. As an added measure to ensure that Canadian sanctions do not inadvertently impact humanitarian activities, Canadian sanctions include legislated exceptions, including for humanitarian activities led by international organizations with diplomatic status; United Nations agencies; the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; and NGOs that have entered into a grant or contribution agreement with the Global Affairs Canada. As such, it is not prohibited under Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act for individuals or entities to make goods or services available to those entities, as long as those goods and services are for the purpose of safeguarding human life, or providing food, medicine or medical supplies or equipment. Canadian sanctions also include exemptions for disaster relief, democratisations or stabilisation under certain circumstances.Humanitarian assistance from Canada and the international community has continued unabated in order to support the Syrian people. Canada has delivered over $685 million in humanitarian assistance funding in Syria since 2016, and has worked successfully with principled humanitarian partners on the ground in Syria. Canada is one of Syria’s largest humanitarian partners, and will continue to stand by the Syrian people when in need, and advocate strongly for accountability and justice in Syria.
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesSanctions économiquesSéismesSyrie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée19 juin 2023441-01425441-01425 (Affaires étrangères)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC4 mai 202319 juin 202326 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • Dans le monde entier, près d’un demi-million de retraités reçoivent une pension de l’État britannique dont les prestations demeurent au montant de la première prestation versée, c’est-à-dire qu’elles ne sont jamais indexées sur le coût de la vie;
  • Le Royaume-Uni est le seul pays membre de l’OCDE à faire de la discrimination fondée sur le pays de résidence lorsqu’il s’agit d’indexer les prestations de son régime de pension sur le coût de la vie;
  • Sa politique est discriminatoire et inégalement appliquée : les prestations de retraite des ressortissants britanniques qui habitent aux États-Unis (environ 127 000 personnes) ne sont pas gelées, tandis que celles des ressortissants britanniques qui habitent au Canada (environ 128 000 personnes) le sont;
  • La Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners demande depuis longtemps le dégel des prestations du régime de retraite du Royaume-Uni;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada ne prend aucune initiative pour résoudre ce problème; en avril 2021, l’ancienne ministre des Aînés a simplement déclaré : « Le Canada reste prêt à dialoguer avec les responsables britanniques si ces derniers décident de revoir leur politique de non-indexation. » L’Accord de continuité commerciale Canada–Royaume-Uni qui est entré en vigueur le 1er avril 2021 est venu succéder à l’Accord économique et commercial global entre le Canada et l’Union européenne en conséquence du Brexit, et un nouvel accord est attendu;
  • Tout nouvel accord commercial conclu entre le Canada et le Royaume-Uni nécessite une mesure de réciprocité en matière de services sociaux pour forcer le « dégel » des prestations de retraite des ressortissants britanniques au Canada, afin que ces personnes ne soient pas victimes de discrimination et bénéficient de droits égaux.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de veiller au dégel des prestations de retraite versées aux ressortissants britanniques au Canada dans tout accord commercial futur avec le Royaume-Uni, et prions les ministres compétents de faire régulièrement rapport des efforts faits en ce sens auprès de la Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners.
Response by the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Arif ViraniUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions.To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada. The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada.In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions.In June 2021, the former Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions.Most recently in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade, requesting her assistance in encouraging the UK government to resolve this issue.Negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-UK Free Trade Agreement are focused on advancing specific trade-related issues. Canada’s negotiating objectives were tabled in Parliament in 2022 and were informed by extensive public consultations across Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions.To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada. The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada.In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions.In June 2021, the former Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions.Most recently in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, requesting her assistance in encouraging the UK government to resolve this issue.Negotiations towards a comprehensive Canada-UK Free Trade Agreement are focused on advancing specific trade-related issues. Canada’s negotiating objectives were tabled in Parliament in 2022 and were informed by extensive public consultations across Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate.
Accords réciproques sur la sécurité socialeIndexation des pensionsRelations internationalesRoyaume-Uni
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01424441-01424 (Protection des consommateurs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB3 mai 202316 juin 202322 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants :Attendu que :Le Centre antifraude du Canada signale une augmentation du blanchiment d’argent et de la fraude avec la mise en place de faux comptes bancaires, dans lesquels l’argent des comptes d’épargne de personnes âgées trompées est déposé, potentiellement dans le but de financer le terrorisme;Le gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique évalue que 46,7 milliards de dollars ont été blanchis dans l’économie canadienne en 2018;Le CANAFE (Centre d’analyse des opérations et déclarations financières du Canada) affirme que les exigences ne sont pas suffisantes pour empêcher les fraudeurs de transférer illégalement de l’argent, sous prétexte de légitimité, par le système de virement télégraphique au Canada;Notre population canadienne croissante de retraités est de plus en plus la cible de fraudeurs en raison de la richesse qu’ils ont accumulée au cours de toute leur vie pour les aider à financer leur retraite et en raison de leur vulnérabilité causée par un manque de mesures de contrôle et de protection quant au transfert d’argent dans le système bancaire canadien;Des aînés voient leurs économies accumulées sur plusieurs années disparaître en raison de la sophistication des fraudeurs professionnels et des subterfuges que ces derniers utilisent pour exploiter les aînés ainsi que le système bancaire canadien actuel.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’entreprendre un examen en profondeur et exhaustif du système de transfert actuel de l’argent des citoyens canadiens dans l’objectif de mettre en place des procédures, des protocoles et des garde-fous plus stricts afin de protéger les personnes âgées, en particulier, contre la perte causée par la fraude de leurs économies et de leur richesse accumulées au cours de toute leur vie.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada is committed to a strong and comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime. The government continually reviews the Regime to ensure that it is responsive to evolving risks. Since 2019, the government has made investments of over $319.9 million and a number of legislative and regulatory changes to enhance the effectiveness of the Regime.Budget 2023 proposes legislative amendments to strengthen the investigative, enforcement, and information sharing tools of Canada’s AML/ATF Regime. These amendments will complement the government’s Budget 2022 commitment to establish a new Canada Financial Crimes Agency to become the lead enforcement agency against financial crime.In keeping with the requirements of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, the government of Canada will launch a parliamentary review of this act this year. This review will include a public consultation that will examine ways to improve Canada's AML/ATF Regime, as well as examine how different orders of government can collaborate more closely.Illicit funds laundered by criminal actors are often generated illegally through fraud, including fraud that targets seniors. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadians from these types of crimes. One major way it does so is through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is the central repository for fraud information and intelligence in Canada, and is jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau of Canada. As a National Police Service function, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre gathers intelligence on fraud affecting Canadians, and assists all law enforcement agencies across Canada with fraud prevention and enforcement. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a Senior Support Unit entirely supported by volunteers who are dedicated to reducing the impact of fraud across Canada. The Senior Support Unit is a critical component of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, providing advice, education and reassurance to vulnerable Canadians targeted by fraudsters. The Senior Support Unit receives reports referred by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s Intake Unit, after identifying that further assistance for a senior or vulnerable individual is needed.
Banques et services bancairesPersonnes âgéesSécurité électronique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01423441-01423 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservateurMB3 mai 202316 juin 202312 décembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01422441-01422 (Justice)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservateurBC3 mai 202316 juin 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01421441-01421 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK3 mai 202316 juin 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01420441-01420 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK3 mai 202316 juin 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01419441-01419 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB3 mai 202316 juin 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01418441-01418 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC3 mai 202316 juin 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • Le Rapport spécial sur les conséquences d’un réchauffement planétaire de 1,5 °C, du Groupe d’experts intergouvernemental sur l’évolution du climat des Nations Unies, établit clairement que l’avenir de l’humanité repose sur l’adoption de changements « rapides et vastes » pour limiter le réchauffement à 1,5 °C au cours des 11 prochaines années et atteindre la carboneutralité d’ici 2050;
  • Le Canada est en voie de dépasser considérablement le plafond d’émissions fixé par l’Accord de Paris pour 2030 (Rapport du vérificateur général de 2018), les émissions liées au pétrole et au gaz et au transport ne cessant d’augmenter (Gouvernement du Canada);
  • L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé a été claire : « le changement climatique est la plus grande menace mondiale du XXIe siècle pour la santé »;
  • Les effets du changement climatique sur la santé, notamment les maladies pulmonaires, les maladies liées à la chaleur, la propagation de maladies infectieuses, les déplacements, la famine, la sécheresse et les effets sur la santé mentale, se font sentir au Canada et à l’étranger et devraient s’accélérer sur notre planète à un rythme sans précédent, menaçant « les vies humaines et la viabilité des systèmes de santé nationaux dont ils dépendent » (Lancet Countdown 2018 Report : Briefing for Canadian Policymakers).
Nous, soussignées, membres de Physician Mothers of Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • de donner suite au rapport de l’Association canadienne des médecins pour l’environnement, intitulé « Appel à l’action sur les changements climatiques et la santé » (5 février 2019), où elle énonce clairement des mesures précises pour mettre fin aux émissions;
  • de faire de l’élimination des émissions et de la préservation d’un environnement sain les hautes priorités pour tous les portefeuilles et dans toutes les décisions prises par les parties fédérales et provinciales;
  • de mettre en œuvre une stratégie nationale de tarification du carbone;
  • de s’engager à éliminer rapidement les carburants fossiles et le charbon de notre économie;
  • de s’engager à intégrer rapidement les énergies vertes et une infrastructure à zéro émission à l’échelle du pays;
  • d’éliminer les produits de plastique à usage unique.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe science is clear that accelerated efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, are necessary in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The economics are clear too – to build a strong, resilient, economy for generations to come, we must harness the power of a cleaner future.The Government of Canada recognizes this reality, and since 2015 has taken significant, ambitious steps to reduce emissions, protect the environment, spur clean technologies and innovation, and help Canadians and communities adapt to the impacts of climate change.In 2016, the Government of Canada developed the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, in collaboration with provinces and territories, and with input from Indigenous peoples. Building on this national effort, the Government of Canada released its Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, to deepen emissions reductions across the economy, create new, well-paying jobs, make life more affordable for households, and build a better future.In 2021, the Government of Canada committed to achieving an enhanced 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 40-45 per cent below 2005 levels under the Paris Agreement and adopted legislation to enshrine this Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), as well as the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (the Act) provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on these commitments. The Act requires the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to set subsequent targets for 2035, 2040, and 2045, at least 10 years in advance. The Actalso holds the federal government accountable as it charts Canada’s path to achieve net-zero emissions by establishing a transparent process to plan, assess, and adjust the federal government’s efforts to achieve our national targets based on the best scientific information available.As an early deliverable under the Act,Canada published the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in 2022. The plan lays out the next steps to reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target, including a suite of new mitigation measures and strategies, and builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions. The plan also reflects input from thousands of Canadians, businesses, and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces, territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.Measures introduced by the Government of Canada since 2015 include:
  • Bringing into force the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act ensuring that every Canadian jurisdiction has a price on carbon. The price on carbon pollution started at $20 per tonne of emissions in 2019 – and has been rising at a predictable rate of $10 per year to reach $50 in 2022. Starting in 2023, the price will start rising by $15 per year until it reaches $170 per tonne in 2030;
  • Committing to accelerate our G20 commitment to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies from 2023 to 2025, and develop a plan to phase out public financing of the fossil fuel sector including by federal Crown corporations;
  • Accelerating the phase-out of coal-fired electricity generation, and positioning the oil and gas sector to cut pollution by working with stakeholders to implement a cap on oil and gas sector emissions;
  • Building Canada’s renewable electricity future by continuing to advance the Clean Electricity Standard to enable Canada to achieve at net-zero electricity grid by 2035, and making significant investments to support renewable electricity and grid modernization projects;
  • Helping to reduce energy costs for homes and buildings, and boosting climate resiliency;
  • Driving progress on clean cars and trucks through investments in zero-emission vehicles charging and refueling infrastructure, and the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program;
  • Establishing of the Canadian Center for Climate Services which provides climate information and support to help Canadians consider climate change in their decisions, including health-related adaptation decisions via the collaborative climate information portal, ClimateData.ca; and,
  • Developing a climate lens to integrate climate considerations throughout Government of Canada decision-making.
Furthermore, the Government of Canada is taking a multi-faceted approach towards zero plastic waste and the transition to a circular economy focused on eliminating plastic pollution at its source and on keeping plastics in the economy and out of the environment.The Government has developed a management framework for single-use plastics that provides a transparent and evidence-based approach to monitoring risks to the environment posed by single-use plastics. The framework includes four criteria to determine if a single-use plastic should be banned: if the item is prevalent in the environment, poses a threat of harm (e.g., to wildlife and their habitat), is difficult to recycle, and has readily available alternatives. Using these criteria, the Government identified six categories of single-use plastics, and on June 22, 2022, published the Single-use Plastics Prohibition Regulations. These Regulations prohibit the manufacture, import and sale of checkout bags, cutlery, foodservice ware made from or containing problematic plastics, ring carriers, stir sticks, and straws. Single-use plastic flexible straws will remain available, under certain conditions, to allow continued access to those who require them for health and accessibility reasons. The Government is also developing regulations to require that all plastic packaging in Canada contain at least 50 per cent recycled content by 2030. The same regulations will also include labelling rules that prohibit the use of the chasing-arrows symbol unless 80 per cent of Canada’s recycling facilities accept, and have reliable end markets for, these products. Working with provinces and territories, the Government will also implement and enforce an ambitious recycling target of 90 per cent for plastic beverage containers. The Government has also committed to supporting provincial and territorial producer responsibility efforts by establishing a plastics registry that would report annually on plastics in the Canadian economy.Actions such as these, as well as ongoing efforts with provinces and territories to ensure that producers are responsible for the cost of managing their plastic waste, will help address the issue of plastic pollution from single use plastics.The Government of Canada also recognizes that a more ambitious, strategic and collaborative approach is required to adapt to the impacts of climate change including higher temperatures, variable precipitation patterns, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, severe floods, wildfires, drought, and other extreme weather events. Working with provincial, territorial and municipal governments, Indigenous peoples and other key partners and stakeholders, the federal government is developing Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. This Strategy will advance a shared vision for climate resilience and provide a blueprint for whole-of-society action to help communities and residents of Canada better adapt to and prepare for the impacts of climate change.These and other historic commitments aim to increase Canada’s climate and environmental ambition, and to help people living in Canada be more resilient to climate impacts. These commitments will benefit all Canadians, in particular those groups that are disproportionately affected by the negative effects of climate change including children, low-income communities, seniors, and Indigenous peoples.    
Association canadienne des médecins pour l'environnementCombustibles fossilesÉnergie et combustibles renouvelablesGaz à effet de serrePlastiquesTarification du carbone
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01417441-01417 (Affaires étrangères)MatthewGreenHamilton-CentreNPDON3 mai 202316 juin 202317 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Plus de 50 000 personnes en Syrie et en Türkiye ont été tuées et 100 000 ont été blessées par des tremblements de terre dévastateurs;
  • La Syrie était déjà ravagée par 12 ans de guerre;
  • La Rapporteuse spéciale sur les effets négatifs des mesures coercitives unilatérales sur l’exercice des droits de l’homme, Alena Douhan, a condamné les sanctions imposées à la Syrie en 2022, les qualifiant d’étouffantes, et a appelé à leur levée immédiate. Elle a déclaré qu’aucune référence à de bons objectifs ne justifie la violation des droits de l’homme fondamentaux. La communauté internationale a une obligation de solidarité et d’assistance envers le peuple syrien;
  • Le Croissant-Rouge arabe syrien (2023), à qui le gouvernement du Canada a confié la distribution de son aide en Syrie, a également lancé un appel à la levée de l’embargo économique;
  • En réponse au tremblement de terre, les États-Unis ont suspendu certaines de leurs sanctions à l’encontre de la Syrie. Toutefois, des experts de l’ONU souhaitent rappeler que de tels systèmes d’exclusion humanitaire peuvent être insuffisants pour remédier aux effets négatifs à long terme des sanctions, ainsi qu’au respect excessif des sanctions par les entreprises et à la réduction des risques financiers (ONU, 2023);
  • Clare Daly (2023), membre du Parlement européen, avertit que des milliers d’autres pourraient mourir si l’embargo contre la Syrie n’est pas levé.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de mettre immédiatement fin aux sanctions contre la Syrie, d’exhorter les autres États qui imposent des sanctions à faire de même et d’intensifier ses efforts d’aide et de sauvetage envers tous ceux qui se trouvent dans la région.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada remains deeply concerned by the devastating earthquakes in Syria and Türkiye, which have claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people and injured many more. In response, Canada announced that it is providing $50 million in humanitarian assistance to support the international response to this emergency, $20 million of which is dedicated to Syria. This contribution is actively helping support emergency medical services and providing shelter, food and other essential items to populations most effected in Syria and Türkiye. This is in addition to the $50 million Canada allocated in humanitarian assistance for Syria in 2023.Canada first imposed sanctions against Syria in May 2011, in response to the Syrian government’s violent crackdown on peaceful protestors. Canada’s sanctions are enacted under the Special Economic Measures Act, and target members of the Syrian regime responsible for human rights violations and resulting breach of international peace and security in the region. They are not targeting the Syrian population at large. As an added measure to ensure that Canadian sanctions do not inadvertently impact humanitarian activities, Canadian sanctions include legislated exceptions, including for humanitarian activities led by international organizations with diplomatic status; United Nations agencies; the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; and NGOs that have entered into a grant or contribution agreement with the Global Affairs Canada. As such, it is not prohibited under Canada’s Special Economic Measures Act for individuals or entities to make goods or services available to those entities, as long as those goods and services are for the purpose of safeguarding human life, or providing food, medicine or medical supplies or equipment. Canadian sanctions also include exemptions for disaster relief, democratisations or stabilisation under certain circumstances.Humanitarian assistance from Canada and the international community has continued unabated in order to support the Syrian people. Canada has delivered over $685 million in humanitarian assistance funding in Syria since 2016, and has worked successfully with principled humanitarian partners on the ground in Syria. Canada is one of Syria’s largest humanitarian partners, and will continue to stand by the Syrian people when in need, and advocate strongly for accountability and justice in Syria.
Aide humanitaire et travailleurs humanitairesPolitique étrangèreSanctions économiquesSyrie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01416441-01416 (Environnement)MatthewGreenHamilton-CentreNPDON3 mai 202316 juin 20233 février 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatiqueAttendu que :
  • le gouvernement de l’Ontario propose la construction de l’autoroute 413, une nouvelle méga-autoroute de 52 km, qui entraînerait l’asphaltage de plus de 2 400 acres de terres, y compris celles de la ceinture de verdure protégée, des terres agricoles, des forêts, des terres humides ainsi que dans les territoires autochtones traditionnels des Mississauga, des Haudenosaunee, des Hurons-Wendat, des Chippewa et des Six Nations;
  • L’autoroute 413 ferait augmenter les émissions de gaz à effet de serre de plus de 17 millions de tonnes d’ici 2050, ce qui entraînerait 1,4 milliard de dollars de dommages liés auxdites émissions;
  • Le projet d’autoroute 413 coûterait 6 milliards de dollars aux contribuables, ne contribuerait guère à faire diminuer le nombre d’embouteillages, et est redondant, étant donné sa proximité de l’autoroute 407;.
  • La construction de l’autoroute 413 mettrait davantage en péril au moins 29 espèces inscrites sur la Liste des espèces en péril du gouvernement fédéral;
  • Au beau milieu de la crise climatique, le projet d’autoroute 413 ne ferait qu’augmenter le nombre d’émissions liées au transport d’une province qui n’est déjà pas en voie d’atteindre ses objectifs de réduction des émissions;
  • Le gouvernement de l’Ontario tente de compromettre l’étude d’impact environnemental provinciale en permettant que la construction commence avant que l’évaluation ait lieu, et en tentant de faire en sorte que les autoroutes de moins de 75 km soient exemptées des évaluations environnementales;
  • La majorité des municipalités éventuellement touchées par l’autoroute 413 s’opposent au projet, et ont adopté des motions pour demander la tenue d’une évaluation environnementale fédérale;
  • Les répercussions de l’autoroute relèvent de la compétence fédérale, comme les émissions de gaz à effet de serre, les espèces en péril inscrites sur la liste fédérale et les droits issus de traités;
Nous soussignés, résidents de la province de l’Ontario, prions le ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique d’entamer une évaluation fédérale exhaustive et approfondie des répercussions environnementales afin de cibler, de prévoir et d’évaluer les effets que pourrait avoir sur l’environnement le projet d’autoroute 413, ainsi que de tenir des audiences publiques avant le début de la construction.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Act (the IAA) and its regulations establish the legal framework for federal impact assessments. On May 3, 2021, the former Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that the Highway 413 Project (the Project) warranted designation under the IAA. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) awaits the submission of an Initial Project Description from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (the Proponent). Once the Agency determines that the Initial Project Description conforms with the Information and Management of Time Limits Regulations (the Regulations), the impact assessment process will begin with the 180-day Planning Phase.During the Planning Phase, the Agency will conduct a public comment period during which Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, federal authorities, and other participants will have an opportunity to provide input and identify key issues of concerns about the Project. The Agency provides these key issues to the Proponent as a Summary of Issues. The Proponent must then provide a Detailed Project Description to the Agency, which includes a response to the Summary of Issues that explains how it intends to address the issues raised. Following receipt of a Detailed Project Description that conforms to the Regulations, the Agency will decide whether an impact assessment is required for the Project. The Agency’s decision, including reasons, will be posted on the Canadian Impact Assessment Registry (the Registry).If an impact assessment is required, the Agency continues to engage with Indigenous communities, the public, other jurisdictions, and federal authorities to develop the Public Participation Plan, the Indigenous Engagement and Partnership Plan, the Cooperation Plan, the Permitting Plan, and the Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines, which includes the scope of the factors that are considered as part of the impact assessment. The Agency must then issue the final Tailored Impact Statement Guidelines and plans to the Proponent, and post a Notice of Commencement of the Impact Assessment on the Registry before the end of the 180-day Planning Phase.  
Autoroute 413Évaluation environnementaleOntario
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01415441-01415 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC3 mai 202316 juin 202326 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Code criminel du Canada prévoit que quiconque détruit volontairement des biens et des données informatiques entraînant un danger réel pour la vie est coupable d’un acte criminel;
  • Le vol de câbles et le vandalisme touchant l’infrastructure des télécommunications peuvent empêcher des personnes d’appeler les services d’urgence, nuire à des entreprises, fermer des salles de classe et entraîner des coûts plus élevés pour les consommateurs;
  • Les actes causant des dommages aux infrastructures de télécommunications sont loin d’être des crimes sans victime et devraient être considérés comme une infraction grave.
PAR CONSÉQUENT:Nous, soussignés, citoyens canadiens, prions le gouvernement du Canada de créer des peines plus sévères pour le vandalisme et le vol d’infrastructures de télécommunications, car leur destruction pose un risque réel et dangereux pour la sécurité publique.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable François-Philippe ChampagneReliable telecommunications networks have never been more crucial. They support not only a wide range of economic and social activities but also other critical infrastructure sectors and government services, and they are crucial for emergency services and public safety. They are fundamental to the safety, prosperity and well-being of Canadians.  The Government of Canada is taking action to improve the reliability of telecommunications and better protect Canadians. Following the Rogers outage in July 2022, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry brought together major telecommunications companies to improve Canada’s network reliability, and as a result, a memorandum of understanding between these companies is now in place with provisions on emergency roaming, mutual assistance, and improving public awareness around telecommunications emergencies. In September 2022, the Minister announced the Telecommunications Reliability Agenda, which includes a set of actions to improve the reliability and resilience of Canada’s telecommunications networks and better protect Canadians.  As part of this work, the Minister charged the industry members of the Canadian Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (CSTAC) with developing a set of recommendations to improve the reliability of Canada’s telecommunications networks. Similarly, the Minister requested that the industry members of the Canadian Forum for Digital Infrastructure Resilience (CFDIR)  develop a set of recommendations to improve the reliability and resilience of digital infrastructure. CSTAC and CFDIR have both submitted reports containing their recommendations to the Minister and both reports have been made public. The Government of Canada thanks the Committee members for their work and is currently reviewing the recommendations, including the recommendation from CSTAC that the government consider changes to the Criminal Code. In addition, the Government of Canada has tabled Bill C-26, an Act Respecting Cyber Security, to strengthen and modernize our telecommunications framework to keep pace with the evolving threat environment. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Telecommunications Act to include a new objective to promote the security of the Canadian telecommunications system. Furthermore, new provisions would be added to enable the Government to, by order, mandate that telecommunications service providers take action necessary to secure Canada’s telecommunications system from the threat of interference, manipulation or disruption, including enhancing its resiliency. The CRTC is also taking action to support resilient and reliable telecommunications networks in Canada. On February 22, 2023, the CRTC announced it would begin a series of consultations to develop a regulatory framework to improve telecommunications network reliability and resiliency.  As a first step, the CRTC announced new interim requirements for notification and reporting for telecommunications providers during major service outages. The CRTC is also considering further consultations on network resiliency principles, emergency services (9-1-1), public alerting and other consumer protection measures. In relation to 9-1-1 networks, the CRTC has asked the CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee (CISC) to provide a report with recommendations to improve resiliency and reduce impacts of outages on 9-1-1 networks and the public alerting system by September 15th, 2023. The Government of Canada also recognizes that vandalism and cable theft can have a serious impact on telecommunications infrastructure and can result in significant network outages. The Criminal Code of Canada currently contains a number of offences with tough penalties, up to life imprisonment, for persons who willfully damage, destroy or commit thefts in relation to telecommunications infrastructure and equipment:   •    Section 52(1) of the Criminal Code creates the offence of sabotage. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. The actions in section 52(2) include causing property to be lost, damaged or destroyed, which could include damage or destruction of telecommunication infrastructure. •    The offence of theft is set out at section 322(1) of the Criminal Code. Where the value of the theft is over $5,000, the maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment. •    The offence of mischief at section 430(1) of the Criminal Code covers a wide range of conduct including the destruction, damage or interference with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property. This offence, when prosecuted by indictment, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. •    Subsections 430(1.1)(a) and (b) criminalizes the destruction and alteration of computer data while subsection (c) and (d) criminalizes the obstruction, interruption or interference with the lawful use of computer data or a computer.   •    Sections 467.12 and 83.3 of the Criminal Code create offences when crimes are committed on behalf of, or under the direction of, a criminal organization or terrorist group. When an indictable offence is committed for the benefit of, at the direction of or in association with a criminal organization, the offender is libel to imprisonment for a maximum of 14 years. However, where offences are committed at the direction of, or in association with, a terrorist organization, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for life, pursuant to section 83.2.Canadians depend on telecommunications services in all aspects of their lives, and the security and reliability of networks has never been more crucial. The Government of Canada will continue to take action to strengthen and protect Canada’s telecommunications networks.
Matériel de télécommunicationVandalismeVol de service de télécommunication
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01414441-01414 (Droits de la personne)HeatherMcPhersonEdmonton StrathconaNPDAB3 mai 202316 juin 202323 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Depuis leur arrivée en tant qu’immigrants en 1750, les Canadiens allemands et autrichiens ont contribué de manière significative au développement du Canada;
  • Ils ont aidé la Grande-Bretagne à conquérir la Nouvelle-France, et sur les 30 000 soldats allemands recrutés par la Grande-Bretagne pour aider à réprimer la Révolution américaine, plus de 2 000 sont restés au Canada;
  • Des immigrants allemands et autrichiens ont fondé Lunenburg, Moncton et la vallée de l’Annapolis en Nouvelle-Écosse, et ont contribué à la fondation de York (aujourd’hui Toronto) et de Berlin (aujourd’hui Kitchener) en Ontario;
  • Trois Canadiens d’origine allemande – Charles Fisher (Fischer), William Henry Steeves (Stieff) et Sir Charles Tupper – faisaient partie des Pères de la Confédération;
  • Deux Canadiens d’origine allemande ont été premier ministre du Canada : Sir Charles Tupper (6e) et John Diefenbaker (13e);
  • Pendant les deux guerres mondiales, d’innocents Canadiens allemands et autrichiens ont été internés au Canada avec des combattants ennemis, sans qu’on tienne compte de leur loyauté envers le Canada;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada a présenté ses excuses aux communautés ukrainienne, japonaise et italienne du Canada pour l’internement injustifié de leurs membres.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de s’excuser pour l’internement injustifié de Canadiens d’origine allemande et autrichienne pendant les deux guerres mondiales, et de s’engager à ne plus jamais détenir, emprisonner ou interner des Canadiens innocents en raison uniquement de leur origine ethnique.
Response by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul ChiangThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for their request that calls upon the Government of Canada to “apologize for the wrongful internment of German and Austrian Canadians during World Wars I and II”; and “commit to never again hold, imprison, or intern innocent Canadians based solely on their ethnic origin.”The Government of Canada believes in the importance of learning from the past, including the more difficult moments in our history.During both the First and Second World Wars, under the authority of the War Measures Act, the Government of Canada interned or restricted freedoms of people originating from countries with which Canada was at war, and anyone who was deemed to be a security risk. These measures have left an indelible mark on our country’s history and caused pain to the families and descendants of those interned, including members of the German and Austrian communities.The measures that were taken are inconsistent with Canadian values. In 1988, the Government of Canada repealed the War Measures Act. Canada has since chosen to put in place several legal measures that safeguard human rights and recognize the multicultural nature of Canada’s population. These include the Canadian Bill of Rights (1960), the Canadian Human Rights Act (1977), the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982), and the Canadian Multiculturalism Act (1988) which enshrined into law the federal government’s commitment to promoting and maintaining a diverse, multicultural society.The Government recognizes the importance of sharing this history in order to learn from it, and also acknowledges the importance of recognizing the contributions that the German and Austrian communities have and continue to make to the development of Canada, as well as those from other communities such as Italian, Ukrainian and others that were impacted by the internment.In 2008, under the now sunset Community Historical Recognition Program, a $10-million endowment was made to the Shevchenko Foundation to establish the Canadian First World War Internment Recognition Fund. The Fund supports projects that commemorate and recognize the experiences of all of the communities affected by the internment operations of the First World War. It enables them to tell their stories and educate Canadians about the past and the contributions they have made to building Canada.Through National Historical Recognition Program funding, Parks Canada has created an exhibit to increase awareness about Canada's First World War internment operations. The Exhibit is located in Banff National Park where one of the former internment camps was located.A number of Museums have educational information on their websites related to the internment operations.  These include the Canadian War Museum, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier21, and the Canadian Museum of History. Others have screened films or held exhibits on this subject in the past.In 2016, Parliament passed a motion to establish the month of October as German Heritage Month. It provides an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize the German community’s contributions to Canada’s success, with their heritage shaping our social and economic fabric.The Government of Canada is deeply committed to building an inclusive country that we can all be proud of. This tragic episode in our shared history reminds us of the importance of defending our values of openness and inclusion, and the impacts that can result from xenophobia, racism, discrimination, and hate.
Canadiens d'origine allemandeCanadiens d'origine autrichienneExcuses officiellesInternement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01413441-01413 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB3 mai 202316 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 26, 2023, we have welcomed 31,910 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023e-4192e-4192 (Justice)KellyFavroLaurelCollinsVictoriaNPDBC10 novembre 2022 à 9 h 29 (HAE)10 mars 2023 à 9 h 29 (HAE)3 mai 202316 juin 202310 mars 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :En vertu de l’article 486.4 du Code criminel, un procureur peut demander une ordonnance de non-publication pour protéger l’identité de la victime-plaignante pendant les procédures relatives à une agression sexuelle;En règle générale, les procureurs ne communiquent pas avec les victimes-plaignantes pour leur demander leur consentement ou les prévenir qu’ils ont demandé une telle ordonnance;Les tribunaux n’ont pas de pouvoir discrétionnaire à ce sujet, c’est-à-dire qu’une ordonnance est exécutée sur-le-champ;Puisque les tribunaux et les procureurs ne sont pas tenus par la loi d’informer les victimes-plaignantes que leur identité est visée par une ordonnance de non-publication, ceux-ci peuvent être nombreux à ignorer que leur identité est visée par une telle ordonnance et qu’elles sont passibles d’une amende maximale de 5 000 $ et d’une peine d’emprisonnement maximale de deux ans en cas d’infraction;Cette situation prive les victimes-plaignantes de la possibilité de faire un choix et de donner un consentement éclairés;Lorsque l’imposition d’une ordonnance de non-publication se fait contre la volonté d’une victime-plaignante, elle est un geste paternaliste qui empêche la victime-plaignante d’exercer son droit à la liberté d’expression, qui alimente son sentiment de honte et qui renforce la notion que l’anonymat est toujours synonyme de protection; L’imposition d’une ordonnance de non-publication sans le consentement de la personne visée peut donner l’impression que c’est l’agresseur qu’on protège et que celui-ci en tire des avantages, puisque la victime ne peut plus parler ouvertement de la situation qu’elle a vécu et des torts qu’elle a subis.Nous soussignés, résidents et citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Permettre aux victimes-plaignantes de parler de l’agression qu’elles ont subie sans s’exposer à des sanctions; 2. Donner aux victimes-plaignantes adultes le choix de faire appliquer ou non une ordonnance de non-publication rendue à leur égard en vertu de l’article 486.4 du Code criminel;3. Élaborer et publier sur ses sites Web des documents d’information détaillés, accessibles et multilingues sur les ordonnances de non-publication prévues à l’article 486.4; 4. Simplifier le processus permettant de lever une ordonnance de non-publication avant, pendant ou après une action en justice sans l’intervention d’un avocat; 5. Permettre aux victimes-plaignantes de soustraire leur déclaration de la victime à l’application d’une ordonnance de non-publication rendue à leur sujet en vertu de l’article 486.4.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareePublication bans aim to protect the identity of victims and encourage the reporting of offences that may otherwise go unreported, such as sexual offences. Some victims want to protect their identity. Others want to tell their story. It should be their choice.Healing looks different for every victim and survivor. It is a priority for the Government to ensure that in every case, victims are treated with dignity and respect in the criminal justice process.On April 26, 2023, the Government introduced Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, in the Senate. The proposed reforms aim to empower victims by improving the law related to publication bans, achieving greater respect of victims' right to information, and ensuring that there are no gaps in the law regarding sex crimes and the National Sex Offender Registry.This bill gives victims greater agency in whether a publication ban is ordered, and gives survivors a clearer pathway to modify or lift a ban. Specifically, the proposed reforms to the publication ban provisions would require prosecutors to take reasonable steps to consult with victims before seeking a publication ban, and would clarify the mechanism for revoking and amending a publication ban so that victims have a better understanding and an effective access to this process. These changes would give a greater voice to survivors of sexual assault and respect their personal choice. Bill S-12 would continue to offer the protections of a publication ban for those who want them, without silencing those who wish to speak out.
CensureCrimes sexuelsRésumés d'impact au nom de victimes et de communautésVictimes de violence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée16 juin 2023441-01411441-01411 (Justice)LaurelCollinsVictoriaNPDBC3 mai 202316 juin 202328 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Les procureurs peuvent demander une interdiction de publication en vertu de l’article 486.4 du Code criminel afin de protéger une victime plaignante dans le cas d’infractions sexuelles;
  • Les procureurs n’informent généralement pas les victimes plaignantes ni ne demandent leur consentement avant qu’une interdiction de publication de leur identité soit autorisée;
  • Le tribunal ne dispose d’aucun pouvoir discrétionnaire, ce qui signifie que l’ordonnance entre en vigueur immédiatement;
  • Le tribunal ou le procureur ne sont pas tenus par la loi d’informer la victime plaignante qu’une ordonnance interdit la divulgation de leur identité, faisant en sorte que de nombreuses personnes ne savent pas qu’une interdiction de publication est en vigueur et ne sont pas au courant des répercussions juridiques et des sanctions qui s’appliquent en cas de violation de l’ordonnance (amende maximale de 5 000 $ et deux ans d’emprisonnement);
  • Il s’agit de prendre une décision éclairée et du consentement des victimes plaignantes;
  • Ces restrictions, lorsqu’elles ne sont pas souhaitées, s’avèrent paternalistes, empêchent les victimes-plaignantes d’exercer leur droit à la liberté d’expression et renforcent la honte et la notion voulant que l’anonymat soit toujours un gage de protection;
  • Les interdictions de publication non souhaitées peuvent donner l’impression que les agresseurs sont protégés et qu’ils profitent des restrictions imposées aux victimes-plaignantes puisqu’elles entravent la communication ouverte concernant l’infraction et l’expérience de préjudice.
Nous, soussignés, résidents et citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :1. Permettre aux victimes plaignantes d’attribuer leur propre expérience d’agression sexuelle à quelqu’un sans être accusées;2. Permettre aux victimes plaignantes d’agressions sexuelles adultes de décider de l’application d’une interdiction de publication aux termes de l’article 486.4;3. Préparer de l'information exhaustive et accessible, publiée en plusieurs langues sur les sites Web du gouvernement concernant les interdictions de publication;4. Simplifier la procédure permettant de lever une interdiction de publication à n’importe quel moment avant, pendant et après une instance judiciaire sans devoir recourir aux services d’un avocat;5. Permettre aux victimes plaignantes de refuser l’interdiction de publication à même le formulaire de déclaration de la victime.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareePublication bans aim to protect the identity of victims and encourage the reporting of offences that may otherwise go unreported, such as sexual offences. Some victims want to protect their identity. Others want to tell their story. It should be their choice.Healing looks different for every victim and survivor. It is a priority for the Government to ensure that in every case, victims are treated with dignity and respect in the criminal justice process.On April 26, 2023, the Government introduced Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, in the Senate. The proposed reforms aim to empower victims by improving the law related to publication bans, achieving greater respect of victims' right to information, and ensuring that there are no gaps in the law regarding sex crimes and the National Sex Offender Registry.This bill gives victims greater agency in whether a publication ban is ordered, and gives survivors a clearer pathway to modify or lift a ban. Specifically, the proposed reforms to the publication ban provisions would require prosecutors to take reasonable steps to consult with victims before seeking a publication ban, and would clarify the mechanism for revoking and amending a publication ban so that victims have a better understanding and an effective access to this process. These changes would give a greater voice to survivors of sexual assault and respect their personal choice. Bill S-12 would continue to offer the protections of a publication ban for those who want them, without silencing those who wish to speak out.
CensureCrimes sexuelsRésumés d'impact au nom de victimes et de communautésVictimes de violence
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01410441-01410 (Fiscalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB2 mai 202315 juin 202327 avril 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNESNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons attirer l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • La taxe sur le carbone imposée par les Libéraux continuera à faire monter les coûts de chauffage pour les Canadiens;
  • Au Canada, chauffer sa maison en hiver n’est pas un luxe mais bien une nécessité;
  • Après huit années de ce gouvernement libéral, les Canadiens en sont rendus à devoir choisir entre chauffer leur maison ou mettre de la nourriture sur la table;
  • À aucun autre moment dans l’histoire les Canadiens n’ont autant payé de taxes que sous ce gouvernement libéral;
  • L’inflation a causé des augmentations massives des coûts pour les organismes à but non lucratif et les organismes de bienfaisance enregistrés, et ces augmentations sont intensifiées par la taxe sur le carbone.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1) Reculer et ne pas tripler la taxe sur le carbone pour le chauffage résidentiel;2) N’imposer aucune nouvelle taxe aux Canadiens;3) Placer les Canadiens au cœur de ses actions : leur famille, leurs chèques de paye, leur maison et leur avenir.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandSince taking office in 2015, the government's focus has been investing in the middle class, growing the economy, strengthening Canada's social safety net, and making life more affordable for Canadians. Key measures include:
  • Reversed the Conservative policy and restored the age of eligibility for Old Age Security (OAS) and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to 65, from 67, preventing 100,000 seniors aged 65 and 66 from plunging into severe poverty each year.
  • Increasing support for families and low-income workers through programs such as the Canada Child Benefit and the Canada Workers Benefit, which have helped lift over 1 million Canadians out of poverty since 2015.
  • A cross-Canada reduction of fees for regulated childcare of 50 percent on average, with six provinces and territories reducing childcare fees to $10-a-day or less by April 2, 2023. In Saskatchewan, this amounts to an estimated savings of up to $6,900 per child.
  • Increasing the GIS top up benefit for low-income single seniors, enhancing the GIS earnings exemption, and increasing Old Age Security for approximately 3.3 million Canadians in July 2022.
  • Reducing taxes for the middle class from 22 percent to 20.5 percent, while raising taxes on the wealthiest Canadians. 
  • Increasing the basic personal amount – i.e., the basic amount of income that Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax – to $15,000, while phasing out the benefits of the increased basic personal amount for wealthy individuals.
In addition, the Government of Canada has provided targeted inflation relief to Canadians struggling with the impacts of global inflation, which has made the cost of living a real challenge. This includes direct, tax-free payments of up to $1,300 per child over two years to eligible families to cover dental expenses for their children under 12 and a doubling of the GST credit in the fall of 2022.Furthermore, the adoption of Bill C-46 will provide the new one-time Grocery Rebate, which will provide targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families who need it most, with up to an extra $467 for eligible couples with two children; up to an extra $234 for single Canadians without children; and an extra $225 for seniors, on average. The Grocery Rebate will be delivered to eligible Canadians on July 5, 2023, by direct deposit or cheque through the Canada Revenue Agency.Climate action is critical to Canada’s long-term health and economic prosperity. Pollution pricing is widely recognized as effective and the most efficient means of reducing  greenhouse gas emissions, which is why the Government of Canada has made sure that it is no longer free to pollute in Canada.The federal price on pollution is revenue neutral for the government of Canada; the direct proceeds from the federal pollution pricing system remain in the province or territory where they are collected. Put simply, every dollar collected from the pollution price is returned.In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, 90 percent of direct proceeds are returned to residents of those provinces through Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments. Most households receive more in CAI payments than the costs they face from the federal price on pollution, with low- and middle-income households benefitting the most, on average. The other 10 percent is used to support small and medium-sized businesses and Indigenous groups. Farmers are also receiving proceeds from the price on pollution through a refundable tax credit, meaning an estimated $100M was to be returned to farmers for 2021-22 and $120M will be returned for 2022-23.This year, through quarterly payments, a family of four will receive: $1,544 in Alberta, $1,056 in Manitoba, $976 in Ontario, and $1,360 in Saskatchewan. Starting in July 2023 when federal carbon pricing begins to apply in Atlantic Canada, a family of four will receive 3 quarterly payments totaling: $984 in Newfoundland and Labrador, $744 in Nova Scotia, $720 in Price Edward Island, and $552 in New Brunswick (double payment in October). Future years will contain 4 quarterly payments.Residents of small and rural communities are entitled to a 10 percent supplement beyond the base amount.The government will continue to take action to support the middle class and make life more affordable for Canadians. 
Taxe sur les émissions carboniques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01409441-01409 (Affaires étrangères)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON2 mai 202315 juin 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01408441-01408 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB2 mai 202315 juin 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01407441-01407 (Santé)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC2 mai 202315 juin 202314 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Les aliments génétiquement modifiés (contenant des OGM, transgéniques ou issus du génie génétique) ne sont pas étiquetés comme tels au Canada;
  • Les sondages montrent régulièrement que plus de 80 % des Canadiens souhaitent un étiquetage obligatoire des aliments génétiquement modifiés;
  • Le Centre international de recherche sur le cancer de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé a déclaré que les herbicides pour cultures génétiquement modifiées – le glyphosate – sont « probablement cancérigènes pour l’humain ». Leur utilisation a fortement augmenté avec le développement de variétés de cultures génétiquement modifiées résistantes au glyphosate.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer l’étiquetage obligatoire de tous les aliments génétiquement modifiés.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam van KoeverdenThe Government of Canada considers issues of food safety to be of the utmost importance.Under the Food and Drugs Act, Health Canada is responsible for provisions related to public health, food safety and nutrition, through the establishment of science-based policies and standards to ensure that all foods, including those that are genetically modified (GM) or genetically engineered, are safe and nutritious. As part of this mandate, Health Canada conducts a rigorous, science-based assessment of all novel food products, including those produced using genetic modification, using internationally agreed-upon standards and guidelines, before they can enter the Canadian marketplace.Assessments of novel foods are conducted under the Food and Drug Regulations (Division 28 – Novel Foods), which prohibit the manufacturers of these products from selling them in Canada until Health Canada has completed a full assessment to confirm the safety of these products.The novel food safety assessment conducted by Health Canada involves a scientific review of how the food was developed, a comparison of its compositional and nutritional profile with conventional counterparts, and the potential for the food to be toxic or to contain a toxin or allergen. Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, and nutrition conduct a thorough analysis of the data and of the protocols used to ensure the validity of the results. Only when there are no safety concerns is the novel food permitted on the Canadian marketplace. Health Canada has been assessing GM foods for more than 30 years. To date, 174 GM food products have been approved as they were found to be as safe and nutritious as conventional foods.Even after a product has been assessed and found to be safe, Health Canada takes any new information related to such products very seriously. Scientists in the Department routinely review new information, including both independent and peer-reviewed published studies when these become available. Furthermore, the conclusions of Health Canada are consistent with similar findings and methodologies used by regulatory scientists internationally, including those adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, as well as through independent scientific reviews. Should any risks or concerns be identified from the consumption of any genetically modified food authorized in Canada, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) would take immediate and appropriate action to protect the health and safety of Canadians.Mandatory labelling for food products, including genetically modified foods, is required by Health Canada where clear, scientifically established health risks or significant nutritional changes have been identified that can be mitigated through labelling. For example, the presence of a priority allergen in a food must be declared to alert consumers. The Government of Canada’s approach to the labelling of genetically modified food is supported by positions expressed previously by: the Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel on the Future of Food Biotechnology; the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee; and, most recently, the House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. This approach is also consistent with guidance adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standards setting body.While Canada does not normally require food products derived from GM plants and animals to be labelled because these products have been rigorously assessed for their safety and are otherwise identical to food derived from conventional agriculture, the Government of Canada recognizes that voluntary labelling is an important means of communication between industry and consumers for non-health and safety related information. To this end, Health Canada and the CFIA worked with the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors and the Canadian General Standards Board to develop the “Voluntary labelling and advertising of foods that are and are not products of genetic engineering”, which was adopted in 2004 and reaffirmed in 2021. Companies can voluntarily label genetically modified or non-genetically modified foods using the National Standard, designed to ensure label information is clear and not misleading. The CFIA takes enforcement action if labels are found to be false or misleading.In Canada, pesticides are regulated federally under the Pest Control Products Act, which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Our number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and their environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when pesticides are used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from up to 200 scientific studies (or in some cases more) may be required to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people (including chronic effects, such as cancer), animals, or plants, including organisms in the soil and water. This assessment takes into consideration sensitive populations, such as pregnant and nursing individuals, infants, children, and seniors.Health Canada must also periodically re-evaluate pesticides that are on the market to assess whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards and, hence, whether they should continue to be permitted for use in Canada. An extensive scientific re-evaluation of glyphosate, completed in 2017, showed that under the established conditions of use, glyphosate does not pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. This re-evaluation considered data not only from manufacturers, but also from a large body of published independent scientific studies, and information from other internationally recognized regulatory agencies. Over 1,300 studies were reviewed, totalling more than 89,000 pages.With respect to health concerns regarding glyphosate, Health Canada also took the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) into consideration but found that the levels at which Canadians are exposed to glyphosate do not cause any harmful effects, including cancer. It is important to note that the level of exposure to the pesticide is not factored into the hazard-based approach used by some organizations (such as IARC), and thus do not constitute a risk assessment. However, it is noteworthy that, while IARC (a branch of the World Health Organization, or WHO) categorized glyphosate as a probable carcinogen from a hazard perspective in 2015, the WHO concluded in a Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues with the Food and Agriculture Organization in May 2016 that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk to humans from exposure through diet. As indicated above, Health Canada takes a comprehensive approach to determining risk by assessing the actual levels at which humans and organisms in the environment are exposed.It should also be noted that Health Canada cannot speak to the decision-making process in other countries with regards to glyphosate, as each country takes into account its own legislative requirements, policies, and scientific analysis before making a decision. However, a number of international regulatory authorities, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) have evaluated the carcinogenicity of glyphosate and have found that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk to humans, when used according to label directions. Health Canada’s findings are therefore consistent with those jurisdictions.Nevertheless, please be assured that Health Canada continues to monitor new information related to all pesticides (including glyphosate) and will take appropriate action if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the use of the products is resulting in risks to human health or the environment.
Étiquetage des alimentsOrganismes génétiquement modifiés
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01406441-01406 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservateurAB2 mai 202315 juin 202325 avril 2023Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023e-4127e-4127 (Agriculture)JenniferBaichwalJenicaAtwinFrederictonLibéralNB15 septembre 2022 à 17 h 56 (HAE)13 janvier 2023 à 17 h 56 (HAE)2 mai 202315 juin 202317 janvier 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278906" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Santé</Addressee>Attendu que :Le glyphosate est le pesticide le plus vendu au Canada. Il est utilisé en agriculture comme herbicide et pour tuer les cultures à récolter, en foresterie pour tuer les arbres et la végétation cibles indésirables, et comme herbicide sur les emprises, les terrains commerciaux et résidentiels, les terrains de golf, les écoles et d’autres espaces verts;La population canadienne, y compris les nourrissons et les enfants, consomme donc des résidus de glyphosate dans sa nourriture et son eau et y est exposée lorsqu’elle est à l’extérieur dans le cadre d’activités récréatives ou professionnelles, de la chasse ou des récoltes;L’utilisation du glyphosate nuit aux espèces aquatiques et terrestres et entraîne une perte de biodiversité, rendant ainsi les écosystèmes plus vulnérables à la pollution et aux changements climatiques; Elle met en danger les pollinisateurs, notamment les abeilles sauvages et les papillons monarques, et favorise les incendies de forêt, car les forêts composées uniquement de conifères brûlent plus vite et plus intensément que les forêts mixtes; En 2015, le Centre international de recherche sur le cancer de l’Organisation mondiale de la santé a classé le glyphosate comme « probablement cancérogène pour les humains »; Il a été constaté que le glyphosate nuit à la santé humaine, notamment en endommageant la fonction cellulaire et en provoquant des effets sur la reproduction, des perturbations hormonales, des perturbations du microbiome, et des cancers; La Loi sur les produits antiparasitaires est renvoyée au Parlement pour y être examinée et Santé Canada procède à la transformation de l’Agence de réglementation de la lutte antiparasitaire.Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada,, demandons au ministre de la Santé de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Interdire la vente et l’utilisation du glyphosate pour protéger la santé humaine et l’environnement;2. Élaborer un plan complet pour réduire l’utilisation globale des pesticides au Canada.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenIn Canada, the regulation of pesticides is shared among all levels of government. Federally, pesticides are regulated under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Our number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when it is used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from up to 200 scientific studies (or in some cases more) may be required to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people (including chronic effects, such as cancer), animals, or plants, including organisms in the soil and water. This assessment also takes into consideration sensitive populations, such as pregnant and nursing women, infants, children, and seniors.Health Canada also periodically re-evaluates pesticides that are on the market to assess whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards and hence whether they should continue to be permitted for use in Canada. An extensive scientific re-evaluation of glyphosate, completed in 2017, showed that under the established conditions of use, glyphosate does not pose unacceptable risks to human health (including reproductive, hormonal and gastro-intestinal health, or chronic effects such as cancer) or the environment (including biodiversity). This re-evaluation considered data not only from manufacturers, but also from a large body of published independent scientific studies, and information from other internationally recognized regulatory agencies. Over 1,300 studies were reviewed, totalling more than 89,000 pages.As part of the re-evaluation of glyphosate, Health Canada considered all available scientific evidence, including published scientific data, required guideline studies, and any epidemiological evidence on the topic of the potential hormonal (endocrine) disrupting properties of glyphosate. Based on weight of evidence review of high-quality scientific studies for glyphosate, no compelling evidence of potential interaction with the endocrine system was noted. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program and the European Food Safety Authority also reached the same conclusion following completion of their reviews of all lines of scientific evidence on this topic.Health Canada took the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) into consideration but found that the levels at which Canadians are exposed to glyphosate do not cause any harmful effects, including cancer. It is important to note that the level of exposure to the pesticide is not factored into the hazard-based approach used by some organizations (such as IARC), and thus do not constitute a risk assessment. While IARC (a branch of the World Health Organization, or WHO) categorized glyphosate as a probable carcinogen from a hazard perspective in 2015, the WHO concluded in a Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues with the Food and Agriculture Organization in May 2016 that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk to humans from exposure through diet.Health Canada establishes maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide residues in food. MRLs represent the maximum amount of residue that may remain on a food when a pesticide is used according to its label directions. MRLs apply to all foods, regardless of whether they are grown in Canada or imported and are set at levels well below the amount that could pose a health concern. Canadian MRLs are set only after extensive review of the scientific information and after a thorough risk assessment confirms that there are no health concerns for any segment of the population (including those referred to above), when all possible food sources are eaten every day, over a lifetime. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) tests food products for chemical residues as part of its National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program. If any product exceeds the MRLs set by Health Canada, the CFIA takes appropriate enforcement action. Compliance with respect to glyphosate MRLs is very high, with CFIA’s most recent data indicating a compliance level of 99.4%.As for the potential health impacts of glyphosate on the human intestinal microbiome, there is very little scientific evidence to support the claim that glyphosate has any direct impact on human gut microflora or has any subsequent health effect. Further to this, in 2021, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency published results of their scientific research (in English only) indicating limited effects of glyphosate on intestinal microbiome, further supporting Health Canada’s current position on this matter.Regarding the effects of pesticides on soil microbial communities, literature on the subject was reviewed as part of the re-evaluation of glyphosate. The effects of glyphosate on forest and agricultural soil microbial communities were shown to be inconsistent and consequently no clear conclusion can be drawn from the available scientific information.Registered pest control products in Canada, including glyphosate, do not "cause injuries to human health including harming cellular function and causing reproductive effects, hormone disruption, microbiome disruption and cancer, whether through diet or non-dietary exposures (such as inhalation) when they are used according to label instructions. This determination by Health Canada and key foreign regulatory partners is based on results of specifically designed laboratory studies that are used to establish the permissible levels of exposure, which are then used to derive label instructions. These permissible levels for human exposure are set over one-hundred, or more, times lower than the amount that could potentially cause harm. These acceptable levels of exposure also take into account various types of populations who could be exposed to pesticides, including workers who handle pesticides, the general population, as well as sensitive sub-populations (such as pregnant women, children, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals).With regards to potential human exposure to pesticides (including for glyphosate), it should be noted that the public may report health impacts they believe to be related to pesticide exposure to Health Canada’s Incident Reporting Program by completing a Voluntary Incident Report. Health Canada uses this information in its risk assessments and to monitor for safety after pesticides are registered.With respect to pollution and climate change, please note that Canada, along with 195 member nations, has recently concluded the negotiations of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity in Montréal. The COP15 adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), including four goals and 23 targets for achievement by 2030 to safeguard nature and halt and reverse biodiversity loss, putting nature on a path to recovery by 2050. Target 7 focuses on reducing the negative impacts of pollution on biodiversity. The target commits to, among other goals, reduce the overall risk from pesticides and highly hazardous chemicals by at least half including through integrated pest management, based on science, taking into account food security and livelihoods.Health Canada is collaborating with Environment and Climate Change (ECCC) which provides the National Focal Point for the GBF and is the federal lead on a national response. We will continue to work with them and other federal partners in determining next steps for Target 7, as part of developing a national biodiversity strategy and action plan.With regards to glyphosate use in forestry, Health Canada has concluded that this use is acceptable, when label directions are followed. These findings were based on an extensive review of the available scientific information on glyphosate. A forest cultivation site would receive one or at most two treatments early on in a 50-to-80-year cultivation cycle.This year’s wildfire conditions are unprecedented and deeply concerning. Serious wildfires have prompted evacuations for tens of thousands of Canadians across the country, including in many Indigenous communities. As we continue to monitor the situation, we have been in regular contact with all affected provinces and territories to ensure they have the support they need. When Alberta, Nova Scotia, and Quebec reached out for help, we answered – and we stand ready if more provinces or territories require federal assistance. Provincial/territorial and municipal governments have shared responsibilities in regulating pesticides. While Health Canada authorizes pesticides, it does not determine whether a product should or will be used (for example, for vegetation control, or for any other purpose). Likewise, provincial authorities oversee management of forestry resources and are best placed to determine if a registered pesticide (such as glyphosate) should be used for forestry management, based on their knowledge of local conditions and their objectives in managing natural resources within the province. The decision to use an herbicide in forestry operations would be included as part of a provincial forest management plan. Permitting or restricting the use of federally approved pesticides falls under the authority of the province, for both provincial crown land and privately held land within the province.Regarding potential impacts of glyphosate on pollinators (including bees and monarch butterflies). Health Canada’s environmental risk assessment for glyphosate did not identify any population level risks to pollinators, such as bees and monarchs.To further strengthen pesticide oversight and protection of human health and the environment and improve transparency, in August 2021, the Federal Government announced a $50 million investment in Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), with support from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). With this funding, the PMRA has established a Transformation Agenda, which includes initiatives in four major areas: strengthened human and environmental health and safety oversight and protection through modernized business processes, improved transparency to increase understanding of the decision-making process, increased availability of real-world data and independent advice to better inform regulatory decision making, and a targeted review of the PCPA.In spring 2022, Health Canada launched the targeted review of the PCPA. A What We Heard report that summarizes the feedback received from partners and stakeholders has been published on the Government of Canada’s web site. The Department continues to consider all feedback received during these consultations to inform future potential measures to improve protection of human health and the environment from risks posed by pesticides. For those interested stakeholders who wish to engage further with the PMRA on its transformation agenda, they are encouraged to contact its transformation team directly by emailing: pmra-arla-transformation@hc-sc.gc.caThe PMRA is taking measures to further strengthen environmental protection for people, plants, and animals, and to improve the transparency of review processes for pesticides like glyphosate. For instance, the PMRA has created a Science Advisory Committee on Pest Control Products (SAC-PCP), which provides Health Canada with independent scientific advice to support evidence-based decision making on pesticides. The PMRA has also diversified the sources and increased the volume of data and information to inform its decisions on pesticides, by launching a water sampling program that collects real-world data from rivers, streams, wetlands, and lakes across Canada. The data from this program is available here. The PMRA is also working with partners and grower groups to collect real-world data on pesticide use in Canada, to inform the development of a national pesticide use data program. Further, the PMRA is incorporating plain language communications in key pesticide regulatory decisions to support more meaningful public participation in the regulatory process.As a part of our commitment to modernize our business processes, PMRA is evolving its oversight model to one that continually monitors the potential risks of pesticides, including through scientific literature, foreign regulatory decisions, and incident reports, throughout the life cycle of a pesticide rather than at predetermined review periods. PMRA will be engaging the public in a consultation in Fall 2023, where interested stakeholders will be encouraged to provide their comments to PMRA. The public consultation will be posted on the PMRA’s Pesticides and pest management consultations webpage.Please be assured that Health Canada continues to monitor for new information on all pesticides (including glyphosate) and will take appropriate action if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the use of the products is resulting in risks of concern to human health or the environment. When the science-based assessment indicates that potential risk to human health or the environment is not considered acceptable when risk management measures are applied, Health Canada will take appropriate action which may include cancelling specific uses or all uses of a pesticide, depending on the outcome of assessment. When all uses of a pesticide are cancelled, the pesticide is phased-out from the Canadian market.
GlyphosateInterdictionPesticidesPolitique agricole
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01404441-01404 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB2 mai 202315 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 11, 2023, we have welcomed 31,130 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 juin 2023441-01403441-01403 (Affaires étrangères)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB2 mai 202315 juin 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Foreign charges and convictions are examined to see whether they would have been an offence under Canadian laws if they had occurred in Canada.Immigration officers determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted for that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, they may consider, on a case-by-case basis, using relief mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023e-4296e-4296 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)Jean-FrançoisDi PietroNathalieSinclair-DesgagnéTerrebonneBloc QuébécoisQC8 février 2023 à 15 h 05 (HAE)9 avril 2023 à 15 h 05 (HAE)1 mai 202314 juin 202312 avril 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278899" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Défense nationale</Addressee>Attendu que :Le site « Champ de tir Saint-Maurice » est un terrain de 6,5 km2, au nord de l’autoroute 640 appartenant au ministère de la Défense;Aucune activité militaire ne se déroule sur le territoire depuis 1966;L’accès au site est interdit au public en raison de la possible présence de munitions non explosées sur le territoire;Le champ de tir est l’un des plus gros poumons de la Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (CMM);Il est composé de plusieurs tourbières, ces zones humides qui emmagasinent très efficacement le carbone;Les représentants de la CMM ont réaffirmé à la COP15 vouloir protéger 30 % des milieux naturels dans la CMM, chiffre auquel pourrait contribuer le champ de tir;Le site abrite près d’une vingtaine d’espèces fauniques et floristiques à statut particulier inscrites sur la liste des espèces préoccupantes en vertu de la Loi sur les espèces en péril au Canada;Le champ de tir doit devenir une zone protégée pour éviter un développement immobilier;Nous souhaitons que le territoire soit aménagé, après décontamination, de manière à respecter la flore et la faune locales, ainsi que pour permettre un accès au public.Nous soussignés, résidents du Québec, prions la ministre de la Défense nationale de :1. Céder le champ de tir Saint-Maurice au gouvernement du Québec et/ou à la Ville de Terrebonne;2. Accélérer le processus d’évaluation pour déterminer le nombre de munitions non explosées sur le territoire, ainsi que le temps alloué aux travaux de décontamination;3. S’assurer que le site soit décontaminé aux frais du gouvernement fédéral dans les plus brefs délais.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayThe former Saint-Maurice firing range, established during the Second World war, is located north of highway 640 and east of route 335 in Terrebonne Québec, approximately 25 km north of Montréal. The Range was primarily used for ammunition testing and remained operational until 1967 and declared a surplus in 2014.Disposing of federally owned property that has been declared surplus is governed by a series of specific legislative and policy responsibilities, including to safeguard the health and safety of the affected community and environment. These responsibilities are set out in Treasury Board Secretariat’s Directive on Management of Real Property, section 4.2.28 on disposal of real property and section 4.2.7.3 regarding the stewardship and use of real property until the property is ready for disposal.Given that unexploded ordnances (UXO) are present on the land, preliminary estimates indicate that significant work will be required on the site over a period of approximately 30 years before the property can be considered safe for disposal.In addition, National Defence recognizes that the Range is home to many at risk wildlife and plant species that need to be protected. National Defence is required to take these and other environmental concerns into account when the property is prepared to be disposed, including in resuming the clearing of the UXOs. In the interim, the ecological value of the Range will be preserved as no development or alternate land uses are possible prior to the land being rendered safe.National Defence also appreciates the importance of the land on which the Range is located to the local community. As such, it will consult with Indigenous peoples and communities, provincial and municipal governments, and other interested parties before deciding on the future of this property. These consultations will only begin once the site preparation work for the disposal of the property is completed so that National Defence can make an informed decision that complies with its obligations established in the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Directive on Management of Real Property.
Champ de tir d’essai Saint-MauriceDépollution environnementale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023e-4362e-4362 (Citoyenneté et immigration)MeschacGervaisColinCarrieOshawaConservateurON23 mars 2023 à 16 h 34 (HAE)22 avril 2023 à 16 h 34 (HAE)1 mai 202314 juin 202324 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Haïti est aux prises avec une crise politique, économique et humanitaire comparable à ce que vivent la Syrie, l’Afghanistan et l’Ukraine;La situation d’Haïti continue de s’empirer, particulièrement depuis l’assassinat du président Jovenel Moïse le 7 juillet 2021. La population souffre, meurt et doit se déplacer par centaines de milliers, selon l’Organisation internationale pour les migrations;Selon l’ONU, des gangs ont pris le contrôle d’Haïti et les cas de violence sexuelle et de terrorisme ont augmenté, y compris les enlèvements, d’au moins 105 % et les homicides ont augmenté de 35 %;Les États-Unis ont lancé un programme humanitaire temporaire pour que les ressortissants haïtiens parrainent leurs familles et les fassent venir aux États-Unis pour y être en sécurité;En date de mars 2023, le Canada a approuvé l’arrivée de plus de 600 000 Ukrainiens, dont plus de 180 000 sont déjà arrivés pour y trouver la sécurité;De même, le Canada a accueilli plus de 28 000 Afghans par l’entremise de mesures spéciales d’immigration et ont réinstallé plus de 40 000 réfugiés syriens; Le Canada est reconnu pour sa compassion en tant que force de son tissu national et doit continuer d’en faire preuve à l’égard de tous les peuples victimes de crises humanitaires.Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de 1) Créer un programme de visa humanitaire Canada-Haïti qui autoriserait les citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada à aider leurs familles en Haïti à obtenir la résidence temporaire au Canada pour des raisons de sécurité dans la dignité et qui donnerait à celles-ci la possibilité de travailler et d’étudier pendant leur séjour au Canada; 2) Donner aux Haïtiens déjà au Canada une option de statut de résident temporaire pour qu’ils puissent obtenir ou prolonger leur permis de travail et d’étude afin qu’ils puissent continuer à vivre, à travailler et à étudier temporairement au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Haitians during this difficult time.When responding to international crises, the Government of Canada tailors its immigration measures to the unique conditions of each event and the needs of the affected population. Although every situation is different, we are always guided by the same values and principles. We evaluate how Canada can best help by looking at what solutions are most appropriate, including waiving fees or requirements, as well as whether existing immigration and refugee programs are sufficient or if new ones are required. We strive to balance our commitment to assist those in need, with upholding the security, safety, and well-being of Canadians.Haitians who are already in Canada temporarily, who may feel uncomfortable returning to Haiti under the current circumstances, are able to apply under existing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada pathways to extend their temporary residence status so that they may continue to study, work, or visit with loved ones in Canada.Canadian immigration programs continue to be available for Haitians who qualify, including opportunities to reunite families through the family sponsorship program. This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor for permanent residence their spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents, orphaned relatives under the age of 18, and other eligible relatives in limited circumstances.Canada also offers temporary pathways, such as the parent and grandparent Super Visa, as well as temporary work and study opportunities. Applications for permanent and temporary residence from Haitian nationals continue to be processed in a timely manner.Canada’s temporary worker programs are open to Haitian nationals and are demand-driven, meaning there are no limits on the number of work permits that can be issued to qualifying foreign nationals. Haitian nationals may apply for a work permit under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, if they have a job offer from an employer and are supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment from Employment and Social Development Canada, or under any stream of the International Mobility Program, as long as they meet eligibility criteria, which vary and may include occupational and skill-based criteria. For example, Haitian nationals whose mother tongue is French may be eligible to apply for a work permit under the Francophone Mobility stream of the International Mobility Program, if they are destined for a province or territory outside Quebec, and meet other eligibility requirements.In addition to existing programs, Canada has committed to welcoming 15,000 persons  from the Western Hemisphere over the course of the year. This humanitarian pathway intends to provide an alternative to irregular migration for those facing forced displacement in Central and South American and Caribbean countries, which could include displaced Haitian nationals. This commitment was announced by the Prime Minister during U.S. President Biden’s visit on March 24, 2023. Further development of the humanitarian pathway is underway.While we are not currently looking at introducing any other additional immigration measures at this time, we continue to monitor the situation closely.
HaïtiImmigration et immigrantsPasseports et visas
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023441-01397441-01397 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservateurMB1 mai 202314 juin 202312 décembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023441-01398441-01398 (Justice)L’hon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservateurBC1 mai 202314 juin 202312 décembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023441-01399441-01399 (Justice)L’hon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservateurBC1 mai 202314 juin 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023441-01400441-01400 (Justice)L’hon.EdFastAbbotsfordConservateurBC1 mai 202314 juin 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023441-01401441-01401 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB1 mai 202314 juin 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée14 juin 2023441-01402441-01402 (Affaires étrangères)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON1 mai 202314 juin 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle traditionnelle chinoise qui consiste en des exercices de méditation et des enseignements moraux basés sur les principes de véracité, de compassion et de tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une campagne de persécution à l’échelle nationale pour éradiquer le Falun Gong. Des millions de pratiquants du Falun Gong ont été arrêtés et placés en détention et beaucoup ont été condamnés à de longues peines de prison allant jusqu’à 20 ans, où la torture et les mauvais traitements sont monnaie courante et où l’on craint que des dizaines de milliers de personnes ne soient mortes à cause de cela;Des enquêteurs, dont l’avocat canadien David Matas, l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien pour l’Asie-Pacifique David Kilgour et l’expert de la Chine Ethan Gutmann, ont conclu que l’État-parti chinois et ses institutions connexes ont mis à mort des dizaines de milliers de prisonniers de conscience du Falun Gong. Leurs organes vitaux ont été saisis sans leur consentement pour être vendus à un prix élevé;En décembre 2013, le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le crime de prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine et appelle le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique du prélèvement d’organes sur les prisonniers de conscience; Le 3 février 2015, le Sous-comité des droits internationaux de la personne du Comité canadien des affaires étrangères a adopté à l’unanimité une motion de tous les partis condamnant le prélèvement d’organes sanctionné par l’État en Chine et appelant à sa cessation immédiate.En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, demandons au Parlement et au gouvernement canadiens :a) D’établir des mesures pour mettre fin au crime contre l’humanité commis par le régime communiste chinois en assassinant systématiquement les pratiquants du Falun Gong pour prélever leurs organes;b) De modifier la loi canadienne de façon à lutter contre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;c) De demander publiquement la fin de la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 juin 2023441-01395441-01395 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB1 mai 202313 juin 202325 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 juin 2023441-01394441-01394 (Citoyenneté et immigration)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB1 mai 202313 juin 202325 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Alors que l’invasion illégale non provoquée à grande échelle de l’Ukraine par la Russie est toujours en cours, les nouveaux arrivants ukrainiens au Canada ont besoin de soutien de la part du gouvernement canadien;
  • Les Ukrainiens qui ont trouvé refuge au Canada grâce à l’Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) ne peuvent pas prendre part au programme Emploi d’été Canada (EEC), qui offre des expériences de travail rémunérées au Canada à des jeunes âgés de 15 à 30 ans pour les aider à se préparer pour le moment où ils seront prêts à intégrer le marché du travail;
  • Les jeunes originaires de l’Ukraine sont confrontés à des obstacles uniques et ont besoin de l’aide du gouvernement du Canada pour parfaire et améliorer leurs compétences, ce qui leur permettra d’acquérir de la confiance et de devenir des membres productifs de nos collectivités.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à permettre aux jeunes ukrainiens arrivés au pays dans le cadre du programme Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) de postuler des emplois dans le cadre du programme EEC.
Response by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is steadfast in its commitment to help Ukrainians and their family members seeking a safe haven in Canada. Since the introduction of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) in March 2022, Canada has welcomed over 151,000 individuals under this program. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has implemented a number of support measures to help these individuals settle in Canada, including providing temporary accommodations for up to 14 nights to eligible clients, offering one-time transitional financial assistance to help eligible CUAET holders meet their immediate needs, as well as extending access to federally-funded settlement services to all Ukrainian temporary residents. In 2022, three federally-organized charter flights helped nearly 1,000 Ukrainians and their family members travel to Canada. In addition, CUAET holders are eligible for a free open work permit or study permit, which allows them to take a job with almost any Canadian employer or enroll in an education program in Canada.Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has also supported the Government’s efforts for Ukraine by establishing Jobs for Ukraine, a dedicated channel on the Job Bank website for Canadian employers who wish to provide jobs to Ukrainian nationals in Canada. It has also supported those arriving to obtain a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada.The Government supports labour market programs that foster greater inclusion of underrepresented groups, such as youth, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, Black Canadians and other racialized groups. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) provides flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians to develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. Canada Summer Jobs is a program under YESS that provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer job placements for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Canada Summer Jobs is currently oversubscribed as domestic need continues to exceed available resources in the context of helping young Canadians transition into the labour market. As such, eligibility under the Terms and Conditions of the program remains focused on Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those granted refugee status in Canada. While this does not include temporary residents, recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.The Department continues to work closely with Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, one of 12 YESS federal partners, in delivering programs that help reduce systemic barriers for equity-deserving youth, including recent immigrants and newcomers, to gain the skills, abilities, and experience they need to enter the Canadian labour market.  
Emplois d'été CanadaPasseports et visasPermis de travailUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 juin 2023441-01393441-01393 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC1 mai 202313 juin 202322 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • les peuples autochtones ont des droits et des titres sur leurs territoires traditionnels et sont les gardiens de ces terres depuis des temps immémoriaux;
  • la crise climatique exige l’intervention de tous les ordres du gouvernement et de l’industrie;
  • les forêts anciennes présentent des avantages incalculables, notamment pour la séquestration du carbone, la biodiversité, la culture, les loisirs, l’alimentation et plus;
  • les écosystèmes anciens de fond de vallée à forte productivité en Colombie-Britannique sont en danger;
  • sur les 2,7 % de forêts anciennes originales à forte productivité qui restent en Colombie-Britannique, 75 % sont censés faire l’objet de coupes;
  • il reste aujourd’hui seulement 9 % des 360 000 hectares originaux de forêts anciennes de fond de vallée à forte productivité sur l’île de Vancouver, et 2,6 % seulement de ces forêts sont protégés dans des parcs;
  • la dernière vallée ancienne intacte non protégée dans le Sud de l’île de Vancouver, Fairy Creek, est censée faire l’objet de coupes, de même que la vallée de la haute-Walbran et d’autres parcelles de forêts anciennes;
  • la plupart des Canadiens soutiennent l’exploitation durable de forêts de deuxième et troisième venues, mais sont contre l’abattage d’arbres anciens ou la destruction de leurs écosystèmes environnants.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons instamment au gouvernement du Canada de :
  • 1. Travailler avec les provinces et les Premières Nations pour mettre fin immédiatement à l’exploitation d’écosystèmes anciens en danger;
  • 2. Financer la protection à long terme d’écosystèmes anciens à titre de priorité dans le plan d’action climatique du Canada et de geste de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones;
  • 3. Appuyer les initiatives forestières à valeur ajoutée en partenariat avec les Premières Nations afin que l’industrie forestière du Canada soit durable et fondée sur l’exploitation de forêts de deuxième et de troisième venues;
  • 4. Interdire l’exportation de billes brutes et maximiser l’utilisation des ressources pour les emplois locaux;
  • 5. Interdire l’utilisation d’arbres entiers pour la production de granulés de bois.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTCanada is home to ecosystems that are globally significant in their capacity to absorb carbon, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and protect biodiversity. This includes 24% of the world’s wetlands, 25% of temperate rainforest areas and 28% of remaining boreal forests. In this context, the Government of Canada understands that the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are connected and need to be tackled together.That said, conservation and protection of Canada’s forests, including old-growth forests and ecosystems, is a shared responsibility. The vast majority of Canada's forests are located on provincial and territorial Crown lands. In British Columbia (B.C.), approximately 96% of forests are on provincial crown land, where, under the Constitution Act, 1867, forest management is the jurisdiction of the provincial government. As such, forest management on those lands is within the jurisdiction of the B.C. government. At the same time, there is an important federal role to conserve migratory bird habitat, protect critical habitat of federally listed species at risk, and mitigate climate change.With this in mind, the Mandate Letters of the Ministers of Environment and Climate Change and Natural Resources include a commitment to help protect old growth forests, notably in B.C., by reaching a Nature Agreement with B.C., establishing a $50 million B. C. Old Growth Nature Fund, and ensuring First Nations, local communities and workers are partners in shaping the path forward for nature protection. This $50 million investment was made through Budget 2022.The Old Growth Nature Fund will support efforts to halt logging of old-growth forests and is a key component of the Canada-B.C. Nature Agreement, which presents a unique opportunity to collaboratively advance nature conservation, species at risk and climate mitigation objectives in collaboration with provincial and Indigenous partners.To this end, and in light of recent announcements from the Government of B.C. concerning moratoria on old growth forest harvesting, departmental officials have been working with their provincial colleagues, both to negotiate and finalize a Nature Agreement and to explore additional ways to encourage and support the province in its efforts to protect and restore habitat. This includes protecting the habitat of old growth-associated species such as Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet.The Government of Canada appreciates that in addition to their habitat functions, forests are key to the health of our climate, influencing rainfall, temperature, and other metrics. Temperate old growth forests, like those in B.C., also function as important carbon reservoirs.Appreciating the significance of forests to biodiversity conservation and climate, the federal government has contributed to protecting nearly 400,000 hectares of forest habitat in B.C. This includes conservation projects under programs such as the Target 1 Challenge, Natural Heritage Conservation Program, Ecological Gifts Program, and others.Adding to these efforts, the Old Growth Nature Fund, referenced above, will deliver on the Ministers’ mandate letters by providing $50 million to the Government of B.C., to be matched by B.C., to permanently protect and conserve old growth forests in the province. The Fund will focus on protecting at-risk high productivity old growth forests that are of prime biodiversity value identified as important for species at risk, migratory birds, climate mitigation and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Specifically, federal funding will support planning and collaboration with B.C. and Indigenous communities, and provide incentives for third-party funders, to permanently protect and conserve large areas of at-risk old growth forests in the province.Alongside this work, the federal government has made forests a central part of Canada’s plan to tackle climate change. The Old Growth Nature Fund in particular is expected to contribute directly to the Government of Canada's commitments to achieve Canada’s 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goal and net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. The old growth temperate rainforests of B.C. are among the largest natural carbon sinks in the world (on a per hectare basis) and are among the most efficient ecosystems at capturing carbon in Canada.Complementing this effort on a broader scale, the Government of Canada has also announced a series of funding initiatives of significance to forest ecosystems and forestry in Canada:
  • The Natural Climate Solutions Fund (NCSF), a $4 billion initiative over ten years to restore, better manage, and conserve Canada’s natural and managed ecosystems. The NCSF includes three complementary programs:
    • 2 Billion Trees program, led by Natural Resources Canada;
    • Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF), led by ECCC; and
    • The Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) program, led by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
  • The NSCSF involves $631 million over 10 years (2021-2031) to reduce 2-4 megatons of GHG emissions annually. Up to $36.9 million in funding has been allocated to support Indigenous communities to deliver projects that build capacity and advance Indigenous-led efforts on natural climate solutions, with a focus on improved management, conservation, and restoration of wetlands, grasslands and forests that result in reduced and captured GHG emissions.
  • Enhanced Nature Legacy, providing $2.3 billion in new funding over five years that will further contribute to the implementation of conservation measures for Canada’s land and freshwater ecosystems and wildlife. This includes the establishment of new provincial and territorial protected areas, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas, and additional habitat restoration. Budget 2022 increased this investment by $780 million over five years for the NSCSF. It also included the announcement of further investments through the Low Carbon Economy Fund, a $2 billion fund that could, amongst other things, incent provinces to leave timber standing (for example, by creating other revenue streams for forests).
  • The recent Emissions Reduction Plan committed another $780 million to nature-based solutions, including the conservation, restoration and enhanced management of grassland, wetland, peatland and forest ecosystems.
The broader significance of Canada’s forests is also recognized in the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada where forests are identified as a priority sector. Development of a conservation action plan for species at risk is currently underway in collaboration with forest sector partners and stakeholders to advance the protection and recovery of species at risk and enhance sector sustainability.With respect to support for Indigenous community involvement in eco-system protection and climate action, including in forests and more broadly, it should be noted that under the NSCSF, described above, an Indigenous Partnership (NSCSF-IP) stream was established to provide targeted funding to enable Indigenous peoples to play a meaningful leadership role in natural climate solutions as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to Reconciliation. Through the NSCSF-IP, ECCC supports Indigenous organizations and communities to undertake Indigenous-led capacity building activities and on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration, improved land management, and conservation of wetlands, grasslands, agricultural lands and forests that result in reduced GHG emissions, and that maximize co-benefits for biodiversity, climate resiliency, and human well-being.Beyond this, ECCC has also funded approximately 115 First Nations, Inuit and Métis Guardians initiatives since 2017 with investments totaling over $46 million. Indigenous Guardians initiatives support Indigenous rights and responsibilities in protecting and conserving ecosystems including old-growth forests, developing and maintaining sustainable economies, and continuing the profound connections between the Canadian landscape and Indigenous culture. Indigenous Guardians are Indigenous peoples exercising their cultural responsibilities through on-the-ground stewardship of traditional lands, waters, air, and ice. They act as the “eyes and ears on the ground”.  Indigenous Guardians funding supports on-the-ground activities such as ecological and cultural resource monitoring, restoration, and visitor experience activities, contribution to cultural continuity (e.g., intergenerational knowledge transmission) and implementation of Indigenous conservation practices and Indigenous knowledge.    
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.Canada’s forests provide a wealth of environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits to Canadians. The forestrysector in Canada is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies. Through careful monitoring and planning, Canada’s forest sector manages the long-term health of its forests, both safeguarding these benefits in the face of challenges and finding new opportunities in a changing world.Finding solutions also means working with Indigenous communities and leaders so that forest management and conservation practices are informed by Indigenous knowledge systems. Through the Indigenous Forestry Initiative (IFI), Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is providing financial support to Indigenous-led projects in the forest sector — creating good jobs and supporting the stewardship of Canada’s forests. Since 2017, the program has supported 134 Indigenous-led, forest-based economic development projects and helped to create more than 787 jobs and 45 new or expanded businesses.British Columbia’s iconic old growth forests have deep-rooted cultural significance to Indigenous communities and are important to all British Columbians. They are also critical habitats for dozens of species at risk and migratory birds and are important natural stores of carbon.The British Columbia Old Growth Nature Fund established by the Departments of Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and NRCan advances shared objectives regarding urgent protection of vital ecosystems, wildlife habitats and species at risk while also protecting carbon stores in old growth forests. The Old Growth Nature Fund is being established in collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous and local communities.This collaborative work to protect communities and diverse natural habitats, including by advancing Indigenous-led conservation efforts, is also crucial to securing a cleaner, healthier, and greener future for Canadians.The Old Growth Nature Fund further complements the Enhanced Nature Legacy announced in 2021, and the Natural Climate Solutions Fund announced in 2020.Canada boasts the most forest area certified by internationally recognized, third party systems as being managed in a sustainable way, respecting ecological values and Indigenous rights. Three quarters of Canada’s managed public forests are certified to one or more of three sustainable forest management certification systems: the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the Forest Stewardship Council, and the Canadian Standards Association.As with all forest industries in Canada, the wood pellet industry is governed by provincial legislation, regulations and policies that are the basis for sustainable forest management, and include protections for old-growth forests. Strict monitoring and enforcement measures ensure that Canada’s forests are harvested legally and sustainably.Canadian wood pellets are primarily made from sawmill residues that are by-products of wood product manufacturing. The industry also uses branches and treetops from harvest operations, logs damaged by natural disturbances, or trees that are cut to manage long-term ecological values in the forest. If not used, these additional sources of wood fibre are typically left to decompose into the atmosphere, or may be burned onsite.Supporting markets for all material harvested, as part of a sustainable forest management plan, ensures that no part of the harvested tree is wasted, and delivers economic benefits to Canadians. As part of Budget 2023, Canada announced $368.4 million over three years, starting in 2023-24 to NRCan to renew and update forest sector support, including for Indigenous leadership in the sector.
Response by the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Arif ViraniForests provide a wide range of economic, social and environmental benefits for people and communities across Canada. They are a major source of income and employment for 300 communities across the country, directly employing 205,000 workers, including over 11,500 Indigenous workers. Canada is committed to Indigenous reconciliation and recognize the importance of natural resources to Indigenous Peoples.With respect to the proposal to ban the export of raw logs, logs are integral to the domestic manufacturing industry for a wide range of forest products including softwood lumber and other products like high value finished veneer panels. Domestic and international trade in logs is important for log harvesters and Canadian trade. The policy and process governing the export of logs harvested in British Columbia contained in Global Affairs Canada’s Notice to Exporters No. 102 form an important part of the Government’s efforts to ensure the right balance between log exports and domestic policy objectives.The Government regularly reviews policies to ensure that Canada’s domestic policy objectives and trade opportunities are maximized and welcomes all ideas and proposals related to its policies, including those associated with the export of raw logs. The Government is committed to continuing to work and collaborate closely with Indigenous Peoples and all stakeholders and partners on this issue to achieve the best possible results for Canada.
Politique autochtonePolitique forestièreProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 juin 2023441-01392441-01392 (Citoyenneté et immigration)JamesBezanSelkirk—Interlake—EastmanConservateurMB1 mai 202313 juin 202325 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • Alors que l’invasion illégale non provoquée à grande échelle de l’Ukraine par la Russie est toujours en cours, les nouveaux arrivants ukrainiens au Canada ont besoin de soutien de la part du gouvernement canadien;
  • Les Ukrainiens qui ont trouvé refuge au Canada grâce à l’Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) ne peuvent pas prendre part au programme Emploi d’été Canada (EEC), qui offre des expériences de travail rémunérées au Canada à des jeunes âgés de 15 à 30 ans pour les aider à se préparer pour le moment où ils seront prêts à intégrer le marché du travail;
  • Les jeunes originaires de l’Ukraine sont confrontés à des obstacles uniques et ont besoin de l’aide du gouvernement du Canada pour parfaire et améliorer leurs compétences, ce qui leur permettra d’acquérir de la confiance et de devenir des membres productifs de nos collectivités.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à permettre aux jeunes ukrainiens arrivés au pays dans le cadre du programme Autorisation de voyage d’urgence Canada-Ukraine (AVUCU) de postuler des emplois dans le cadre du programme EEC.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykThe Government of Canada is steadfast in its commitment to help Ukrainians and their family members seeking a safe haven in Canada. Since the introduction of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) in March 2022, Canada has welcomed over 151,000 individuals under this program. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has implemented a number of support measures to help these individuals settle in Canada, including providing temporary accommodations for up to 14 nights to eligible clients, offering one-time transitional financial assistance to help eligible CUAET holders meet their immediate needs, as well as extending access to federally-funded settlement services to all Ukrainian temporary residents. In 2022, three federally-organized charter flights helped nearly 1,000 Ukrainians and their family members travel to Canada. In addition, CUAET holders are eligible for a free open work permit or study permit, which allows them to take a job with almost any Canadian employer or enroll in an education program in Canada.Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has also supported the Government’s efforts for Ukraine by establishing Jobs for Ukraine, a dedicated channel on the Job Bank website for Canadian employers who wish to provide jobs to Ukrainian nationals in Canada. It has also supported those arriving to obtain a Social Insurance Number to work in Canada.The Government supports labour market programs that foster greater inclusion of underrepresented groups, such as youth, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, Black Canadians and other racialized groups. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) provides flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians to develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. Canada Summer Jobs is a program under YESS that provides wage subsidies to employers from not-for-profit organizations, the public sector, and private sector organizations with 50 or fewer full-time employees, to create quality summer job placements for young people aged 15 to 30 years. Canada Summer Jobs is currently oversubscribed as domestic need continues to exceed available resources in the context of helping young Canadians transition into the labour market. As such, eligibility under the Terms and Conditions of the program remains focused on Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or those granted refugee status in Canada. While this does not include temporary residents, recent immigrants are eligible if they are Canadian Citizens or permanent residents.The Department continues to work closely with Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada, one of 12 YESS federal partners, in delivering programs that help reduce systemic barriers for equity-deserving youth, including recent immigrants and newcomers, to gain the skills, abilities, and experience they need to enter the Canadian labour market.
Emplois d'été CanadaPasseports et visasPermis de travailUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée13 juin 2023441-01390441-01390 (Transport)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC1 mai 202313 juin 20238 mars 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • À l’heure actuelle, aucune compagnie aérienne n’offre de vol direct entre Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, et Amritsar, au Pendjab, un itinéraire logique qui correspondrait à la plus courte distance entre les aéroports internationaux YVR et ATQ;
  • Les options de vol actuellement offertes imposent toutes une correspondance à Delhi, un détour d’environ 400 km au sud d’Amritsar, ce qui ajoute environ 700 km supplémentaires à l’ensemble du voyage. En outre, de nombreux vols passent par Toronto, ce qui ajoute plus de 3 300 kilomètres superflus à un déplacement déjà extrêmement long;
  • En proposant l’itinéraire le plus court entre les aéroports YVR et ATQ, on réduirait le nombre de kilomètres parcourus inutilement, la consommation de carburant et la durée des voyages, ce qui améliorerait l’expérience des passagers et limiterait les émissions de carbone;
  • De nombreux citoyens canadiens et résidents permanents voyagent entre les aéroports YVR et ATQ pour les affaires ou l’agrément, ou encore pour visiter des proches. On estime que plus de 40 000 résidents canadiens sont restés coincés au Pendjab à la fin mars 2020, en raison du confinement total de l’Inde entraîné par la COVID-19.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de tirer parti du fait qu’il détient des actions d’Air Canada pour encourager la compagnie à offrir des vols directs entre Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, et Amritsar, au Pendjab, si une telle liaison s’avère économiquement viable.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab. 
IndeTransport aérien
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01389441-01389 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB28 avril 202312 juin 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01388441-01388 (Éducation et formation)MichaelKramRegina—WascanaConservateurSK28 avril 202312 juin 202324 avril 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le Rapport final de la Commission des pertes massives a recommandé la fermeture de l’École de la GRC, Division Dépôt, d’ici 2032;La Division Dépôt est une école historique de renommée mondiale où ont été formés presque tous les agents de la GRC depuis la création de la force; La Division Dépôt emploie 500 personnes à Regina et contribue substantiellement à l’activité touristique et économique dans cette ville.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à rejeter publiquement la recommandation visant la fermeture de la Division Dépôt et à réaffirmer sa volonté de former tous les agents de la GRC à cette école.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.The federal government recognizes that RCMP Training Academy has long contributed to the economy and history of Saskatchewan. The Government of Canada and the RCMP are taking the time to carefully consider the possible outcomes and opportunities presented by the recommendations of the Mass Casualty Commission. The Mass Casualty Commission’s recommendations require careful, multi-level review.The Cadet Training Program is constantly evolving, guided by research and strategic partnerships both within policing and education institutions. An evidence-based approach guides the improvement to training standards for example, in key areas of intercultural competence, anti-racism, unconscious bias awareness, police interventions, sexual assault investigation, de-escalation, and leadership.As we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the RCMP, the Government of Canada want  to assure Canadians that the Academy continues to embrace modern police training solutions through partnerships with organizations within Canada and internationally in its efforts to deliver the best-trained police officers possible to Canadians.
École de la GRC (Division dépôt)Fermeture d'entreprises et d'installations gouvernementalesServices policiers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023e-4207e-4207 (Travail et emploi)ArianNourishadYasirNaqviOttawa-CentreLibéralON21 décembre 2022 à 15 h 14 (HAE)20 avril 2023 à 15 h 14 (HAE)28 avril 202312 juin 202321 avril 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :La COVID-19 a démontré l’importance des travailleurs essentiels. Ils doivent donc être traités avec le respect qu’ils méritent;Imposer des gels de salaires aux travailleurs essentiels qui ne peuvent faire la grève enfreint le droit canadien à des négociations équitables;Trop souvent, les employeurs tirent avantage de l’incapacité des travailleurs essentiels de faire la grève en imposant des contrats qui sont non seulement inacceptables, mais également injustes.Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :1. De prendre des mesures pour prévenir les gels de salaire et les diminutions de salaire imposés aux travailleurs essentiels;2. D'accroître le financement et améliorer la qualité des services essentiels;3. De prévenir la privatisation et prendre des mesures contre le fait de profiter de nos services essentiels et services de soins de santé; 4. De soutenir les provinces pour les aider à améliorer la qualité du système de soins de santé du Canada.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykProvincial and territorial governments have exclusive authority to legislate employment standards for workers in the care economy. However, provinces and territories (P/Ts) can look to recent amendments made to Part III of the Canada Labour Code that helped improve employment standards in the federally regulated private sector (e.g., banking, telecommunications, inter-provincial and international transportation). These amendments include increasing the minimum wage to $15 in 2021 (currently at $16.65 as of April 1, 2023), introducing 10 days of paid medical leave (as of December 1, 2022) and prohibiting differences in rates of wages based on the employment status of employees (not yet in force).On February 7, 2023, the Government of Canada announced an investment of $198.6 billion over 10 years, including $46.2 billion in new funding to improve health care services for Canadians. This investment will accelerate efforts already underway with P/Ts to support the retention of health workers within the public health care system, as well as focus on increasing the supply of health workers through recruitment by increasing training, residency and practicum spots for health professionals, and training professionals in rural and remote communities where they live. It will also support regulatory bodies and associations in streamlining their processes to get more trained and qualified professionals working in the health care system faster, which in turn will help increase Canadians’ access to health service providers.This funding also includes $1.7 billion over five years to support hourly wage increases for personal support workers and related professions, as federal/provincial/territorial governments work together on how best to support recruitment and retention.Lastly, to help drive significant change in the care economy sector, the federal government established a Coalition for Action for Health Workers in November 2022. The Coalition will provide a forum for discussion on complex issues related to health workforce planning and management, which could include compensation and benefits, and advice from members (i.e., experts and representatives from key groups, including nurses, doctors, PSWs, unions, academia, patients, and equity deserving communities) will inform immediate and longer-term solutions to address health workforce challenges, so that all Canadians can access the quality care they need and deserve.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenOur government recognizes the tremendous and sustained work of our health care providers throughout the pandemic, as well as all the frontline and essential workers who put their lives on the line to protect Canadians. Canadians working in health care have made significant personal sacrifices by putting themselves and their families at risk and working extremely long hours?often under great stress-to help people in Canada get through the worst of the pandemic.Our government is committed to working with provinces and territories to improve the quality of Canada’s health care system. This commitment was reiterated through Budget 2023 where close to $200 billion in additional funding over ten years was confirmed for a comprehensive plan to improve the health care system. The plan includes:
  • A $2 billion top up to the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) which was provided in 2022-23 to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms and pediatric hospitals, building on the $6.5 billion in top-ups provided throughout the pandemic.
  • Top-up payments to achieve CHT increases of at least five percent per year for the next five years. The last top-up payment will be rolled into the CHT base at the end of the five-year period, resulting in a permanent funding increase.
  • $25 billion over ten years through a new set of tailored bilateral agreements to address provincial and territorial health system needs in four priority areas including expanding access to family health services, supporting health workers and reducing backlogs, increasing mental health and substance use support, and modernizing health systems.
  • $1.7 billion over five years to support hourly wage increases for personal support workers and related professions.
  • A total of $350 million over ten years to renew the Territorial Health Investment Fund in recognition of medical travel and the cost of delivering health care in the territories.
  • $505 million over five years to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, Canada Health Infoway and federal data partners to work with provinces and territories on developing new health data indicators, and to support the creation of a Centre of Excellence on health workforce data and underpin efforts to use data to improve health care.
  • $2 billion over ten years to work with Indigenous partners to provide additional support for Indigenous health priorities, to be distributed on a distinctions basis through the Indigenous Health Equity Fund.
In addition, the government is also making transformative investments in dental care. Budget 2023 proposed $13.0 billion over five years (starting in 2023-24), and $4.4 billion ongoing, for Health Canada to implement the new Canadian Dental Care Plan. The plan will provide dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000, with no co-pays for those with family incomes under $70,000. Details on eligible coverage will be released later this year.This latest investment builds on the launch of the Canada Dental Benefit in 2022 which is now providing eligible parents or guardians with payments of up to $650 per child under 12 years of age and up to $1,300 over two years to cover the cost of dental care for their children. To date, the Canada Dental Benefit has helped close to 300,000 children receive the dental care they need.To further help Canadians access the dental care they need, Budget 2023 proposed $250 million over three years (starting in 2025-26), and $75 million ongoing, for Health Canada to establish an Oral Health Access Fund. The fund will complement the Canadian Dental Care Plan by investing in more targeted measures to address oral health gaps among vulnerable populations and reduce barriers to accessing care, including in rural and remote communities.The government is committed to preserving and improving our publicly funded health care system, which values equity, fairness, and free access to medically necessary health care for all Canadians. Our government does not support a two-tiered health care system where patients may choose, or be required, to pay for quicker access to medically necessary services.As it makes historic investments in the health care system, the government will continue to work with provinces and territories to make sure they are used in the best interest of health workers and patients. Budget 2023 noted that provinces and territories are asked to uphold the Canada Health Act to ensure that access to insured services is based on health needs, and not ability or willingness to pay. No Canadian should be paying out of pocket for medically necessary services and our government will not tolerate it. As the nature of care evolves, we must protect Canadians’ ability to access medically necessary services, including diagnostics at no cost - no matter how or where care is delivered. The Canada Health Act ensures that all Canadians have reasonable access to medically necessary insured services based on need and not the ability or willingness to pay.The Government of Canada has been clear that, when provinces and territories permit private facilities to deliver insured health services, those services must be fully covered by provincial or territorial public health insurance plans. That is why, on March 10, 2023, the Minister of Health announced mandatory Canada Health Transfer deductions, totalling over $82 million in respect of patient charges levied in private clinics during 2020-21. This includes the first deductions taken under the Diagnostic Services Policy, for patient charges levied for medically necessary diagnostic imaging services provided by private clinics. You can view the Minister of Health’s statement on these deductions.Additionally, the Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that patients have access to medically necessary services, regardless of how, or by whom, they are delivered. For example, during the pandemic, virtual care was implemented by provinces and territories at an unprecedented speed to help meet the health care needs of Canadians during a time when in-person medical care was not always an option. As provinces and territories begin to fully integrate virtual care, the federal government will continue to work with them to ensure our publicly funded health care system is dynamic, while remaining true to the fundamental principle of Medicare, (i.e., access based on need). To that end, on March 9, 2023, Minister Duclos sent a letter to his provincial and territorial colleagues outlining his concerns with reports of patient charges for medically necessary services delivered virtually or by health care providers providing physician-equivalent services, and noting the need to have further engagement on this issue. Whether it is improving access to family health services, supporting our health workers, shorter wait times, or better access to mental health care—we are committed to getting real results so Canadians can get the care they deserve, when and where they need it.
Revenus et salairesServices essentielsSystème de soins de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01386441-01386 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB28 avril 202312 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 8, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01385441-01385 (Transport)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC28 avril 202312 juin 20238 mars 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • À l’heure actuelle, aucune compagnie aérienne n’offre de vol direct entre Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, et Amritsar, au Pendjab, un itinéraire logique qui correspondrait à la plus courte distance entre les aéroports internationaux YVR et ATQ;
  • Les options de vol actuellement offertes imposent toutes une correspondance à Delhi, un détour d’environ 400 km au sud d’Amritsar, ce qui ajoute environ 700 km supplémentaires à l’ensemble du voyage. En outre, de nombreux vols passent par Toronto, ce qui ajoute plus de 3 300 kilomètres superflus à un déplacement déjà extrêmement long;
  • En proposant l’itinéraire le plus court entre les aéroports YVR et ATQ, on réduirait le nombre de kilomètres parcourus inutilement, la consommation de carburant et la durée des voyages, ce qui améliorerait l’expérience des passagers et limiterait les émissions de carbone;
  • De nombreux citoyens canadiens et résidents permanents voyagent entre les aéroports YVR et ATQ pour les affaires ou l’agrément, ou encore pour visiter des proches. On estime que plus de 40 000 résidents canadiens sont restés coincés au Pendjab à la fin mars 2020, en raison du confinement total de l’Inde entraîné par la COVID-19.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de tirer parti du fait qu’il détient des actions d’Air Canada pour encourager la compagnie à offrir des vols directs entre Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, et Amritsar, au Pendjab, si une telle liaison s’avère économiquement viable.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab. 
IndeTransport aérien
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01384441-01384 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB27 avril 202312 juin 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01383441-01383 (Affaires étrangères)L’hon.JohnMcKayScarborough—GuildwoodLibéralON27 avril 202312 juin 20231 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes et aux membres du Sous-comité des droits internationaux de la personne du Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement internationalATTENDU QUE :Depuis décembre 2020, près d’un millier d’écoliers ont été enlevés dans cinq États nigérians, selon la BBC. Les auteurs de ces enlèvements sont des hommes armés, souvent soupçonnés d’être des militants foulanis islamiques;Depuis plusieurs années maintenant, des extrémistes islamiques ciblent les musulmans modérés et les chrétiens. D’après l’ONU, au cours des 12 dernières années, 350 000 personnes ont été tuées dans le conflit avec des extrémistes islamiques appartenant à des groupes comme Boko Haram, l’État islamique et les militants foulanis;Cette situation témoigne du contexte de sécurité dramatique qui règne au Nigéria. Le gouvernement nigérian n’a pas su garantir la protection de la population, en particulier des groupes les plus vulnérables, soit les femmes, les enfants et les chrétiens. Les forces de sécurité arrivent systématiquement trop tard, une fois les attaques terminées; elles ne mènent pas d’enquête et ne poursuivent pas les auteurs;Nous nous inquiétons particulièrement pour le sort des personnes suivantes : Leah Sharibu, âgée de 18 ans, détenue depuis trois ans comme esclave de la faction ISWAP du groupe extrémiste Boko Haram; Alice Ngaddah, infirmière qui travaillait pour l’UNICEF, qui a été enlevée par la faction ISWAP de Boko Haram il y a trois ans; Les filles de Chibok. Le 14 avril 2014, 276 écolières âgées de 12 à 16 ans ont été enlevées de leur collège à Chibok dans l’État de Borno, dans le Nord-Est du Nigéria, par la faction principale de Boko Haram. Une centaine d’entre elles n’ont toujours pas été libérées; Les familles des victimes. Aucun organisme gouvernemental de liaison n’existe pour assurer la communication avec les familles traumatisées par ces enlèvements, les tenir au courant et leur venir en aide.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions les députés, en particulier les membres du Sous-comité des droits internationaux de la personne du Comité permanent des affaires étrangères et du développement international de communiquer avec le gouvernement nigérian pour lui faire savoir qu’ils s’intéressent vivement au problème des enlèvements au Nigéria et pour l’exhorter à faire tout en son pouvoir pour obtenir la libération de ces victimes. Nous demandons également que soit établi un mécanisme de liaison entre le gouvernement et les familles des victimes afin de les tenir au courant de l’état des négociations.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada condemns violations of human rights in the strongest terms, and recognizes the sustained efforts of the Nigerian government in its 14-year fight against terrorism and the insurgency. The Government of Canada continues to call on the Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible to justice, and has expressed its sincere condolences for the significant loss of life and suffering experienced by Nigerians at the hands of these groups. This has been the Government of Canada’s position since the outset of the insurgency in 2009.The Government of Canada conducts its human rights advocacy on a regular basis through both private and public channels. This includes bilateral representation with the Nigerian government, coordination with likeminded partners, as well as the issuance of public statements, conducted through an approach that is both strategic and productive.Specifically, the Government of Canada has registered its concerns over the human rights situation and these atrocities through bilateral channels. This includes with Nigeria’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs, of Defence, and of Police, as well as Nigeria’s Vice President. The High Commission of Canada continues to raise these concerns with Nigerian officials. Canada will continue to conduct advocacy on grave violations against children, including kidnappings, with the Government of Nigeria and call for investigations into reported cases of human rights violations, bring to justice perpetrators, and ensure transparency.In November 2022, the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria launched the Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict in Nigeria. The Group, which is co-chaired by the High Commissioner of Canada in Nigeria, and the Ambassador of Norway to Nigeria, is an important platform to share information on the impact of conflict on children, raise awareness, support fundraising initiatives, and undertake joint strategic advocacy actions to prevent and end grave violations against children in Nigeria, including kidnappings.The Government of Canada has also issued several public statements on the kidnapping of Nigerian school girls, including the Chibok girls. This includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs publicly condemning these atrocities and calling for the release of victims and for increased protection of vulnerable citizens. Most recently, on the ninth anniversary of the Chibok Abduction, the High Commission of Canada published an article in Nigerian media outlets, alongside its United Nations partners, drawing attention to the 96 girls that remain in capacity, as well as the other children who have since been abducted. Canada cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of these children.Canada listed Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa as terrorist organizations under its Criminal code in 2013 and 2021. Terrorist listing is a key tool in combatting terrorism, and it demonstrates that the Government of Canada will not tolerate such acts of violence. A listing carries significant consequences that enable the application of appropriate measures set out in the Criminal Code to deter terrorist activity in Canada, or support from Canada.The Government of Canada engages through various mechanisms to address the human rights situation in Nigeria. In addition to the aforementioned outreach through bilateral and public channels, the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria also provides direct funding to local civil society organizations to support human rights programming through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives Program. These efforts complement Canada’s international assistance to Nigeria.The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria also engages regularly with the National Human Rights Commission in Nigeria to discuss human rights and support the agency’s efforts to advocate for human rights and investigates complaints of human rights abuses submitted by citizens. The High Commission of Canada also engages actively in the Northeast Ambassadors’ Group in Abuja, which meets on a monthly basis to discuss the humanitarian situation in the northeast, including the protection of children from armed conflict.The Government of Canada recognizes that certain conditions negatively exacerbate the security context in the country. To address the root causes of insecurity and alleviate poverty in Niagara, Canada provided $ 144.1 million in international assistance to Nigeria in 2021-2022, making it Canada’ s seventh largest recipient of international assistance. Canada will continue to deliver such life-saving assistance. Canada’s programming in Nigeria is guided by its Feminist International Assistance Policy and supports efforts to improve the quality of life for poor and marginalized people, particularly women and girls.  Through the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program (CTCBP) Canada is committed to preventing and responding to the threat of terrorism and violent extremism in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria is among the nine priority countries for CTCBP programming in the region.Given this petition was specifically addressed to the Subcommittee on International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, the Government will make sure to bring both the petition and this response to the attention of the Chair, the Honourable Member for Pierrefonds-Dollard.
EnlèvementNigériaPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01382441-01382 (Affaires et commerce)AlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNPDQC27 avril 202312 juin 202319 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaAttendu que :
  • des entreprises basées au Canada contribuent aux atteintes aux droits humains et à la perpétration de dommages environnementaux partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces atteintes et défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont particulièrement menacés;
  • le Canada encourage mais n'exige pas des entreprises qu'elles préviennent de tels préjudices dans leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales.
Nous soussigné-e-s, citoyen-ne-s et résident-e-s du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d'adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits humains et d'environnement qui :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent les impacts négatifs sur les droits humains et l'environnement tout au long de leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, y compris en évaluant soigneusement la manière dont elles pourraient contribuer à des atteintes aux droits humains ou à l'environnement à l'étranger et en garantissant l'accès à des voies de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • entraînerait des conséquences significatives pour les entreprises qui omettent de faire preuve de diligence raisonnable adéquate et d'en faire rapport; et établirait un droit statutaire pour les personnes lésées de demander justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals. The Government continues to consider the results of these consultations, as well as best practices and other inputs received during continued engagement with numerous civil society organizations, industry associations, foreign governments and other stakeholders.On May 3, 2023, Members of Parliament passed Senate Public Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada is responsible for the implementation of this Act.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped bring attention to the issue of forced labour in supply chains. The Government recognizes that S-211 may serve as an important first step, however, more is needed. The Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation in 2024 to help eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024.The legislation will be strong, effective, and enforceable. For example, whereas S-211 only requires entities to report on forced labour in their supply chains, government legislation would include due diligence measures to ensure they take action to eradicate it.   Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01381441-01381 (Santé)AlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNPDQC27 avril 202312 juin 202313 mai 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :La crise des opioïdes est l'une des urgences de santé publique les plus meurtrières de notre époque, causant en moyenne un nouveau décès toutes les deux heures, avec un bilan de 21 174 morts au cours des cinq dernières années (janvier 2016 à décembre 2020);La crise des surdoses fait rage.Nous, soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de déclarer la crise des surdoses comme étant une urgence nationale de santé publique et de :
  • Prendre des mesures pour mettre fin aux décès et aux préjudices sur la santé causés par les surdoses;
  • Commencer dès maintenant à collaborer avec les provinces et les territoires pour élaborer un plan d'action complet en matière de surdoses à l'échelle canadienne;
  • Assurer que tout plan tienne compte des réformes adoptées par d'autres pays, telles que la réglementation juridique des drogues pour assurer un approvisionnement sécuritaire, la décriminalisation de la possession de drogues pour usage personnel et la modification des politiques et mécanismes de répression inefficaces;
  • Faire en sorte que cette situation d'urgence soit prise au sérieux en assurant le financement adéquat de programmes et d'aides.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives. Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. For example, provinces and territories fund and deliver the majority of direct social and health interventions, such as naloxone distribution and supervised consumption sites, which are shown to effectively reduce overdoses deaths and harms. Provinces, territories and municipalities also have the power to declare a public health emergency in response to a significant increase in overdose-related deaths, as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta declaring a public health crisis in May 2017. More recently, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency in January 2022. The declaration of a provincial and territorial public health emergency allows a provincial and territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary powers to address a crisis. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some First Nations communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths, including Ehattesaht First Nation in British Columbia, Mikisew Cree First Nation in Alberta and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in Manitoba.The Emergencies Act is not an appropriate mechanism to address the ongoing overdose crisis, which requires a longer-term, sustained, and multi-jurisdictional effort to address the complex, interrelated health, social and economic factors driving opioid-related deaths and harms. At the federal level, we have taken action by: reducing legislative and regulatory barriers; developing new prescription guidelines and marketing restrictions; launching a public awareness campaign; improving the knowledge base; supporting treatment, safer supply and harm reduction initiatives across Canada; working with domestic and international partners to reduce the illegal drug supply; and, providing emergency funding to provinces and territories.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $1 billion to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Close to $500 million through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) since 2017 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • $45 million to develop national standards for mental health and substance use services, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations and key stakeholders, to address long-standing challenges in the delivery of mental health and substance use services and supports across the country; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada; and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $26 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, through SUAP, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of May2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through the SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites (SCS) offering services grew from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including; regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and, on-the- ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01380441-01380 (Affaires étrangères)AlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNPDQC27 avril 202312 juin 202325 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Les forces israéliennes d’occupation ont arrêté Ahmad Manasra quand il n’avait que 13 ans, le 12 octobre 2015 : « Alors que les tribunaux [israéliens] avaient reconnu qu’il n’avait pas participé à ces attaques à l’arme blanche [contre deux colons israéliens], il a été déclaré coupable de tentative de meurtre en 2016 à l’issue d’une procédure entachée d’allégations de torture, et alors qu’il n’avait pas atteint à l’époque l’âge minimum de la responsabilité pénale » (Amnesty International, 2022);
  • >« Ahmad a été renversé par une voiture et a subi de graves blessures à la tête alors qu’une foule israélienne le raillait » (ONU, 2022);
  • « Suivant son arrestation, une vidéo largement diffusée sur les médias montre le jeune Ahmad désemparé subir un interrogatoire serré où il se fait maltraiter alors qu’il est sans la présence de ses parents ou de représentants juridiques » (ONU, 2022);
  • Israël détient Ahmad en isolement depuis novembre 2021, « en violation de l’interdiction absolue contre la torture et les autres peines ou traitements cruels, inhumains ou dégradants » (Amnesty International, 2022);
  • Ahmad est devenu suicidaire et a reçu un diagnostic de schizophrénie (Amnesty International, 2022). Selon son père, sa santé mentale se détériore de jour en jour;
  • Les experts des droits de la personne de l’ONU (2022) et Amnesty International (2022) ont appelé à la libération immédiate d’Ahmad Manasra de sa prison israélienne;
  • Les forces israéliennes d’occupation ont fait une descente dans le domicile familial d’Ahmad, où elles ont volé de l’argent liquide et de l’or le 17 février 2023;
  • Israël a prolongé de six mois l’isolement d’Ahmad en invoquant uniquement des « preuves secrètes » le 13 mars 2023 (Adalah, 2023).
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de demander qu’Israël libère immédiatement Ahmad Manasra.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights constitutes an integral aspect of Canadian diplomatic efforts including our commitment to the protection of children’s rights worldwide, as enumerated under the Convention of the Rights of the Child.Canadian officials continue to closely monitor the status of children’s rights in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. Canada condemns all violence impacting innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians particularly children. In this regard, between 2020 and 2022, Canada contributed over $65 million each year toward international assistance projects that supported Palestinians, including children, in the West Bank and Gaza.Canada is concerned by the ongoing heightened tensions in the region and call for de-escalation. Canada believes that both Israelis and Palestinians must fully respect international humanitarian and human rights law. Respect for these laws is key to ensuring the protection of civilians, and contributes to the creation of a climate conducive to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace.
Droits de la personneIncarcération et prisonniersIsraëlManasra, AhmadPalestine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01379441-01379 (Affaires et commerce)MartyMorantzCharleswood—St. James—Assiniboia—HeadingleyConservateurMB27 avril 202312 juin 202314 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals. The Government continues to consider the results of these consultations, as well as best practices and other inputs received during continued engagement with numerous civil society organizations, industry associations, foreign governments and other stakeholders.On May 3, 2023, Members of Parliament passed Senate Public Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada is responsible for the implementation of this Act. Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped bring attention to the issue of forced labour in supply chains. The Government recognizes that S-211 may serve as an important first step, however, more is needed. The Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation in 2024 to help eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. The legislation will be strong, effective, and enforceable. For example, whereas S-211 only requires entities to report on forced labour in their supply chains, government legislation would include due diligence measures to ensure they take action to eradicate it.   Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01378441-01378 (Santé)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 20237 mars 2022PÉTITION AU PREMIER MINISTRE Attendu que :
  • La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, la Déclaration canadienne des droits ainsi que les sacrifices historiques que le Canada a consentis pour défendre la liberté exigent que nous respections et défendions la liberté de conscience de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes;
  • Le premier ministre a incité à la haine et au mépris envers ceux et celles qui exercent leurs droits à la liberté de conscience protégés par la Constitution.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le premier ministre de : 1– Mettre fin aux mesures obligatoires liées à la pandémie qui sont imposées aux membres de la fonction publique et des Forces armées canadiennes, à tous les entrepreneurs assujettis aux exigences fédérales et à tous les travailleurs sous réglementation fédérale; 2– Lever les restrictions frontalières relatives à la pandémie pour tous les Canadiens et, notamment, cesser d’exiger que les Canadiens se soumettent à un test de dépistage de la COVID à leur retour au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherOn June 14, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the suspension of mandatory vaccination for federal employees effective June 20, 2022. In alignment with this measure, the Government of Canada also suspended the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Supplier Personnel.This means that as of June 20, 2022, and until further notice, the vaccination requirements of the policy are no longer in effect.Please note that Supplier Personnel may still be required to comply with site-specific workplace health and safety measures that have been put in place by federal departments and agencies separately from the policy.Canada reserves the right to reinstate the policy in the future in alignment with public health guidelines and any vaccination requirements for the public service.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayProtecting the health and safety of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel is critical to maintaining the CAF’s readiness to deliver on Government of Canada missions at home and around the world.COVID-19 vaccine requirements are one of the many public health measures within our broader layered risk mitigation strategy that the CAF continues to assess. These measures have enabled the CAF to carry out operations at home and abroad, including the Whole of Government pandemic response.As the pandemic has evolved, so too have force protection measures. In October 2022, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) amended the directive on CAF COVID-19 vaccination. Since then, the requirement to have the COVID-19 vaccine has been guided by operational readiness and effectiveness. It will be required for employment in certain positions and on certain operations where it is assessed that the greatest reduction of risk is warranted to maintain operational readiness. These requirements will focus on those high-readiness, deployable, or core missions or tasks where an illness would create risk to an individual or the mission.Further information about the CDS’ vaccination can be found at the following link: CDS Directive 003 on CAF COVID-19 Vaccination for Operations and Readiness.
Response by the President of the Treasury Board Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Greg FergusThe Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was implemented in the fall of 2021 when vaccination provided a high degree of protection against infection and transmission of COVID-19 viruses. This approach served as an effective public health measure to protect public servants and the communities they worked in.  All employees have had access to Public Health Agency of Canada/Health Canada information about vaccines and how they work so they could understand how vaccination helps protect them and their workplaces against COVID-19.The Policy is compliant with legislation, including the Privacy Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and collective agreements. On October 21, 2021, the Canadian Human Rights Commission published a guide on vaccination policies and human rights, which states that “Rights are not absolute. […] Requiring that an individual be vaccinated to work or travel is not a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Vaccination requirements are not a discriminatory practice because they are intended (and are necessary) to protect public health and safety.” The Policy provides for addressing requests for accommodation based on any prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act, on a case-by-case basis.Based on the evolving nature of the pandemic and the scientific data, the Government of Canada announced on June 14th, 2022 that it would suspend vaccination requirements for federal government employees, and effective June 20, 2022, employees of the core public administration would no longer be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. Consequently, employees who had been placed on administrative leave without pay as per the Policy, could be reinstated as early as June 20, 2022.The decision to suspend the Policy is based on the latest scientific evidence related to vaccine effectiveness against transmission and infection with evolving COVID-19 variants. Suspending the Policy allows the Government to easily reinstate it as needed, based on science and public health risk, in the future. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenSince the beginning of the pandemic, our top priority has been protecting the health and safety of all Canadians. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has taken a comprehensive, layered approach to border management, with measures informed by available data, operational considerations, scientific evidence, and monitoring of the epidemiological situation and pandemic response capacity both in Canada and internationally. A number of factors supported lifting Canada’s COVID-19 border measures and travel requirements. These included increased immunity within the Canadian population, lower hospitalization and death rates, high vaccination rates, as well as the availability of vaccines (including bivalent formulation), rapid tests and treatments.As of October 1, 2022, all travellers arriving in Canada are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Canada or meet COVID-19 testing, quarantine or isolation requirements. Travellers no longer have to submit their public health information through ArriveCAN, undergo health checks for travel on air and rail or wear masks on planes and trains.Even though the current COVID-19 situation no longer constitutes a global health emergency, the virus is still circulating across Canada and worldwide.  Our government encourages individuals to remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including booster doses when eligible. While not mandatory, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear well-constructed and well-fitted masks during their travel on planes and in airports, or other crowded indoor settings. Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant or a border services officer upon arrival.We will continue to work with provinces and territories, the WHO, and international partners to monitor the COVID-19 situation and to mitigate the domestic health and societal impacts of this virus. Our government will not hesitate to put in place additional protective measures for the health and safety of people in Canada should it be required.
COVID-19Employeurs et employés sous réglementation fédéraleFrontièresPandémiesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01377441-01377 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202320 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01376441-01376 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202318 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01375441-01375 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202314 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01374441-01374 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202311 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01373441-01373 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 20233 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01372441-01372 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202331 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01371441-01371 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202330 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01370441-01370 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01369441-01369 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01368441-01368 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01367441-01367 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01366441-01366 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01365441-01365 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01364441-01364 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202317 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01363441-01363 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202314 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01362441-01362 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202314 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01361441-01361 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202314 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01360441-01360 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 20231 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01359441-01359 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 20232 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 juin 2023441-01358441-01358 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON27 avril 202312 juin 202320 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced. From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we arecommitted to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.Bill C-21 passed Third Reading in the House of Commons on May 18, 2023. It has now been referred to the Senate and the government looks forward to its speedy passage.No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence. The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence. This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01357441-01357 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 20239 novembre 2018PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu qu’il y a déjà eu des centaines de milliers d’hindous et de Sikhs en Afghanistan, mais qu’il en reste aujourd’hui moins de 5 000;Attendu qu’un attentat à la bombe, au début juillet, a tué des dirigeants de ces deux communautés en Afghanistan, ce qui démontre leur vulnérabilité constante, surtout dans la mesure où ces dirigeants se rendaient à une rencontre avec le président; Attendu que le ministre de l’Immigration est déjà habilité par la loi à permettre aux gens des minorités vulnérables de venir au Canada en tant que réfugiés parrainés par le secteur privé, et ce, directement du pays où ils sont persécutés; Attendu que les communautés sikhs et hindoues sont disposées à parrainer des réfugiés afghans issus de minorités.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de créer, en vertu des pouvoirs qui lui sont conférés, un programme spécial visant à aider les minorités persécutées de l’Afghanistan.Nous prions aussi la ministre des Affaires étrangères de soulever la question de la persécution dont fait l’objet cette communauté auprès de son homologue afghan et de demander fermement qu’on s’emploie davantage à la protéger.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Sikhs, Hindus and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 5th, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.Resettling refugees is a proud part of Canada’s humanitarian tradition. It demonstrates to the world that Canada has a shared responsibility to help those who are displaced, persecuted and most in need of protection. As with previous large-scale resettlement efforts, we welcome the support of the many Canadians who want to lend a helping hand. The Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) program is one of the oldest and best known resettlement programs in the world.Through this program, we’re expanding our partnership with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation (MSBF), a sponsorship agreement holder, to resettle hundreds of persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus. In partnership with MSBF, we also created a dedicated public policy to resettle vulnerable members of the Afghan Sikh and Hindu communities on August 6, 2021.As part of a further measure to engage the goodwill of Canadians and bring vulnerable Afghans to Canada, on October 17, 2022, Canada put in place a temporary public policy to facilitate the sponsorship of up to 3,000 privately sponsored Afghan refugees by Groups of Five and Community Sponsors, which waived the Refugee Status Determination requirement for Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) received a significant number of requests, demonstrating once again the willingness of Canadians to contribute to our resettlement efforts. IRCC received the maximum number of applications to fill all spots in this program and the program is now full. However, Groups of Five and Community Sponsors can continue supporting refugees through other methods of private sponsorship, such as our regular PSR program. More information on how to sponsor a refugee can be found on our website at Sponsor a refugee - Canada.caThere are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Support for religious freedoms both at home and abroad remains a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caIRCC’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.caMore information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantRespect for human rights is fundamental to the development of more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous societies. Consequently, the promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy and bilateral engagement.Freedom of religion or belief, including the ability to worship in peace and security, is a universal human right. People must be able to practise their religion without fearing for their lives and safety. This is why Canada consistently advocates for the rights of ethnic and religious minorities around the world including in Afghanistan, through both bilateral and multilateral forums. It is also why Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief in 2015 to encourage and deepen coordination between like-minded countries to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.Over the past four decades of conflict and instability, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious minorities in Afghanistan have been persecuted and victims of targeted violence, including in the June 19, 2022, attack by Islamic State-Khorasan Province on a Sikh temple in Kabul.The promotion and protection of human rights lies at the heart of Canada’s engagement in Afghanistan. Over the last two decades, Canada’s international assistance in Afghanistan helped promote respect for diversity and improve the safety of ethnic minority groups. Canada has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the situation of ethnic and religious minorities, and called for the full inclusion of all Afghans into every aspect of society, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.Alongside its international allies, Canada continues to call on the de facto Taliban authorities to respect Afghanistan’s international obligations, including protecting the fundamental rights of all Afghans. Moving forward, Canada will continue to work closely with trusted Afghan and international partners to bring attention to the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan and to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of marginalized groups, including Sikhs and Hindus. To this end, Canada welcomes the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan’s strong human rights mandate, as well as the appointment of Richard Bennett as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan and the publication of his two reports. Canada has no intention of recognizing the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan.Canada is also committed to supporting the needs of the most vulnerable Afghans. In 2022, Canada provided over $143 million in humanitarian assistance to respond to the needs of vulnerable populations in Afghanistan and Afghans in neighbouring countries. Canada is supporting a multi-sectoral humanitarian response across Afghanistan, with a particular emphasis on the provision of life-saving food and nutrition assistance. With Canadian support, humanitarian partners provided life-saving food assistance to 22.3 million people and nutrition assistance to 6.2 million children and pregnant and lactating women in Afghanistan in 2022.Canada has committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals, including vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families, which remains one of the largest commitments in the world. To date, more than 31,000 Afghans have been welcomed to Canada. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is working closely with the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation, a Sponsorship Agreement Holder, to identify and welcome these vulnerable Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and their families. The Government of Canada appreciates the Foundation's work in resettling Afghan Sikhs and Hindus and continuing its legacy to help the most vulnerable. Afghan Sikhs and Hindus may also be privately sponsored by other groups in Canada or may be among those referred for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, as a persecuted religious or ethnic minority, as part of the humanitarian program for Afghans.
AfghanistanHindouisme et hindousMinorités religieusesSikhisme et sikhs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01356441-01356 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies. The Parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) recently completed its review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to MAID and their application, and of other issues, including those relating to mature minors (i.e., minors who have the capacity to make medical decisions). AMAD’s final report was tabled in Parliament on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01355441-01355 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01354441-01354 (Citoyenneté et immigration)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 20236 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, souhaitons attirer l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :Les nouveaux diplômés de Hong Kong peuvent demander un permis de travail ouvert dans le cadre d’une politique d’intérêt public temporaire visant les résidents de Hong Kong; En juin 2021, deux voies d’accès, le volet A et le volet B, ont été annoncées pour que les Hongkongais qui ont travaillé ou étudié au Canada puissent obtenir la résidence permanente au Canada; Le volet B exigeait des diplômés qu’ils aient une année d’expérience professionnelle au Canada et qu’ils aient obtenu un diplôme au cours des cinq dernières années d’une école postsecondaire canadienne (ou d’un équivalent étranger);Le 6 février 2023, le Canada a annoncé la prolongation et l’élargissement du programme de permis de travail ouvert pour les résidents admissibles de Hong Kong en prolongeant le permis de travail ouvert (PTO) de deux années supplémentaires; Cette prolongation ne tient pas compte des contraintes de temps auxquelles les demandeurs du volet B sont confrontés lorsqu’ils cherchent à obtenir la résidence permanente;Les diplômés de 2016-2017, qui répondaient à l’exigence d’avoir obtenu un diplôme au cours des cinq dernières années au moment de présenter leur demande de permis de travail ouvert, ne sont plus admissibles à présenter une demande de résidence permanente dans le cadre du volet B du régime au moment où ils reçoivent leur permis de travail et où ils ont satisfait à l’exigence relative aux heures de travail.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au ministère de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté du Canada d’éliminer la contrainte de cinq ans afin d’inclure toutes les personnes qui respectent l’exigence en matière de diplôme du volet B.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Canada will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong.This is evidenced by the special measures that the Government of Canada has implemented to date, including an open work permit of up to three years to work for any employer in Canada and two new pathways to permanent residence for Hong Kong residents already in Canada.  On February 2, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) further extended the open work permit measure for two more years, while also expanding eligibility to Hong Kong residents who have graduated within the past 10 years from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad. This means that more Hong Kong residents can pursue their career goals and gain valuable work experience in Canada.  In addition to these measures, it is also possible for all Hong Kong residents to apply using an existing immigration program, including under one of the many economic immigration programs or by applying to reunite with a family member through family sponsorship.The Government of Canada continues to monitor the situation to ensure immigration programs remain responsive to the needs of Hong Kong residents wishing to come to Canada. IRCC has listened carefully to the concerns raised by various stakeholders, and will continue to actively engage stakeholders in considering the options to adjust the program requirements.
DiplômésHong KongPermis de travailStatut de résident permanent
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01353441-01353 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB26 avril 20239 juin 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01352441-01352 (Affaires étrangères)PatrickWeilerWest Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky CountryLibéralBC26 avril 20239 juin 202326 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :1. Les citoyens canadiens d’origine iranienne font l’objet d’un profilage injustifié qui est fondé sur leurs antécédents et leur lieu de naissance lorsqu’ils se rendent aux États-Unis avec des passeports canadiens;2. Des Canadiens respectueux des lois, notamment des médecins, des infirmières, des scientifiques, des ingénieurs, des pilotes et des membres du corps enseignant qui ont contribué à l’économie et à la société canadiennes, se voient refuser l’entrée aux États-Unis sans explication, même s’ils y sont entrés précédemment sans incident;3. Ces personnes sont soumises à des vérifications biométriques, à des fouilles de leurs appareils, à des interrogatoires sur leurs antécédents et à la conscription obligatoire en Iran, ce qui les plonge dans une détresse personnelle et professionnelle et met leur carrière en péril. Comme l’a confirmé le secrétaire d’État américain, Antony Blinken, « la principale sanction en ce qui concerne la désignation d’une organisation terroriste est en fait une interdiction de voyager, et les personnes concernées par cette interdiction [sont les conscrits] et ne peuvent pas voyager », ajoutant que « les personnes qui sont les vrais méchants n’ont de toute façon pas l’intention de voyager ici. »;4. Les partenaires et les enfants, même ceux qui sont nés au Canada, sont aussi injustement considérés comme des voyageurs à risque et se voient refuser l’entrée aux États-Unis sans explication;5. Les familles canadiennes qui suivent les conseils de l’Agence des douanes et de la protection des frontières, qui est de se rendre dans les consulats américains, sont soumises à de longues procédures administratives sans explication, ce qui entraîne des pressions financières et émotionnelles;6. Des Canadiens ont suivi les voies légales appropriées et ont demandé un numéro de contrôle de recours au département de la Sécurité intérieure, mais ce numéro fourni n’a pas permis de corriger la situation;7. L’Administration de la sécurité des transports a ajouté les noms de Canadiens à des listes de risques liés aux voyages partagées avec les alliés des États-Unis, ce qui a conduit à des contrôles secondaires déraisonnables pour les Canadiens voyageant à destination ou en provenance du Canada et même à des expulsions à partir d’autres pays.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :
  • de demander aux États-Unis de justifier le profilage injuste des Canadiens d’origine iranienne et le long traitement administratif de ces derniers;
  • de communiquer et de négocier avec le département d’État américain pour que les citoyens canadiens d’origine iranienne concernés soient visés par un mandat similaire à l’« Exercise of Authority Under Federal Registration Vol.87 No.120 (37523) » daté du 23 juin 2022;
  • d’agir face aux mesures de sécurité injustes auxquelles les Canadiens sont soumis lorsqu’ils quittent le Canada ou y reviennent, en éliminant les signalements de sécurité injustifiés.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is horrified by the Iranian regime's violence against its own people and their blatant disregard for human rights. That is why our government took significant further action against the Iranian regime. On November 14, 2022 Canada designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has engaged in terrorism and in systematic breaches of human rights under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).As a result, tens of thousands of prominent Iranian government officials are now permanently inadmissible to Canada, including heads of state, top IRGC members, intelligence operatives, senior government officials, diplomats, and judges. The Government of Canada, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, engages regularly with members of the Iranian community to hear directly from them with regard to their priorities and concerns, and how we can better hold the Iranian regime to account.The United States, like Canada, has sovereignty over deciding which foreign nationals can cross its border. The United States has a recourse mechanism for anyone deemed inadmissible to the United States which impacted Canadian can explore as appropriate.The Government of Canada understands this issue is having a significant impact on affected Canadians, and Government of Canada officials have been in contact with several affected Canadians. These discussions have been extremely helpful in better understanding the issue.
Canadiens d'origine iranienneFrontièresRelations Canada-États-Unis
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01351441-01351 (Environnement)MikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON26 avril 20239 juin 202321 avril 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Nos systèmes économiques et financiers ont besoin d’un climat stable, et que la Banque du Canada reconnaît que les changements climatiques présentent des risques importants pour les systèmes financiers et l’économie;Le maintien des aides financières aux activités rejetant de grandes quantités d'émissions fait grandir les risques que les changements climatiques sont susceptibles de faire peser sur la stabilité des systèmes financiers et les intérêts à long terme des Canadiens;Aucune mesure législative forte n’a encore été prise dans ce domaine au Canada, en dépit des avancées législatives observées ailleurs dans le monde qui tiennent compte du lien entre le climat et la finance, ce qui signifie que le Canada risque de prendre du retard;Le projet de loi S-243, Loi édictant la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, a été rédigé sur la base de consultations tenues auprès d’experts nationaux et internationaux, de manière à permettre au Canada de rattraper son retard et de devenir un chef de file dans l’alignement des flux financiers sur les engagements climatiques.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter les éléments principaux de la Loi sur la finance alignée sur le climat, qui permettraient :1) d’établir l’obligation, pour les administrateurs et les dirigeants des institutions financières fédérales, de veiller à ce que leur entité soit alignée sur les engagements climatiques;2) d’aligner les objectifs des sociétés d’État et des ministères, y compris la surveillance des marchés par le Bureau du surintendant des institutions financières, sur les engagements climatiques;3) d’exiger l’élaboration de plans d’action, de cibles et de rapports provisoires relatifs au respect des engagements climatiques par le biais de la production obligatoire de rapports annuels; 4) de maintenir la présence d’une expertise climatique dans certains conseils d’administration et à éviter les conflits d’intérêts;5) de prévoir des normes de fonds propres proportionnelles aux risques climatiques microprudentiels et macroprudentiels générés par les institutions financières;6) d’exiger l’élaboration d’un plan d’action gouvernemental servant à aligner l’ensemble des produits financiers sur les engagements climatiques;7) d’exiger la tenue en temps opportun d’examens publics sur les progrès de la mise en œuvre afin d’assurer un apprentissage itératif.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about climate-aligned finance in Canada.Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy and net-zero emissions by 2050 will require substantial investment beyond the public sector. Private sector capital and expertise will be needed to meet Canada’s climate objectives and create a climate-resilient economy.Developing sustainable finance in Canada will promote the long-term growth and stability of Canada’s financial system. It will also create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and investors.In May 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Sustainable Finance Action Council (SFAC) to help lead the Canadian financial sector towards integrating sustainable finance into standard industry practice. The SFAC is chaired by Kathy Bardswick and comprises 25 Canadian deposit-taking institutions, insurance companies and pensions funds, with combined assets of over $10 trillion.The SFAC’s Terms of Reference call on it to provide financial sector input to the Government of Canada on the development of foundational market infrastructure, including enhancing climate disclosure, defining green and transition investment, and improving climate data and analytics. More recently, in Budget 2022, the Government of Canada asked the SFAC to develop and report on strategies for aligning private sector capital with the net-zero transition, with support from the Canadian Climate Institute and in collaboration with the Net-Zero Advisory Body.As part of the SFAC’s governance structure, an Official Sector Coordinating Group was established that includes participants of the policy and regulatory community connected to sustainable finance, including the Department of Finance Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Bank of Canada, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), and provincial securities and prudential regulators.The SFAC has played an important role in convening representatives from Canada’s financial sector to engage on market infrastructure issues and to provide its expert advice to the Government of Canada. In the course of its work, it has engaged with a range of domestic and international stakeholders on sustainable finance to exchange views and ensure that its advice is comprehensive and consistent with best practices.At the Government of Canada’s request, the SFAC has prioritized work on climate disclosures. Soon after launch, the SFAC provided initial perspectives on how to enhance climate disclosures, and then provided a submission to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) setting out its views on the ISSB’s draft global disclosure standards on climate and sustainability reporting. The SFAC has also prepared advice on how to effectively implement the Government of Canada’s commitment to move towards mandating climate disclosure across a broad spectrum of the Canadian economy.The SFAC has also worked on taxonomy, and, late in 2022, submitted the Taxonomy Roadmap Report to the Government of Canada, which sets out its advice on the design, governance, and implementation of a Canadian green and transition finance taxonomy. The Government of Canada is studying the Report’s advice, and there will be continued collaboration with the SFAC and other financial sector leaders on taxonomy.The Government of Canada is making important progress in meeting its Budget 2022 commitment to move towards mandatory reporting of climate-related financial risks across a broad spectrum of the Canadian economy, based on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations.On March 7, 2023, OSFI published final Guideline B-15: Climate Risk Management (Guideline), which sets out OSFI’s expectations for the management and disclosure of climate-related risks by federally regulated financial institutions (FRFIs). The Guideline aims to support FRFIs in developing greater resilience to, and management of, climate risks. The Guideline will apply to more than 350 federally regulated banks and insurers. OSFI’s expectations relating to climate will be integrated with OSFI’s new Supervisory Framework. The Guideline includes expectations relating to:
  • Governance and accountability over FRFI climate risk management;
  • The need to understand the impact of climate-related risks on the FRFI business model and strategy, including implementation of a climate transition plan;
  • FRFI risk management practices, including the use of climate scenarios to identify and manage current and potential future impacts of climate risks;
  • The need to assess the potential impacts of climate-related risks on capital and liquidity; and,
  • Disclosure expectations aligned with the TCFD framework, which will be updated to consider final ISSB climate-related disclosure standards.
In addition to climate-related reporting by FRFIs required pursuant to the Guideline, in Budget 2021, the Government of Canada announced that federal Crown corporations would adopt the TCFD framework, or more rigorous climate-related financial disclosure standards applicable to the public sector, as an element of their corporate reporting. Implementation is well underway. In Budget 2022, the Government of Canada also committed to moving forward with requirements for disclosure of environmental, social and governance considerations, including climate-related risks, for federally regulated pension plans. Provincial and territorial securities regulators are also acting in this area. They have published a draft climate disclosure rule for public companies, which is expected to be finalized once there is greater certainty about the direction of similar rules in major capital markets jurisdictions.Globally, the Government of Canada is a strong supporter of the ISSB and provided funding for the ISSB’s Montreal Centre, which was launched in June 2022. The ISSB’s aim is to develop a comprehensive global baseline of high-quality sustainability disclosures to meet investors’ information needs. The ISSB is expected to publish its first standards in 2023 on climate and general sustainability reporting. In June 2022, Canada’s accounting, audit and assurance standards oversight councils announced the establishment of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board, which, among other things, is expected to provide Canadian input on ISSB standards and adopt ISSB standards for use in Canada.In March 2022, the Government of Canada also released the federal Green Bond Framework and subsequently issued its first green bond, worth $5 billion. This issuance was, and remains, the largest single green bond issuance in the Canadian market. In fulfilling the requirements of Canada’s Green Bond Framework, the Government of Canada issued its first allocation report on March 28, 2023, showing how the proceeds from the green bond were allocated.Additionally, the government has committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies—and has recently accelerated the previous timeline for doing so from 2025 to 2023. In Budget 2022, the government announced its intent to eliminate the flow-through share regime for fossil fuel sector activities. This change took effect on April 1, 2023.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteInstitutions financières
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023e-4225e-4225 (Environnement)GillesFecteauL’hon.RobertOliphantDon Valley-OuestLibéralON21 décembre 2022 à 15 h 25 (HAE)20 avril 2023 à 15 h 25 (HAE)26 avril 20239 juin 202321 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278937" mp-riding-display="1">ministre des Ressources naturelles</Addressee>Attendu que :Pour limiter le réchauffement planétaire à moins de 2 degrés Celsius, la consommation mondiale de pétrole doit être considérablement réduite d’ici 2030;Les dommages causés par les changements climatiques touchent déjà de nombreuses régions du Canada, par exemple, les inondations de 2021 en C.-B., le dôme de chaleur qui s’est produit en 2022 en C.-B., les dommages dans la région des Maritimes causés par un ouragan en 2022;La consommation de pétrole canadien exporté accentue les émissions mondiales de CO2;Cet ajout aggravera les répercussions sur les pays vulnérables, ce qui augmentera les fonds nécessaires, convenus lors de la COP27, pour aider les pays les plus vulnérables touchés par la crise climatique;Le gouvernement du Canada s’est doté d’une cible de réduction des émissions. Le ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique a déclaré ceci : « Nous avons adopté une loi pour interdire l’utilisation d’électricité produite à partir du charbon au Canada d’ici 2030; nous mettons en place des mesures pour que 100 % des véhicules vendus au Canada soient à zéro émission d’ici 2035, et notre réseau électrique sera carboneutre d’ici 2035. Toutes ces mesures, et beaucoup d’autres, mèneront à une réduction considérable de notre consommation de combustibles fossiles… »;Accroître les exportations de pétrole canadien annulerait une partie ou la totalité des gains réalisés par la réduction de la consommation au pays et contribuerait à une augmentation des dommages causés par les changements climatiques dans de nombreuses régions du pays.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre des Ressources naturelles d’ordonner à la Régie de l’énergie du Canada de limiter les exportations de pétrole canadien en exigeant qu’elles ne dépassent pas la part actuelle du Canada des exportations mondiales totales et en interdisant le transfert de permis pour la consommation intérieure vers l’exportation lorsque la consommation intérieure du Canada baissera.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTWe understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Since 2016, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth. Greenhouse gas emissions are trending downwards, and the Government of Canada has introduced more than 100 measures and targeted investments to support climate and environmental action, including through the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), and Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy (SCP).In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. In March 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. Building on the PCF and the SCP, the 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Since the launch of the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan in March 2022, the Government of Canada has:  
  • Continued to work with provincial and territorial governments to ensure carbon pricing systems align with the strengthened federal benchmark stringency.  
  • Published the Clean Fuel Regulations on July 6, 2022, which came into force on January 1, 2023. They require gasoline and diesel primary suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity (CI) of the gasoline and diesel they produce in, and import into, Canada. Between 2022 and 2040, the regulations are estimated to reduce emissions by 151 to 267 Mt CO2e. 
  • Distributed $842 million to 137 projects over multiple funding streams under the Low Carbon Economy Fund, which is anticipated to achieve approximately 4 Mt CO2e per year of GHG reductions in 2030. 
  • Published Canada’s Methane Strategy that provides a pathway to further reduce methane emissions from across the economy. 
  • Under the 2 Billion Trees initiative, over $59 million to fund 72 projects were committed and disbursed, with approximately 29 million trees planted in 2021-22. 
  • Provided over $106 million to homeowners under the Greener Homes Grant for over 25,000 home retrofit journeys. By 2030, the program is expected to target 700,000 retrofits. 
  • Continued to phase out unabated coal-fired electricity by 2030 and is developing Clean Electricity Regulations to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. A consultation is currently underway on the Regulatory Frame paper published in July 2022.  
  • Going further in reducing oil and gas methane emissions by committing to at least a 75% reduction by 2030 from 2012 levels. 
  • Provided $2.29 billion towards 14 projects under the Net-Zero Accelerator. Currently, 16 projects are in development with an estimated GHG reduction of 10.7 Mt CO2e / year. 
  • Incentives were provided for over 150,000 vehicles under the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) Program bringing the ZEV market share to 7.9%. 
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Budget 2023 confirmed Canada’s intention to continue working towards clean energy and clean growth, with some $80 billion in climate measures, including tax credits to support Canadian businesses and spur innovation. Some significant proposals include:
  • The Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit – a 15% refundable tax credit for eligible investments in non-emitting electricity generation systems, abated natural gas electricity-fired electricity generation, stationary electricity storage systems that do not use fossil fuels in operation, and equipment for the transmission of electricity between provinces and territories.
  • The Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit – equal to 30% of the cost of investments in new machinery and equipment used to manufacture or process key clean technologies, and extract, process, or recycle key critical minerals essential to clean technology supply chains.
  • The Clean Hydrogen Investment Tax Credit – a credit of 15 to 40% of eligible project costs, with the projects that produce the cleanest hydrogen receiving the highest levels of support.
  • Expanding eligibility for the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit – expanding the eligibility for the refundable Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit to include eligible geothermal energy systems, further supporting the growth of Canada’s growing clean technology support.
  • Enhancing the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Investment Tax Credit – to be expanded to cover additional equipment, and now be available for dedicated geological storage projects in British Columbia.
  • Providing $3 billion over 13 years to recapitalize funding for the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program to support critical regional priorities and Indigenous-led projects, and renew the Smart Grid program to continue grid innovation support.
Canada has also committed to phasing out or rationalizing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada acknowledges that any oil and gas produced and consumed beyond 2050 must be done in a way that is consistent with Canada’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions. Competing in this future means diversifying our domestic energy mix while working to ensure that any oil and gas Canada does supply to the world is the lowest carbon intensive relative to other global producers. The oil and gas sector is Canada’s top emitting sector, accounting for 28% of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2021. The 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan is clear that reducing oil and gas sector emissions is critical to reaching Canada’s climate objectives.The Government of Canada has committed to cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector at the pace and scale needed to reach Canada’s 2030 goals in addition to net zero by 2050. Capping GHG emissions is no small task for a major oil and gas-producing country, but the Government believes it is an important and necessary step.  Since December 2021, Canada has been engaging with provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, as well as key industry associations and environmental organizations on this key climate initiative. On July 18, 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada released a Discussion Paperhttps://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/oil-gas-emissions-cap/options-discussion-paper.html that proposes two regulatory options to cap and cut oil and gas sector emissions in Canada. The Government received over 25,000 submissions in response to the discussion paper. Officials at Environment and Climate Change Canada, together with colleagues from the Department of Natural Resources, reviewed each comment received. The feedback received is being considered as the regulatory approach is developed.  Continued engagement will be key to getting this policy right, from development and design to implementation. At the United Nations Conference of Parties in Egypt last year, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change signaled that Environment and Climate Change Canada is working toward publishing draft regulations on an accelerated basis while balancing the need for meaningful engagement with Canadians.   Canada also contributes to reducing emissions in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, our current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1-billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.As previously announced, the Government of Canada is taking action to cap and cut GHG emissions from the oil and gas sector at a pace and scale necessary to contribute to achieving Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate targets. The objective is to limit the emissions from the production of oil and natural gas as the cap becomes more stringent over time, irrespective of whether the production is for domestic consumption or for export. Accordingly, the purpose of the emissions cap is to encourage private sector investment in decarbonizing the oil and gas sector; it is not a cap on oil and gas production.The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects there to be demand for oil and natural gas by 2050. As the Canadian oil and gas sector decarbonizes to meet our climate targets, it can position itself to be the lowest emission intensity supplier of oil to meet this demand.Canada continues to work with other developed nations on the Climate Finance Delivery Plan to achieve $100 billion in support of developing countries to assist them with meeting their own climate change goals. At the 2021 G7 Leaders’ Summit, Canada announced a doubling of its international climate finance commitment, to $5.3 billion over the next five years to support developing countries as they adapt to climate change and transition to a cleaner economy, such as increasing the use of renewable energy to help lessen the overall global demand for fossil fuels and associated combustion emissions.
ExportationsPétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023e-4356e-4356 (Environnement)AlexHarrisElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC13 mars 2023 à 13 h 45 (HAE)12 avril 2023 à 13 h 45 (HAE)26 avril 20239 juin 202312 avril 2023Pétition au<Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278910" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique</Addressee>Attendu que : Les responsables du Port de Vancouver se proposent de doubler la taille de son terminal maritime, à Roberts Bank, dans l’estuaire du fleuve Fraser, en Colombie-Britannique;Le projet donnerait lieu à un nouvel îlot de béton de 108 hectares au centre de l’estuaire;Le Terminal 2 entraînerait une destruction encore plus grande de l’habitat de l’estuaire, qui a déjà perdu plus de 70 % de l’habitat de ses plaines inondées;L’estuaire du Fraser est l’habitat de 102 espèces jugées en danger d’extinction;L’estuaire du Fraser est l’habitat d'espèces jugées en danger, notamment l’épaulard résident du Sud et le saumon quinnat du Fraser, dont le premier est inscrit à l’annexe 1 de la Loi sur les espèces en péril;Le saumon quinnat du Fraser est une espèce transfrontalière qui est assujettie au Traité international sur le saumon du Pacifique. Il revêt une importance écologique, économique et culturelle;L'habitat essentiel des épaulards résidents du Sud est légalement protégé dans l’estuaire du Fraser;L’Agence d’évaluation d’impact du Canada a cerné des effets irréversibles que le Terminal 2 pourrait avoir sur l’épaulard résident du Sud, le saumon quinnat du Fraser et d’autres espèces sauvages;Elle a déterminé que les incidences du projet sur les épaulards résidents du Sud découlant de la moins grande abondance du saumon quinnat du Fraser à l’intérieur de l’habitat essentiel constitueraient une violation de la Loi sur les espèces en péril;Les engagements du gouvernement du Canada en matière de rétablissement des espèces et de biodiversité, tel qu’ils ont été précisés à la CdP15, vont à l’encontre de l’homologation du Terminal 2. Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons au ministre de l’Environnement et du Changement climatique d’utiliser les preuves présentées par l’Agence d’évaluation d’impact du Canada, les analyses scientifiques examinées par des pairs et les organisations de conservation locales pour rejeter l’expansion proposée du Terminal 2 à Roberts Bank dans l’estuaire du fleuve Fraser.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThank you for your petition dated April 26, 2023, regarding the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project.The project was subject to an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012). The assessment was conducted by an independent expert Review Panel. The Panel completed its review of the Project and issued its report on March 27, 2020.To help inform decision-making, on August 24, 2020, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change requested that the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority provide additional information, including on fish and fish habitat, potential effects on Southern Resident Killer Whale, salinity relating to biofilm and Western Sandpiper, as well as potential effects on Indigenous communities.On April 20, 2023, the Government of Canada decided that the project can proceed. The approval of this project comes after extensive consultation with local communities and Indigenous groups. The project is subject to 370 legally binding conditions to protect the environment, local wildlife and land-use activities of Indigenous peoples. These conditions include:
  • Over 100 measures protective of local wildlife such as developing habitat creation programs to support western sandpiper populations and other shorebirds;
  • Development and implementation of an adaptive management approach to prevent negative effects to biofilm, which includes a minimum of three years of monitoring key parameters reviewed by an independent scientific body;
  • Limiting in-water construction to the window of least risk for several marine species;
  • Requirement for zero-emission cargo handling equipment on-site and to offer electrical power to vessels while berthed;
  • Installation of infrastructure to permit the safe passage of fish;
  • Requirement to avoid, mitigate and offset effects to fish and fish habitat and develop a follow-up program to monitor any impacts to the region's salmon as a result of the project;
  • Creation of a marine mammals' detection and response plan to protect marine mammals during construction; and
  • To further protect Southern Resident Killer Whales, the proponent must monitor noise levels to remain at or below a certain baseline level, implement procedures to delay departures of container vessels and reduce underwater noise during berthing activities when whales are present in the project area.
The Government of Canada also announced over $45 million to accommodate project impacts on Indigenous rights in order to preserve, promote and develop Indigenous culture, heritage and stewardship activities. This funding will also establish a Stewardship Committee.As a condition of approval of the project, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority must also put in place a $150-million financial guarantee to ensure funds are available for the first three years of construction to comply with these legally binding conditions.These legally binding protection measures build on existing and planned work by the Government of Canada to protect local species and marine mammals on the West Coast including Southern Resident Killer Whales and Chinook Salmon, such as:
  • Canada's Oceans Protection Plan, which is providing over $3.5 billion to protect Canada's coasts and waterways;
  • A new $151.9 million through Budget 2023 to protect endangered whales which is a renewal of the Whale Initiative first announced in 2018; and 
  • $165.4 million through Budget 2023 to establish a Green Shipping Corridor Program to spur the launch of the next generation of clean ships, invest in shore power technology, and prioritize low-emission and low-noise vessels at ports.
  • Federal finance tools to further support efforts to reduce noise impacts to species and reduce greenhouse gases, including the Canada Infrastructure Bank, which as part of its $5 billion Public Transit Priority has financing available for conversion to zero-emission ferries.
The project will be key to supporting Canada's economic growth over the coming years. Canada's Pacific Gateway is Canada's most important trade corridor with over $275 billion of trade passing through the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority each year. In the coming years, the Government believes Canada's major west coast ports will reach maximum capacity, meaning congestion will become a chronic issue. This project would increase the port's capacity by 50 per cent. Without this port expansion, $3 billion in added GDP would be jeopardized by capacity shortages. The project is also expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction, and several hundred more both onsite and off-site during operations.The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the environment while ensuring that projects critical to Canadian workers and businesses can proceed in a responsible manner.   
Ports et installations portuairesProtection de l'environnementRoberts Bank
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01348441-01348 (Santé)ArifViraniParkdale—High ParkLibéralON26 avril 20239 juin 202330 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • La tuberculose (TB), bien qu’il soit possible de la prévenir et de la guérir, continue de provoquer des souffrances et des décès au Canada et de représenter un fardeau profondément inéquitable qui afflige en particulier les communautés des immigrants récents et les peuples autochtones;
  • Les populations autochtones du Canada continuent de connaître un taux disproportionné de TB, et ce, malgré les engagements du gouvernement du Canada à éliminer la TB au pays, y compris son engagement d’éradiquer la TB dans l’ensemble de l’Inuit Nunangat pour 2030;
  • À l’échelle internationale, la pandémie de COVID-19 a gravement perturbé les services de lutte contre la TB, et des perturbations similaires compromettent les efforts déjà anémiques visant à mettre fin à la TB ici au Canada. Cependant, le manque de données nationales à jour sur la TB nous empêche de comprendre l’incidence qu’a eue la COVID-19 sur les programmes de lutte contre la TB au pays;
  • Il est urgent que le gouvernement intensifie ses efforts afin de mener une lutte véritable contre la TB au Canada;
  • L’absence d’une stratégie nationale pour l’élimination de la tuberculose constitue un obstacle de taille à l’éradication de la TB au Canada;
  • L’omission de lutter contre la tuberculose au Canada constitue une omission de protéger de manière égale la santé de l’ensemble des Canadiens;
  • Conformément à la nouvelle édition des Normes canadiennes pour la lutte antituberculeuse de la Société canadienne de thoracologie, qui énonce les bonnes pratiques de prévention et de traitement de la TB au Canada,
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Charger un groupe de travail ou comité national de superviser la planification et la création de la stratégie nationale pour l’élimination de la TB (ci-après la stratégie), qui travaillerait en étroite concertation avec les médecins, chercheurs et défenseurs qui s’intéressent à la TB, ainsi que les représentants des communautés autochtones, à l’établissement de priorités fondées sur des preuves dans le cadre de la stratégie;2. Lancer la stratégie, qui devra comprendre des engagements précis pour parvenir à éliminer la TB au Canada, notamment :a) Améliorer le dépistage et le traitement de la TB au sein des groupes prioritaires,b) S’occuper des déterminants sociaux de la santé et s’attaquer aux obstacles qui entravent l’accès aux soins pour la TB,c) Améliorer l’accès aux médicaments essentiels pour soigner la TB,d) Mettre en place une infrastructure de surveillance de la TB en temps opportun,e) Instaurer des mesures de reddition de comptes, de suivi et d’évaluation dans le cadre des programmes de lutte contre la TB;3. Affecter le financement nécessaire pour donner suite aux recommandations de la stratégie et atteindre les cibles et jalons en temps opportun.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam van KoeverdenOur government recognizes the impact of tuberculosis (TB) on individuals and families. We are working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to take steps to reduce rates of tuberculosis in Canada, especially among priority populations. We want to improve access to prevention, treatment, and care for populations most at risk for the disease. Our approach is focused on removing barriers such as stigma through awareness and education and providing culturally appropriate services and treatment.Canada continues to contribute to TB prevention and control efforts in several ways including working with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to take steps in reducing rates of tuberculosis in Canada, especially among vulnerable populations. For example, the government collaborates with partners to conduct surveillance, develop TB prevention, and control standards, and provide outbreak support. In addition, the National Microbiology Laboratory provides reference and diagnostic services, and supports public health partners with testing.The Government of Canada is committed to continuing to work collaboratively with provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous leaders, and other stakeholders, including partners in the health and non-health sectors, to better prevent, detect and control TB in order to accelerate our efforts to eliminate TB in Canada. We are committed to working with other nations to end the worldwide Tuberculosis epidemic, as set out by the United Nations.
Accessibilité des services de santéStratégie d'élimination de la tuberculoseTuberculose chez l'homme
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023e-4201e-4201 (Fiscalité)ChrisKeeferArifViraniParkdale—High ParkLibéralON18 novembre 2022 à 13 h 46 (HAE)17 janvier 2023 à 13 h 46 (HAE)26 avril 20239 juin 202318 janvier 2023Pétition adressée au<Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Le gouvernement du Canada effectue un investissement générationnel en offrant un crédit d’impôt à l’investissement de 30 % pour les projets de technologies propres admissibles;À l’heure actuelle, le crédit d’impôt exclut la technologie CANDU existante et nouvelle, qui est à la base du fonctionnement de toute la chaîne d’approvisionnement et du parc nucléaires au Canada;Le fait de défavoriser la technologie CANDU par rapport aux autres technologies propres limite les mesures de lutte contre les changements climatiques et l’économie canadienne, qui profite, pour chaque dollar investi, d’un effet multiplicateur économique inégalé de 1,40 $ en PIB, en raison de la chaîne d’approvisionnement des réacteurs CANDU, qui est fabriqué à 96 % au Canada;La réfection des réacteurs CANDU dans les centrales nucléaires de Bruce, de Darlington et plus probablement de Pickering sont essentielles à la conservation, pendant une période prolongée de 30 à 40 ans, de la deuxième source de carboneutralité du Canada; Vingt-deux réacteurs CANDU, dont 19 représentent actuellement 15 % de la production totale d’électricité au Canada, ont été mis en service en un peu plus de 20 ans, ce qui démontre que la technologie nucléaire CANDU est un outil évolutif et rapide de décarbonisation profonde;Cette technologie se classe parmi les 10 meilleures réalisations en génie au Canada, et affiche l’un des taux le plus bas d’émissions pendant son cycle de vie de toute source d’énergie, soit 5gCO2/kWh, moitié moindre que celles des énergies éolienne et solaire; La technologie nucléaire CANDU a permis de fournir 90 % de l’énergie nécessaire à l’élimination permanente du charbon du réseau de l’Ontario, une réalisation saluée comme la plus grande réduction des gaz à effet de serre de l’Amérique du Nord; Cette technologie a fait ses preuves en tant qu’exportation canadienne connaissant du succès, aidant nos pays partenaires à réduire leur dépendance aux combustibles fossiles; Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’ajouter les projets de réfection et de construction de centrales nucléaires CANDU au crédit d’impôt à l’investissement dans les technologies propres.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the importance of accelerating action to fight climate change and the critical role that clean electricity will play in reaching Canada’s 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45 percent below 2005 levels and net-zero emissions by 2050. To help Canada reach these ambitious targets, the Government of Canada has announced tax measures that would incent investments in clean sources of electricity, including nuclear energy.Budget 2023 announced the government’s made-in-Canada plan, “Affordable Energy, Good Jobs, and a Growing Clean Economy,” that introduces the necessary tools to put Canada’s electricity on the path to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. A key part of this plan are proposed tax measures to support investments in sources of clean electricity, and the manufacturing of clean technologies. Underinvestment in Canada’s electrical grid today would risk the ability to power our economy and deliver cleaner and cheaper energy to Canadians. With electricity demand expected to double by 2050, investments in clean electricity will become more important than ever in achieving a sustainable, secure, and affordable grid to meet this increased demand. The government recognizes the important role that non-emitting sources of electricity generation, like nuclear energy, can play in achieving this objective.In the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, the Government of Canada announced a 30 percent Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, to enable and accelerate private sector clean electricity investment and help companies adopt clean technologies. This includes support for small modular nuclear reactors, an emerging new technology, that could support the decarbonization of provincial electricity grids and help remote communities transition away from diesel power. The Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit would be available to businesses investing in eligible property that is acquired and that becomes available for use on or after March 28, 2023. The tax credit will be phased out beginning in 2034, and no longer available starting in 2035.In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada proposes to introduce a 15 percent, refundable Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit to incent the development of Canada’s clean electricity sector.The Government of Canada understands the important role that publicly owned electric utilities and Indigenous communities play in the development of Canada’s clean electricity infrastructure through investments of their own. This is why the government has taken the exceptional step of extending the Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit to certain non-taxable entities. Tax support would also extend to proven technologies that offer predictable non-emitting base-load power, like large-scale nuclear, which could include CANDU reactors. These sources of generation will be required to facilitate the pace of investment needed to expand and achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. The Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit will be available as of Budget Day 2024 for projects that did not begin construction before March 28, 2023. The tax credit will not be available after 2034.Budget 2023 also proposes to introduce a refundable 30 percent Clean Technology Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit. The tax credit would be available to Canadian companies that are manufacturing or processing clean technologies and their precursors. Eligible investments would include new machinery and equipment used in the manufacturing of nuclear energy equipment, which could include CANDU reactors, as well as the processing or recycling of nuclear fuels and heavy water. The credit would apply to property that is acquired and becomes available for use on or after January 1, 2024, and would no longer be in effect after 2034, subject to a phase-out starting in 2032.Budget 2021 first introduced the reduction of corporate income tax rates by half for qualifying zero-emission technology manufacturers. Budget 2023 proposes to extend eligibility for the reduced rates to include the manufacturing of nuclear energy equipment and the processing and recycling of nuclear fuels and heavy water, effective for taxation years beginning after 2023. The reduced tax rates were originally scheduled to expire beginning in 2032. To provide continued support for manufacturers building zero-emission technologies in Canada, Budget 2023 proposes to extend the availability of these reduced rates by another three years.
Crédit d'impôt à l'investissement pour les technologies propresÉcotechnologieRéacteur CANDU
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01346441-01346 (Pêches)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC26 avril 20239 juin 202317 octobre 2022Pétition à la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienneNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienne de poursuivre ses objectifs de réparation et d’utiliser les outils du Cadre pour la pêche durable, et :1. de reporter l’octroi de permis à toute autre installation de conchyliculture située dans l’habitat de frai et de croissance du hareng, ou tout près de cet habitat, dans le détroit de Baynes et le chenal Lambert jusqu’à ce que :
  • (i) une évaluation écosystémique soit réalisée sur les répercussions des activités de cette industrie sur le stock de hareng,
  • (ii) cette industrie gère efficacement ses engins et ses équipements et paie pour le nettoyage des tonnes de débris de plastique qu’elle produit chaque année;
2. de concevoir, avec les Premières Nations, un plan de cogestion du détroit de Baynes et du chenal Lambert qui :
  • (i) repose sur des zones et des écosystèmes,
  • (ii) respecte et reconnaît les territoires traditionnels non cédés et la valeur unique de cet endroit en tant que zone d’importance écologique et biologique et zone importante pour la conservation des oiseaux et la biodiversité qui compte vingt-et-un ruisseaux à saumon, ainsi que des frayères et des aires d’alevinage du hareng,
  • (iii) tient compte d’autres intervenants.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mike KellowayIn response to petition elements 1:
  • Herring plays a critical, foundational role in the ecosystem, supporting numerous economically, ecologically, and culturally significant species. The Department takes into consideration the importance of herring and herring spawning areas when making decisions about aquaculture licences and we have strong regulatory tools in place to protect herring spawn.
  • The Fisheries Act prohibits harmfully disturbing herring spawn, unless authorized (for example, legally harvesting roe on kelp). A shellfish aquaculture licence is not an authorization to harmfully disturb spawn. Herring spawn has been known to settle on aquaculture gear and any spawn on shellfish gear, or any other thing upon which it has set, cannot be harmfully disturbed or killed, until the time for the eggs to have hatched is passed.
  • In addition to the above noted provisions in the Fisheries Act, the shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence prescribe the protection of important and sensitive habitats, including but not limited to kelp beds and eelgrass. It is prohibited to conduct shellfish aquaculture activities within kelp and eelgrass, which are important spawning habitats for herring.
  • All shellfish aquaculture licence applications are subject to a rigorous harmonized review process that considers the application in context to all other fisheries and habitat, including proximity to fish spawning areas. The review is conducted on a site by site basis and site specific measures can be prescribed into a licence when and as needed.
  • DFO recognizes that debris from aquaculture sites is an important issue to the public. The marine finfish aquaculture conditions of licence and shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence include requirements to have infrastructure and equipment capable of withstanding oceanographic and meteorological conditions in the licensed location. Farm operators must conduct regular inspection of their infrastructure and equipment and are responsible for ensuring debris generated by the facility is collected or treated and disposed of appropriately.
  • According to the conditions of licence for Shellfish Aquaculture operators, the onus is on the licence holder to prevent pollution. New shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence were introduced, directly addressing marine plastic debris and ghost gear. The new licence conditions support lost gear identification, polystyrene (eg. Styrofoam) pollution reduction, and regular clean-ups of licensed facilities. These conditions work to support government priorities and commitments, specifically under the restored Fisheries Act, G7 Ocean Plastics Charter, CCME Zero Plastic Waste Action Plan (Phase II), and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). The shellfish conditions of licence require aquaculture licence holders to perform regular seafloor inspections, remove and dispose of debris, permanently label most types of plastic equipment and aquaculture gear for easy identification, and remove exposed foam used for floatation. These new requirements came into effect as of April 1, 2023.
  • DFO will continue to review the performance of existing management measures and will work with partners and stakeholders to identify areas where further action is needed.
In response to petition elements 2:
  • The Government of Canada has committed to working with provinces/territories, industry, Indigenous partners, environmental groups, and others to ensure a sustainable path forward for aquaculture.
  • We are currently exploring an area-based approach to aquaculture management in the Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel area through a two-year pilot project in partnership with the K’omoks First Nation.
  • DFO is now working closely with the K’omoks First Nation, and other First Nations with overlapping territory in the area, to discuss and understand the unique social, cultural, environmental, and economic values in Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel. This includes the recognition of Baynes Sound as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area and the shared responsibility of stewardship.
  • This initiative is a step towards ecosystem-based management and may lead to the co- development of an aquaculture management plan for this area, should that be something all parties agree to creating.
AquacultureHarengPeuples autochtones
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01345441-01345 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 202325 avril 2023Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01344441-01344 (Affaires et commerce)L’hon.DavidMcGuintyOttawa-SudLibéralON26 avril 20239 juin 202313 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals. The Government continues to consider the results of these consultations, as well as best practices and other inputs received during continued engagement with numerous civil society organizations, industry associations, foreign governments and other stakeholders.On May 3, 2023, Members of Parliament passed Senate Public Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada is responsible for the implementation of this Act. Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped bring attention to the issue of forced labour in supply chains. The Government recognizes that S-211 may service as an important first step, however, more is needed. The Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation in 2024 to help eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. The legislation will be strong, effective, and enforceable. For example, whereas S-211 only requires entities to report on forced labour in their supply chains, government legislation would include due diligence measures to ensure they take action to eradicate it.   Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01343441-01343 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC26 avril 20239 juin 202324 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • Des modifications ont été apportées au Code criminel le 23 juin 2022, permettant à l’intoxication extrême de servir de défense pour les crimes violents, comme les voies de fait et les agressions sexuelles, lorsqu’une « personne raisonnable n’aurait pas pu prévoir le risque d’une perte de maîtrise »;
  • L’Enquête nationale sur les femmes et les filles autochtones disparues et assassinées a révélé que les taux de violence à l’encontre des femmes et des filles autochtones étaient alarmants et plus élevés que ceux de tout autre groupe démographique au Canada;
  • Les collectivités des Premières Nations se trouvent souvent dans des zones rurales mal desservies par les forces de l’ordre, ce qui allonge les délais d’intervention et accroît le risque d’actes criminels violents;
  • L’alcoolisme et la toxicomanie sont des problèmes en pleine expansion qui rendent les Premières Nations plus vulnérables aux actes de violence. Selon la First Nation Health Authority, les Premières Nations ne représentent que 3,3 % de la population de la Colombie-Britannique, mais elles sont à l’origine de 15 % des décès liés aux drogues toxiques.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement fédéral de retirer ses modifications au Code criminel relatifs à l’intoxication extrême et de respecter son engagement à protéger la sécurité des Premières Nations et leur droit à un système judiciaire qui honore les victimes en tenant les délinquants pour responsables des crimes violents.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeFirst Nations, Inuit and Metis people face substantial systemic barriers in accessing justice, as victims, offenders, and families. Transformational change is needed within the justice system and at the community level to improve access to justice for Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.The Government of Canada is committed to facilitating systemic transformation throughout the justice system, supporting self-determination, and community-based Indigenous-led justice solutions. Actions to end violence against Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people must be Indigenous-led to bring real change. That is why the Federal Pathway outlines the key actions needed to ensure a fairer, strong, inclusive and representative justice system that respects the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and protects Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.The Government of Canada also recognizes the differential impact of intoxicated violence on Indigenous women and girls, and commits to ensuring that the justice system holds offenders accountable.In R v Brown (2022), the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) struck down the previous version of section 33.1 of the Criminal Code, which prevented an accused person from relying on extreme intoxication as a defence for violent crimes like assault, sexual assault, and manslaughter. The SCC held that section 33.1 violated sections 7 (the right not to be deprived of life, liberty and security of the person except in accordance with a principle of fundamental justice) and 11(d) (the presumption of innocence) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and declared it to be unconstitutional because individuals could be convicted of a crime of violence in circumstances where they did not meet the minimum requirements for criminal liability.The Brown decision created a gap in the law that would have allowed accused persons charged with violent crimes, such as assault or sexual assault, to escape liability in cases where they negligently became extremely intoxicated, lost control and harmed another person.Bill C-28, which came into force on June 23, 2022, addressed this gap in the law. Rather than enacting a defence, section 33.1 now provides a means to hold individuals criminally responsible for their actions in cases where they voluntarily consumed intoxicants in a criminally negligent manner, lost control of their actions and harmed others. Importantly, these changes did not alter the basic legal principle that being drunk or high is never a defence to crimes like assault or sexual assault. More information on these changes can be found here: https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/trans/bm-mb/other-autre/c28/index.html.The enactment of section 33.1 promotes public safety, particularly for those who are at greatest risk of violence, including women and children. These changes reflect the Government’s broader efforts to address gender-based violence and to support victims of crime. For instance, funding of $539.3 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, was provided to Women and Gender Equality Canada to enable provinces and territories to supplement and enhance services and supports within their jurisdictions to prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, which was introduced in the Senate on April 26, 2023, proposes amendments to strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry regime, respond to the Supreme Court of Canada decision in R v Ndhlovu, provide victims with more information about cases and more autonomy relating to publication ban orders.
Code criminelCrime lié à l'alcool et à la droguePeuples autochtones
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée9 juin 2023441-01342441-01342 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB26 avril 20239 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 5, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01341441-01341 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre ce qui suit : Attendu que le Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination a produit son rapport final au début de 2022;Attendu que le rapport demande que le clergé des religions qui ont un point de vue différent de celui du ministère de la Défense nationale sur le genre et la sexualité soit banni en tant qu’aumôniers dans les Forces armées canadiennes; Attendu que le rapport qualifie même les religions canadiennes dominantes de discriminatoires, misogynes et sexistes;Attendu que tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres et les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, ont droit à la liberté de religion garantie par la Charte;Attendu que les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes servent tous les membres des Forces sans distinction de religion, de sexe ou d’orientation sexuelle; Attendu que la discrimination fondée sur la religion est répréhensible et offensante pour les Canadiens.C’est pourquoi nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes :1. De rejeter les recommandations sur l’aumônerie dans les Forces armées canadiennes contenues dans le rapport final du Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination;2. D’affirmer le droit de tous les Canadiens, y compris les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, à la liberté de religion.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayLast April, the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination released a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure Canada’s military is safe and welcoming for all. Work is underway to assess the implications of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, including those on the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is coordinating an analysis of each recommendation.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s (RCChS) primary goal is the care of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, without exceptions. It is already the expectation that CAF chaplains uphold the values and ethos of the CAF, just like every other member of the military. When chaplains apply for their roles within the chaplaincy, they undergo a rigorous process to assess their ability to provide spiritual support within the context of CAF values. Anyone who successfully makes it through this assessment has demonstrated their ability to provide religious or spiritual counsel to CAF members of all or no faiths, without judgement or exception.To this end, the RCChS continues to embrace CAF values and ethos, and has taken significant steps in the past several years to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, as of 2019, in order to better serve the CAF and represent the religious/spiritual diversity of Canadian society, the RCChS sought to include a wider number of traditions not previously represented in CAF chaplaincy. This resulted in the enrollment of chaplains from Sikh, Buddhist, and Humanist traditions. The RCChS also shifted from the historical requirement of “ordained” status to a more broadly defined status of “credentialed as a faith tradition leader.” In doing so, the RCChS has ensured wider opportunities for women from faith traditions where they cannot be ordained, but who meet qualification standards for CAF chaplaincy as credentialed faith tradition leaders. This is already the case for Roman Catholic and Muslim women, currently serving in the RCChS, and will now be an option for women from other faith traditions.To further promote diversity and inclusion, the RCChS has instituted several new advisor positions, including an Indigenous Advisor, 2SLGBTQi+ Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Advisor, Gender Advisor, and Advisor to the Commander of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and innovate. These advisors play a critical role in providing strategic input and advice to ensure direction and guidance, and programs integrate diverse perspectives with a view to enhancing inclusive engagement on behalf of the RCChS. The CAF continues to take positive steps to ensure that the chaplaincy represents Canadian society and supports the needs of its broader membership.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionForces canadiennesGroupe consultatif du Ministère sur le racisme systémique, la discrimination, notamment le racisme anti-Autochtones et anti-Noirs, les préjugés LGBTQ2+, la discrimination sexuelle et la suprématie blancheServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01340441-01340 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01339441-01339 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies. The Parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) recently completed its review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to MAID and their application, and of other issues, including those relating to mature minors (i.e., minors who have the capacity to make medical decisions). AMAD’s final report was tabled in Parliament on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01338441-01338 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 202318 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada.Immigration officers examine foreign charges and convictions to determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted for that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents, such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, applicants may be eligible for relief mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01337441-01337 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 202311 février 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, portons à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : Attendu que :Malgré la libération récente des Canadiens Micheal Spavor et Micheal Korvig après 1 000 jours de détention injuste en Chine, au moins 115 Canadiens sont toujours emprisonnés en Chine, dont Huseyin Celil, détenu depuis plus de 5 000 jours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien d’origine ouïghoure qui milite pour la défense des droits de la personne et qui est détenu en Chine pour avoir soutenu les droits politiques et religieux des Ouïghours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien qui a fui la Chine en Ouzbékistan après avoir été injustement emprisonné pendant 48 jours en 2001 et qui, après avoir été reconnu par les Nations Unies comme un réfugié, a immigré au Canada où il a obtenu la citoyenneté canadienne et renoncé à sa citoyenneté chinoise; Le gouvernement chinois a refusé de reconnaître la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui a refusé l’accès à un avocat, à sa famille et aux autorités canadiennes, alors qu’il a été contraint de signer des aveux et qu’il a subi un procès illégal et inéquitable;Il est désormais évident que le traitement des Ouïghours par le gouvernement chinois répond à la plupart, sinon à la totalité des critères relatifs au génocide définis dans la Convention des Nations Unies pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide; Le Canada ne peut rester insensible à la souffrance injuste d’un citoyen canadien. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes afin de corriger la situation : 1. Exiger que le gouvernement chinois reconnaisse la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui fournisse des services consulaires et juridiques conformément au droit international; 2. Déclarer officiellement que la libération de Huseyin Celil de sa détention en Chine et son retour au Canada sont des priorités du gouvernement canadien au même titre que l’étaient la libération de Michael Kovrig et Michael Spavor; 3. Nommer un envoyé spécial chargé d’obtenir la libération de M. Celil; 4. Demander l’aide de l’administration Biden et d’autres alliés à travers le monde pour obtenir la libération de M. Celil.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe case of Mr. Huseyincan Celil is a priority for Canada, as the Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned with his detention. Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil’s case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so. While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case. The Government of Canada will continue to seek access to Mr. Celil in order to verify his well-being.The safety and well-being of Canadians abroad remain of utmost importance to Canada.
Canadiens à l'étrangerCelil, HuseyincanChineDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01336441-01336 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01335441-01335 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 202318 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que:
  • Il faudra encore de nombreuses années avant que la demande et les besoins en pétrole et en gaz au Canada soient complètement éliminés;
  • L'Alberta et l’Ouest du Canada produisent le pétrole et le gaz les plus écologiques et appliquent des normes de travail plus rigoureuses que d’autres pays;
  • Les Canadiens devraient utiliser uniquement le pétrole et le gaz de l’Alberta et de l’Ouest canadien avant d’importer ceux qui sont proviennent de l’étranger.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada:
  • D’éliminer toute importation de pétrole et de gaz étrangers au Canada au cours des cinq prochaines années afin de créer des emplois et de bâtir une économie plus forte.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.According to the latest figures from Statistics Canada, Canada has continued to gradually reduce oil imports. For example, Canada imported 922,000 barrels per day in 2019 and 740,000 barrels per day in 2022—a 20% drop. This compares to oil exports on the order of 3.8 million barrels per day.The United States continues to be to be the largest source of Canada’s imported crude oil, accounting for about two-thirds of Canada’s crude oil imports.Almost all Canada’s oil imports are destined for refineries in Atlantic Canada and Quebec that do not have direct access to pipelines.Refineries optimize their crude sourcing to find the right mix of crude types in order to achieve its set target for product yield and profitability. Restricting refinery access to crude oil imports would likely result in higher costs for the refineries and Canadians consumers.The federal government is supporting workers across Canada. Through initiatives such as the Regional Energy and Resources Tables, the government is working with provinces and territories to identify the top economic opportunities presented by the global shift to a net-zero world – and jointly seizing those opportunities to create sustainable jobs for Canadian workers.The government is working actively with the oil and gas industry to lower emissions, deploy clean technologies, and create sustainable jobs in every oil and gas-producing region of this country – including Alberta and Western Canada, but also including Newfoundland and Labrador.
ImportationsPétrole et gaz
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01334441-01334 (Affaires et commerce)ÉlisabethBrièreSherbrookeLibéralQC25 avril 20238 juin 20236 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaAttendu que :
  • des entreprises basées au Canada contribuent aux atteintes aux droits humains et à la perpétration de dommages environnementaux partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces atteintes et défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont particulièrement menacés;
  • le Canada encourage mais n'exige pas des entreprises qu'elles préviennent de tels préjudices dans leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales.
Nous soussigné-e-s, citoyen-ne-s et résident-e-s du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d'adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits humains et d'environnement qui :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent les impacts négatifs sur les droits humains et l'environnement tout au long de leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, y compris en évaluant soigneusement la manière dont elles pourraient contribuer à des atteintes aux droits humains ou à l'environnement à l'étranger et en garantissant l'accès à des voies de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • entraînerait des conséquences significatives pour les entreprises qui omettent de faire preuve de diligence raisonnable adéquate et d'en faire rapport; et établirait un droit statutaire pour les personnes lésées de demander justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Terry SheehanThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals. The Government continues to consider the results of these consultations, as well as best practices and other inputs received during continued engagement with numerous civil society organizations, industry associations, foreign governments and other stakeholders.On May 3, 2023, Members of Parliament passed Senate Public Bill S-211, Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. The bill received royal assent on May 11, 2023. The Act imposes an obligation on government institutions and certain private-sector entities to report publicly on the measures taken to prevent and reduce the risk that forced labour or child labour is used by them or in their supply chains. The Act also amends the Customs Tariff to allow for a prohibition on the importation of goods manufactured or produced, in whole or in part, by forced labour or child labour as those terms are defined in the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act. Public Safety Canada is responsible for the implementation of this Act. Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped bring attention to the issue of forced labour in supply chains. The Government recognizes that S-211 may serve as an important first step, however, more is needed. The Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation in 2024 to help eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. The legislation will be strong, effective, and enforceable. For example, whereas S-211 only requires entities to report on forced labour in their supply chains, government legislation would include due diligence measures to ensure they take action to eradicate it.   Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. 
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023e-4287e-4287 (Récompenses et distinctions honorifiques)NicholasFastBonitaZarrilloPort Moody—CoquitlamNPDBC15 février 2023 à 12 h 27 (HAE)16 avril 2023 à 12 h 27 (HAE)25 avril 20238 juin 202319 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Le coût de la vie au Canada atteint des sommets historiques;Les étudiants des cycles supérieurs et les chercheurs en situation précaire vivent au seuil de la pauvreté ou en dessous; Le nombre de bourses octroyées par les trois conseils subventionnaires et la valeur de celles-ci n’ont pas augmenté depuis deux décennies.Nous, soussignés, des étudiants diplômés du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’accroître le nombre et les montants des bourses octroyées par les trois conseils subventionnaires afin de mieux soutenir les étudiants des cycles supérieurs et les chercheurs en situation précaire au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Government of Canada recognizes that investment in research and talent is critical to driving discoveries and innovative breakthroughs that generate social, health, and economic benefits for Canadians, as well as to help train the next generation of diverse research leaders. The Government of Canada also recognizes the critical role that federal scholarships and fellowships play in nurturing and sustaining Canada’s top talent through support for career progression and increased financial security and independence.Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $16 billion to support the valuable contributions that scientists and researchers make to all Canadians’ health, well-being, and prosperity. In the 2022 Canada First Research Excellence Fund competition, nearly $1.4 billion was awarded over seven years to maximize the existing research strengths of 11 Canadian institutions. The critical awards will not only support transformational and forward-thinking strategies in research areas of strategic relevance to Canada but will dedicate at least $250 million to support the participation of students and postdoctoral fellows. This will bring the total level of support for students and postdoctoral fellows in competitions to date to almost $600 million. Through Budget 2023, the government proposed $813.6 million in 2023-24 to increase Canada Student Grants by 40 percent, providing up to $4,200 for full-time students to support post-secondary students and make life more affordable.Budget 2023 further proposes to raise the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study, and waive the requirement for mature students, aged 22 years or older, to undergo credit screening to qualify for federal student grants and loans for the first time, allowing up to 1,000 additional students to benefit from federal aid in the coming year. Budget 2023 also proposed $197.7 million in 2024-25 to the Student Work Placement Program to continue creating quality work-integrated learning opportunities for students through partnerships between employers and post-secondary institutions. This investment will support students in gaining the necessary skills, education, and real-life work experience to transition successfully into the workforce.The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting a strong federal system that fosters new ideas, breakthroughs, and advancements. To cement Canada’s leadership position on the world stage, our research support system must meet the needs of today’s research, which is increasingly complex, collaborative, multi- and interdisciplinary, and international. To these ends, the government recognizes the importance of continued evaluation of an investment in Canada’s science and research ecosystem. The government welcomes the Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System’s report. It will carefully review the findings and recommendations and consider them as it advances its efforts to support the research ecosystem and Canada's top talent.
Bourses d'étudesÉtudes universitaires supérieuresRecherche universitaire
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01332441-01332 (Pêches)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC25 avril 20238 juin 202318 octobre 2022Pétition à la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienneNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la ministre des Pêches, des Océans et de la Garde côtière canadienne de poursuivre ses objectifs de réparation et d’utiliser les outils du Cadre pour la pêche durable, et :1. de reporter l’octroi de permis à toute autre installation de conchyliculture située dans l’habitat de frai et de croissance du hareng, ou tout près de cet habitat, dans le détroit de Baynes et le chenal Lambert jusqu’à ce que :
  • (i) une évaluation écosystémique soit réalisée sur les répercussions des activités de cette industrie sur le stock de hareng,
  • (ii) cette industrie gère efficacement ses engins et ses équipements et paie pour le nettoyage des tonnes de débris de plastique qu’elle produit chaque année;
2. de concevoir, avec les Premières Nations, un plan de cogestion du détroit de Baynes et du chenal Lambert qui :
  • (i) repose sur des zones et des écosystèmes,
  • (ii) respecte et reconnaît les territoires traditionnels non cédés et la valeur unique de cet endroit en tant que zone d’importance écologique et biologique et zone importante pour la conservation des oiseaux et la biodiversité qui compte vingt-et-un ruisseaux à saumon, ainsi que des frayères et des aires d’alevinage du hareng,
  • (iii) tient compte d’autres intervenants.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mike KellowayIn response to petition elements 1:
  • Herring plays a critical, foundational role in the ecosystem, supporting numerous economically, ecologically, and culturally significant species. The Department takes into consideration the importance of herring and herring spawning areas when making decisions about aquaculture licences and we have strong regulatory tools in place to protect herring spawn.
  • The Fisheries Act prohibits harmfully disturbing herring spawn, unless authorized (for example, legally harvesting roe on kelp). A shellfish aquaculture licence is not an authorization to harmfully disturb spawn. Herring spawn has been known to settle on aquaculture gear and any spawn on shellfish gear, or any other thing upon which it has set, cannot be harmfully disturbed or killed, until the time for the eggs to have hatched is passed.
  • In addition to the above noted provisions in the Fisheries Act, the shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence prescribe the protection of important and sensitive habitats, including but not limited to kelp beds and eelgrass. It is prohibited to conduct shellfish aquaculture activities within kelp and eelgrass, which are important spawning habitats for herring.
  • All shellfish aquaculture licence applications are subject to a rigorous harmonized review process that considers the application in context to all other fisheries and habitat, including proximity to fish spawning areas. The review is conducted on a site by site basis and site specific measures can be prescribed into a licence when and as needed.
  • DFO recognizes that debris from aquaculture sites is an important issue to the public. The marine finfish aquaculture conditions of licence and shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence include requirements to have infrastructure and equipment capable of withstanding oceanographic and meteorological conditions in the licensed location. Farm operators must conduct regular inspection of their infrastructure and equipment and are responsible for ensuring debris generated by the facility is collected or treated and disposed of appropriately.
  • According to the conditions of licence for Shellfish Aquaculture operators, the onus is on the licence holder to prevent pollution. New shellfish aquaculture conditions of licence were introduced, directly addressing marine plastic debris and ghost gear. The new licence conditions support lost gear identification, polystyrene (eg. Styrofoam) pollution reduction, and regular clean-ups of licensed facilities. These conditions work to support government priorities and commitments, specifically under the restored Fisheries Act, G7 Ocean Plastics Charter, CCME Zero Plastic Waste Action Plan (Phase II), and the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI). The shellfish conditions of licence require aquaculture licence holders to perform regular seafloor inspections, remove and dispose of debris, permanently label most types of plastic equipment and aquaculture gear for easy identification, and remove exposed foam used for floatation. These new requirements came into effect as of April 1, 2023.
  • DFO will continue to review the performance of existing management measures and will work with partners and stakeholders to identify areas where further action is needed.
In response to petition elements 2:
  • The Government of Canada has committed to working with provinces/territories, industry, Indigenous partners, environmental groups, and others to ensure a sustainable path forward for aquaculture.
  • We are currently exploring an area-based approach to aquaculture management in the Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel area through a two-year pilot project in partnership with the K’omoks First Nation.
  • DFO is now working closely with the K’omoks First Nation, and other First Nations with overlapping territory in the area, to discuss and understand the unique social, cultural, environmental, and economic values in Baynes Sound/Lambert Channel. This includes the recognition of Baynes Sound as an Ecologically and Biologically Significant Area and the shared responsibility of stewardship.
  • This initiative is a step towards ecosystem-based management and may lead to the co- development of an aquaculture management plan for this area, should that be something all parties agree to creating.
AquacultureHarengPeuples autochtones
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01331441-01331 (Justice)JohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservateurON25 avril 20238 juin 202321 octobre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01330441-01330 (Justice)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 202321 octobre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 juin 2023441-01329441-01329 (Justice)MichaelCooperSt. Albert—EdmontonConservateurAB25 avril 20238 juin 202327 septembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 juin 2023441-01328441-01328 (Transport)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB24 avril 20237 juin 202324 avril 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des Communes sur ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :
  • Un nombre croissant de résidents dans la région de la capitale du Manitoba souhaiterait qu’il y ait un vol direct de Winnipeg vers l’Inde ou, à tout le moins, de Winnipeg vers l’Inde par l’entremise d’une correspondance en Europe;
  • La région entourant Winnipeg, incluant le Manitoba, l’ouest de l’Ontario et l’est de la Saskatchewan connaît également un accroissement important de la population d’origine indienne;
  • Winnipeg avait par le passé des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de villes européennes;
  • La population de la région desservie par l’aéroport international de Winnipeg a crû considérablement au cours des dernières années pour atteindre près de 2 millions de personnes.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, exhortons le gouvernement du Canada à : 1. Envisager immédiatement comment il peut encourager et soutenir des vols internationaux directs en partance de Winnipeg à destination de l’Inde ou de pays européens offrant des vols directs vers des villes indiennes comme Amritsar et New Delhi;2. Soutenir les compagnies aériennes afin de répondre aux besoins et collaborer avec l’aéroport international de Winnipeg et d’autres intervenants afin d’offrir de tels vols.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab.The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions.The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022, and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement.In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada.Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended, and thus far an agreement has not been reached with India with respect to access to additional cities. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport has pursued the addition of cities in Punjab in the air transport agreement on multiple occasions, including with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he sought an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply.The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, Piyush Goyal, on May 8, 2023 regarding this issue. The Minister of Transport also met with Minister Goyal the same day to further press Canada’s interest in access to Punjab.With respect to services operated by European airlines, Canada’s air transport agreement with the United Kingdom and its agreement with the 27 Member States of the European Union, are very open, and permit airlines to operate from all cities in Canada to any destinations in the United Kingdom or the European Union. There are no impediments preventing Canadian, United Kingdom or European Union air carriers from serving Winnipeg. However, it is important to note that the Government of Canada does not determine which routes Canadian or foreign carriers serve as the decision is a commercial one made by airlines. It is also important to note that the rights of European airlines to serve points in India are set out in the air transport agreements between those carriers’ respective home countries and India. 
IndeTransport aérienWinnipeg
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée7 juin 2023441-01327441-01327 (Justice)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB24 avril 20237 juin 202321 octobre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 juin 2023441-01326441-01326 (Citoyenneté et immigration)DamienKurekBattle River—CrowfootConservateurAB24 avril 20236 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of May 5th, 2023, we have welcomed 30,680 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.More information about potential other pathways for Afghan nationals to explore can be found on the Departmental website at Immigrate to Canada - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée6 juin 2023441-01325441-01325 (Droits de la personne)ZiadAboultaifEdmonton ManningConservateurAB24 avril 20236 juin 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01324441-01324 (Santé)LoriIdloutNunavutNPDNU21 avril 20235 juin 202324 janvier 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, aimerions porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement les éléments suivants :Attendu que : Plus de 29 000 Canadiens sont décédés des suites d’une intoxication aux opioïdes entre janvier 2016 et décembre 2021. Ces personnes dont le décès découle de la crise évitable étaient des citoyens aimés et appréciés de notre pays: il s’agit de nos enfants, de nos frères et sœurs, de nos conjoints, de nos clients, de nos amis; Les politiques actuelles du Canada en matière de drogues se sont révélées inefficaces pour prévenir la consommation de substances et exacerbent les méfaits et les risques liés à une telle consommation. La « guerre contre les drogues » a entraîné une stigmatisation généralisée des personnes qui consomment des substances contrôlées. Elle a permis au crime organisé de devenir le fournisseur unique de la plupart de ces substances. La consommation problématique est un problème de santé qui ne peut être résolu en criminalisant la possession et la consommation individuelles. Dans les pays qui ont adopté des réformes progressives de leurs politiques en matière de drogues, la décriminalisation de la possession personnelle est associée à une réduction significative des décès dus à la toxicité des drogues.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :1. Se livrer à une réforme de sa politique sur les drogues afin de décriminaliser la simple possession des substances dont la liste figure dans la Loi réglementant certaines drogues et autres substances;2. Mettre en place un processus de radiation des condamnations liées à la simple possession;3. Mettre en œuvre de toute urgence une stratégie nationale axée sur la santé afin d’assurer l’accès à un approvisionnement réglementé et plus sûr en opioïdes et d’accroître les services de traitement, de rétablissement et de réduction des méfaits axés sur les traumatismes ainsi que les campagnes d’éducation et de sensibilisation du public dans tout le Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary Anandasangaree1. Bill C-5, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, received Royal Assent and came into force on November 17, 2022. The Bill aims to ensure that responses to criminal offences are fair and effective, while ensuring that public safety is maintained. The amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) reinforce the Government’s commitment to address the ongoing opioid crisis by providing space to treat substance use as a health issue, rather than as a criminal one. The law now requires police and prosecutors to consider options  such as issuing a warning, or divert people to treatment programs or other supportive services instead of proceeding with charges for simple drug possession, and enacts for the first time in the CDSA a declaration of principles to guide them in exercising discretion.2. Bill C-5 further addresses the stigma associated with having a criminal record by: (1) limiting the kind of information that may be kept in the police record of warning or referrals and the use that can be made of such records, as well as to whom these records may be disclosed; and, (2) providing that past and future records of convictions for this offence be kept separate and apart from other records of convictions after a certain period of time.3. The 2018 Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act provides that the Governor in Council may list an offence as eligible for expungement if the activity no longer constitutes an offence, and the criminalization of the activity was a historical injustice. Bill C-5 did not repeal the offence of simple drug possession.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.The Government continues to deliver on its promise to work toward removing the stigma associated with convictions for simple possession of drugs.Expungement is intended for cases where the criminalization of an activity constitutes a historical injustice because, among other things, were it to occur today, it would be inconsistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Expungement was not intended to address changing societal norms, such as the legalization of cannabis or health and social issues such as the ongoing opioid crisis.However, originally introduced in Parliament on December 7, 2021, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), was amended in September 2022 to address concerns about the ongoing stigma associated with a record of convictions for simple possession of drugs. It now specifies that past convictions under section 4(1) of the CDSA for possession of controlled drugs must be kept separate and apart from other criminal convictions within two years of the Bill’s coming into force. For convictions after the coming into force, the record of conviction must be kept separate and apart from other criminal convictions two years following sentence completion. This amendment is consistent with the underlying objective of the Bill to address the negative consequences associated with simple possession. The amendment acknowledges the calls from public health organizations and those who work with individuals with addictions. It helps address barriers to successful reintegration into society and also helps address a contributing cause of the ongoing opioid crisis, namely the stigmatization of people who use drugs. Bill C-5 received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022.Criminal records have a lasting impact on the ability of rehabilitated individuals to successfully reintegrate into society after overcoming personal challenges in their lives. Treating simple possession of drugs as a health and social issue means eliminating the stigma associated with convictions for simple possession.Public Safety Canada continues to work with other departments, including Health Canada and the Department of Justice, to support the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, and address the national drug crisis as part of its mandate to keep cities and communities safe.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $1 billion to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Close to $500 million through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) since 2017 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $45 million to develop national standards for mental health and substance use services, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations and key stakeholders, to address long-standing challenges in the delivery of mental health and substance use services and supports across the country; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada; and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $26 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of May 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites offering services has grown from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including; regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and, on-the- ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01323441-01323 (Environnement)BrendanHanleyYukonLibéralYT21 avril 20235 juin 202330 mars 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit répondre à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des lois pour une transition équitable, qui :
  • Réduiront les émissions d’au moins 60 % par rapport aux niveaux de 2005 et contribueront de manière importante à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Mettront fin à l’industrie des combustibles fossiles, aux infrastructures connexes ainsi qu’aux subventions pour les combustibles fossiles, et assureront la transition vers une économie décarbonisée;
  • Créeront de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et étatiseront une plus grande part des services publics dans tous les secteurs de l’économie pour mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créeront de bons emplois verts et favoriseront le perfectionnement de la main-d’oeuvre de manière inclusive, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs et des collectivités concernés, et garantiront un emploi décent et à faible émission de carbone à tous les travailleurs;
  • Protégeront et consolideront les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respecteront les droits, la souveraineté et les connaissances des Autochtones en les impliquant dans la création et l’application de ces lois, assureront la justice envers les migrants et mettront l’accent sur le soutien des communautés traditionnellement marginalisées;
  • Étendront le filet de sécurité sociale grâce à de nouvelles mesures de soutien au revenu, à des logements sociaux carboneutres et à un financement opérationnel visant à rendre les transports collectifs abordables et accessibles dans tout le pays;
  • Financeront la transition en augmentant les impôts des plus riches et des entreprises et en recourant à une banque nationale publique.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.Budget 2023 makes transformative investments to build Canada’s clean economy, fight climate change, and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canadian workers. This includes significant measures that will deliver cleaner and more affordable energy, support investment in our communities and the creation of good-paying jobs, and ensure Canadian workers are able to produce and provide the goods and resources that Canadians and our allies need. These investments are underpinned by a set of clear and predictable investment tax credits, low-cost strategic financing, and targeted investments and programming, where necessary, to respond to the unique needs of sectors or projects of national economic significance. Canada has joined other countries at COP26 and committed to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so to this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required – including legislation – to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero future.  This is why the Government released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan in February of this year. This Plan is complementary to – and in fact a part of – Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth. In drafting this Plan, the Government consulted widely with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society.This Plan also lays out the Government’s proposed approach to sustainable jobs legislation, which will create a framework for accountability, engagement and transparency that will ensure we empower workers and communities while building economic opportunities in ways that give confidence to Canadians.In addition to outlining the Government’s approach to legislation, the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan also describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that they can realize their comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has also earmarked over $120 billion in investments to support emissions reductions and the low-carbon economy. In addition to these investments, the Government has developed targeted tax measures that similarly work to support the creation of sustainable jobs. For example, Budget 2023 introduces a new 15 per cent clean electricity tax credit and a new 30 per cent investment tax credit for clean technology manufacturing and processing, and critical mineral extraction and processing. Investment tax credits for clean hydrogen and clean technologies announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement  and provide a refundable tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the capital cost of investments.Eligibility for the full benefit of each tax credit is dependent on adhering to labour requirements related to wage and apprenticeship targets for the benefitting project. The Fall Economic Statement also unveiled details of the Canada Growth Fund, which seeks to attract billions of dollars in private capital to reduce Canada’s emissions, grow the economy and create good jobs.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a net-zero world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykOn February 17, 2023 the Government of Canada released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to sustainable jobs legislation.The Government is preparing to introduce this legislation in 2023. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand; 
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and,
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, our current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.    
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01322441-01322 (Santé)RachelBlaneyNorth Island—Powell RiverNPDBC21 avril 20235 juin 202330 novembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, aimerions porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement les éléments suivants :Attendu que : Plus de 29 000 Canadiens sont décédés des suites d’une intoxication aux opioïdes entre janvier 2016 et décembre 2021. Ces personnes dont le décès découle de la crise évitable étaient des citoyens aimés et appréciés de notre pays: il s’agit de nos enfants, de nos frères et sœurs, de nos conjoints, de nos clients, de nos amis; Les politiques actuelles du Canada en matière de drogues se sont révélées inefficaces pour prévenir la consommation de substances et exacerbent les méfaits et les risques liés à une telle consommation. La « guerre contre les drogues » a entraîné une stigmatisation généralisée des personnes qui consomment des substances contrôlées. Elle a permis au crime organisé de devenir le fournisseur unique de la plupart de ces substances. La consommation problématique est un problème de santé qui ne peut être résolu en criminalisant la possession et la consommation individuelles. Dans les pays qui ont adopté des réformes progressives de leurs politiques en matière de drogues, la décriminalisation de la possession personnelle est associée à une réduction significative des décès dus à la toxicité des drogues.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de :1. Se livrer à une réforme de sa politique sur les drogues afin de décriminaliser la simple possession des substances dont la liste figure dans la Loi réglementant certaines drogues et autres substances;2. Mettre en place un processus de radiation des condamnations liées à la simple possession;3. Mettre en œuvre de toute urgence une stratégie nationale axée sur la santé afin d’assurer l’accès à un approvisionnement réglementé et plus sûr en opioïdes et d’accroître les services de traitement, de rétablissement et de réduction des méfaits axés sur les traumatismes ainsi que les campagnes d’éducation et de sensibilisation du public dans tout le Canada.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.The Government continues to deliver on its promise to work toward removing the stigma associated with convictions for simple possession of drugs.Expungement is intended for cases where the criminalization of an activity constitutes a historical injustice because, among other things, were it to occur today, it would be inconsistent with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Expungement was not intended to address changing societal norms, such as the legalization of cannabis or health and social issues such as the ongoing opioid crisis.However, originally introduced in Parliament on December 7, 2021, Bill C-5, an Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), was amended in September 2022 to address concerns about the ongoing stigma associated with a record of convictions for simple possession of drugs. It now specifies that past convictions under section 4(1) of the CDSA for possession of controlled drugs must be kept separate and apart from other criminal convictions within two years of the Bill’s coming into force. For convictions after the coming into force, the record of conviction must be kept separate and apart from other criminal convictions two years following sentence completion. This amendment is consistent with the underlying objective of the Bill to address the negative consequences associated with simple possession. The amendment acknowledges the calls from public health organizations and those who work with individuals with addictions. It helps address barriers to successful reintegration into society and also helps address a contributing cause of the ongoing opioid crisis, namely the stigmatization of people who use drugs. Bill C-5 received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022.Criminal records have a lasting impact on the ability of rehabilitated individuals to successfully reintegrate into society after overcoming personal challenges in their lives. Treating simple possession of drugs as a health and social issue means eliminating the stigma associated with convictions for simple possession.Public Safety Canada continues to work with other departments, including Health Canada and the Department of Justice, to support the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, and address the national drug crisis as part of its mandate to keep cities and communities safe.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $1 billion to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Close to $500 million through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) since 2017 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $45 million to develop national standards for mental health and substance use services, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations and key stakeholders, to address long-standing challenges in the delivery of mental health and substance use services and supports across the country; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada; and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $26 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of May 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites offering services has grown from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including; regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and, on-the- ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the CDSA to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the CDSA so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationSanté publique44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01321441-01321 (Citoyenneté et immigration)Ya'araSaksYork-CentreLibéralON21 avril 20235 juin 202331 mars 2023Pétition au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté Attendu que :
  • Les tremblements de terre de magnitude 7,7 et 7,6 survenus en Türkiye le 6 février 2023 ont détruit plus de 30 000 immeubles résidentiels, causé la perte de plus de 45 000 vies humaines et blessé plus de 150 000 personnes;
  • La région touchée s’étend de Windsor à Ottawa et compte près de 15 millions d’habitants;
  • Les membres de la diaspora turque, qui compte plus de 150 000 personnes et qui ne cesse de croître, ont des membres de leur famille qui sont blessés, qui ont perdu leur maison et qui n’ont pas d’endroit où vivre.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, collègues et amis des Turcs, prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté :1. de prendre des mesures urgentes au moyen d’instructions ministérielles afin d’assouplir les exigences en matière de visa de résident temporaire pour les membres de la famille des Canadiens, les résidents permanents et les autres personnes résidant au Canada en vertu de divers statuts temporaires, qui ont été touchés par le tremblement de terre dévastateur en Türkiye;2. de suspendre temporairement les conditions énoncées au paragraphe 11(2) de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (LIPR) pour les victimes du tremblement de terre qui ont des membres de leur famille au Canada, afin de faciliter leur entrée au Canada et de leur permettre de retrouver leurs proches pendant cette période difficile;3. de dispenser temporairement les victimes du tremblement de terre des frais de demande de visa, des exigences en matière de collecte des données biométriques et des frais connexes, afin qu’elles n’aient pas à payer des frais supplémentaires et à subir des retards au cours de la procédure de demande; 4. d’élargir temporairement la définition de « membre de la famille immédiate » pour y inclure les frères et sœurs des résidents du Canada, afin de faciliter le regroupement familial grâce à des mesures humanitaires temporaires.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to helping those suffering in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. In addition to its regular immigration pathways, special measures have been introduced to facilitate the victims of this tragedy.When responding to international crises, the Government of Canada tailors its immigration measures to the unique conditions of each event and the needs of the affected population. Although every situation is different, we are always guided by the same values and principles. We evaluate how Canada can best help by looking at what solutions are most appropriate, including waiving fees or requirements, as well as whether existing immigration and refugee programs are sufficient or if new ones are required.  We strive to balance our commitment to assist those in need, with upholding the security, safety, and well-being of Canadians.On March 18, 2023, the Government announced a suite of immigration measures to support Turkish and Syrian nationals, as well as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. These include:
  • Free extensions of temporary residence status for Turkish and Syrian nationals studying, working, or visiting family in Canada; 
  • Access to open work permits for Turkish and Syrian nationals already in Canada; 
  • Priority processing of temporary residence, permanent residence, and refugee resettlement applications from persons in the affected regions, including for family members; 
  • Waiving travel document requirements for permanent resident visas, as some permanent residence applicants may have lost their passports as a result of the earthquakes; and, 
  • Waiving fees for temporary passports, limited-validity passports, emergency travel documents, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents, to assist Canadian citizens and permanent residents in their return to Canada from the affected area.
These facilitation measures for Turkiye and Syria are consistent with Canada’s response to other urgent humanitarian situations, including recently announced measures for nationals of Iran. Family member is defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations under provision 1(3), and includes a spouse or common-law partner, a dependent child, or a dependent child of a dependent child. This definition is generally used in context where an applicant is seeking to bring dependents under a temporary or permanent resident program. In addition, the Government of Canada has a generous family reunification program that uses a broader definition of who is a family member under our sponsorship program. These pathways allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor, as permanent residents, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children (including adopted children), and other relatives in specific circumstances (for example, orphaned relatives under the age of 18 or a relative of any relation to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident provided the sponsor has no sponsorable relatives). As such, a sibling can come to Canada as an accompanying dependent child when sponsoring a parent, or under the “other relative” category.  Alternatively, applications for permanent residence can also be made under humanitarian and compassionate considerations, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.The Government of Canada remains steadfast in its support for the Turkish and Syrian people during this difficult time. While we are not currently looking at broadening the definition of family member or introducing additional exceptional waivers at this time, such as the proposed further exemptions from temporary residence (fees, biometrics) or permanent residence (sponsorship) requirements in this petition, we continue to monitor the situation and the outcomes of the special measures that are now in place.
Passeports et visasRéunification des famillesSéismesTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01320441-01320 (Aliments et boissons)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC21 avril 20235 juin 202320 octobre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada : ATTENDU QUE :
  • En leur qualité de pépinières d’entreprises, d’architectes des systèmes nationaux et de la sécurité alimentaire, et de bâtisseurs communautaires qui stimulent l’économie locale, les marchés agricoles jouent un rôle essentiel à la relance économique postpandémique. De plus, les programmes de coupons d’alimentation dans les marchés agricoles sont un outil important pour créer de nouveaux marchés et soutenir les marchés existants et les associations provinciales dont ils relèvent;
  • Les programmes de coupons d’alimentation dans les marchés agricoles favorisent la sécurité et la résilience alimentaires en donnant à des personnes vulnérables une occasion de se procurer des aliments locaux sains et d’apprendre comment mieux s’alimenter, et ils améliorent la santé physique et mentale de leurs adhérents en leur permettant de consommer une plus grande quantité de fruits et de légumes variés;
  • Forte de 135 marchés membres, de plus de 4 000 marchands et d’un long partenariat avec sa province, l’association des marchés agricoles de la Colombie-Britannique offre un excellent modèle de programme de coupons d’alimentation dans les marchés agricoles; elle distribue ses coupons hebdomadaires à près de 16 000 familles vulnérables, personnes âgées et femmes enceintes, et 1 909 000 coupons sont présentés à des agriculteurs locaux. Le taux moyen d’utilisation des coupons s’élève actuellement à plus de 91 %, et 79 % des participants affirment que le programme a eu une incidence durable sur leurs habitudes alimentaires;
  • Un programme national qui offrirait une contribution équivalente à celle des programmes provinciaux permettrait de mieux répondre à la demande, encouragerait les provinces dépourvues d’un tel programme à en créer un, et aiderait les provinces à élargir les programmes existants pour satisfaire à la demande.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer la motion M-78 et de lancer un programme national pour tous les programmes provinciaux de coupons d’alimentation dans les marchés agricoles qui offrirait une contribution équivalente à celle qu’offrent déjà les provinces et qui proposerait d’offrir une contribution équivalente pour tout nouveau programme.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): HONOURABLE MARIE CLAUDE-BIBEAU, PC, MPOn June 17, 2019, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) launched the first Food Policy for Canada, a whole-of-government approach supporting the vision that “All people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious and culturally diverse food. Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.”The Food Policy for Canada is an ambitious initiative, the product of consultation and collaboration with Canadians across the country. The Government of Canada heard from more than 45,000 Canadians, including agricultural producers and processors, experts in environment, health and food security, Indigenous groups, non-government organizations, and community advocates.Recognizing the importance of helping communities access healthy food, AAFC is delivering the Local Food Infrastructure Fund, a Food Policy initiative with $70 million in funding to strengthen local food systems and to facilitate access to safe and nutritious food for at-risk populations.To date, the Local Food Infrastructure Fund has committed $55.3 million to support over 900 vital food security projects across Canada, such as: community gardens and kitchens; refrigerated trucks and storage units for donated food; greenhouses in remote and Northern communities; and more.The Government of Canada also delivered the $330 million Emergency Food Security Fund by providing funding to national and regional organizations, which in turn supported food banks and local food organizations across Canada. This emergency fund helped improve access to food for people experiencing food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic.In British Columbia, the FMNCP program is supported by the Province of British Columbia, the Provincial Health Services Authority and community donors. The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Multisectoral Partnership Program supported a similar initiative, with an investment of $1.5M from 2020 to 2024 to expand Community Food Centres Canada’s Community Food Centres Canada (cfccanada.ca) to 30 locations across Canada. The Market Greens initiative supports increased access to low-cost fresh produce markets and offers fruit and vegetable vouchers/coupons that can be used at participating local affordable markets.Thank you for the sharing your proposal to improve Canadians’ access to healthy, local foods through farmers markets and The Farmers’ Market Nutrition Coupon Program. The Government of Canada remains committed to considering all opportunities to improve food security for Canadians and a vibrant, productive agriculture sector in Canada.
Aliments et boissonsApprovisionnement alimentaireMarchés de producteursProgramme de bons alimentaires dans les marchés agricoles
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01319441-01319 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB21 avril 20235 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of April 28, 2023, we have welcomed 30,455 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée5 juin 2023441-01318441-01318 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB20 avril 20235 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of April 28, 2023, we have welcomed 30,455 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01317441-01317 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01316441-01316 (Droits de la personne)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01315441-01315 (Justice)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 202330 novembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies. The Parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) recently completed its review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to MAID and their application, and of other issues, including those relating to mature minors (i.e., minors who have the capacity to make medical decisions). AMAD’s final report was tabled in Parliament on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023e-4198e-4198 (Affaires et commerce)MattClarkMikeMorriceKitchener-CentreParti vertON17 novembre 2022 à 9 h 47 (HAE)15 février 2023 à 9 h 47 (HAE)19 avril 20232 juin 202320 février 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Le droit au logement est un droit fondamental de la personne reconnu par la Loi sur la stratégie nationale sur le logement et le droit international en matière de droits de la personne;Les logements doivent avant tout être destinés à être habités par des personnes, et non pas être un produit commercialisé par des investisseurs institutionnels;La marchandisation du logement, y compris la croissance rapide des investisseurs institutionnels tels que les fiducies de placement immobilier (FPI) et de leurs avoirs, a largement contribué à l’inabordabilité et a aggravé la crise du logement;Les FPI, qui comprennent certaines des plus grandes sociétés propriétaires du Canada, bénéficient depuis longtemps d’un traitement fiscal spécial de la part du gouvernement fédéral; Les FPI sont exemptées de l’impôt sur le revenu des sociétés en transférant leurs revenus aux investisseurs de la société;Le gouvernement renonce à des revenus considérables en autorisant ces exemptions d’impôts; Les FPI étaient propriétaires de zéro logement locatif en 1996 et ce nombre est passé à près de 200 000 en 2021, et les sociétés financières détiennent entre 20 et 30 % du parc de logements expressément construits pour la location au pays.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada : 1. D'éliminer immédiatement les exemptions d’impôt dont bénéficient les FPI et assujettir ces dernières au taux normal d’imposition des sociétés, soit 38 %; 2. D'utiliser les revenus générés pour investir dans des logements sans but lucratif et coopératifs de qualité, abordables et décents; 3. D'invoquer les lois antitrust pour limiter l’agglomération d’unités de logement dans une seule collectivité ou un seul quartier par un seul investisseur institutionnel.
Response by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Soraya Martinez FerradaThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners from Kitchener Centre for sharing their concerns about the right to a safe and affordable place to call home.The government recognizes that homes should be for Canadians to live in—not a financial asset class, and we remain concerned with the financialization of housing across Canada. That is why we have already moved forward initiative, such as a two-year ban on the purchase of residential real estate by non-resident, non-Canadian buyers. We have also committed to reviewing the tax treatment of large corporate players, such as Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and their role in the financialization of housing.Our Government strongly believes that all Canadians should have access to safe and affordable housing. That is why we introduced Canada’s first ever National Housing Strategy (NHS) and passed a legislation to make sure future governments do the same. The National Housing Strategy is an $82-billion plan that sets ambitious targets to ensure that unprecedented investments and new programming deliver results.The National Housing Strategy Act (the Act) that came into force in July 2019 and represents an historic milestone for housing in Canada. The Act sets out a housing policy that recognizes the right to adequate housing as a fundamental human right affirmed in international law.The Act requires the federal government to maintain a National Housing Strategy to further the housing policy, taking into account key principles of a human rights-based approach to housing. The Act also created the Federal Housing Advocate and established a National Housing Council. Together, they help identify systemic barriers to accessing affordable housing and advise the Government on housing policy in Canada.The National Housing Council provides advice to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, including on the effectiveness of the National Housing Strategy, with the aim of improving housing outcomes. The members of the National Housing Council were appointed on November 22, 2020. For more information on the members and the mandate of the National Housing Council, please visit https://nhc-cnl.ca/.Supporting and growing community housing in Canada is a priority under the NHS, and the federal government has committed more than $11 billion in ongoing support for this objective.The NHS delivers concrete results. It helps to create over 160,000 new housing units and repair another 300,000. It is removing as many as 530,000 households from housing need. And, since 2015, our investments have helped nearly 2 million families and individuals get the housing they need.We will not rest until every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home that meets their needs.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe reply from the Department of Finance to part 1) is as follows:The government recognizes that homes should be for Canadians to live in—not a financial asset class. The Government of Canada remains concerned with the financialization of housing across Canada and is committed to ensuring that investor activity, especially among those who own a significant number of investment properties such as Real Estate Investment Trusts, is helping, not hurting, housing affordability in Canada. To this end, the government indicated in Budget 2023 that policy changes applicable to all large corporate landlords could be considered to ensure best outcomes on affordability and fair treatment of tenants.The government has also introduced important measures to address the financialization of housing including a two-year ban on foreign investment in Canadian housing, a tax on under-used foreign-owned homes, the taxing of assignment sales, and ensuring that property flippers pay their fair share.
Fonds de placement immobilierImpôt des sociétésLogement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01313441-01313 (Affaires étrangères)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC19 avril 20232 juin 202318 avril 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :
  • Les pensionnés perdent des dizaines de milliers de dollars au cours de leur retraite;
  • La crise inflationniste actuelle fait que beaucoup de personnes âgées ont du mal à joindre les deux bouts;
  • Le Canada arrive au deuxième rang derrière l’Australie quant au nombre de pensionnés britanniques sur son territoire, qui est d’environ 144 000;
  • L’indexation des pensions dépend entièrement des ententes conclues avec les pays concernés, et le Canada n’a pas d’entente à cet effet avec le Royaume-Uni;
  • Les pensionnés britanniques qui sont installés aux États-Unis, en Jamaïque et dans l’Union européenne, par exemple, reçoivent leur pleine pension d’État britannique, qui est indexée annuellement, car ces pays ont des ententes de sécurité sociale réciproques avec le Royaume-Uni;
  • Même les citoyens britanniques qui vivent aujourd’hui au Canada et qui ont continué à cotiser à leur régime alors qu’ils vivaient hors du Royaume-Uni ne bénéficient pas d’une pension indexée;
  • Les pensions sont des salaires différés et elles doivent être à même de soutenir les personnes qui en dépendent;
  • Pour certaines personnes âgées, la perte de revenus peut signifier une retraite dans la pauvreté;
  • La Canadian Alliance of British Pensioners estime que le gel des pensions britanniques coûte à l’économie canadienne près d’un milliard de dollars par an.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de négocier la fin du gel de l’indice du coût de la vie par le gouvernement du Royaume-Uni pour les bénéficiaires de la pension d’État britannique qui vivent au Canada.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada.The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada. In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK  regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions. In June 2021, the former Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions.Most recently in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade, encouraging her assistance on resolving this high priority issue for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate. 
Response by the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic DevelopmentSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Arif ViraniUnder UK law, UK State Pensions are paid anywhere in the world. For many UK pensioners living in countries outside the UK, including in Canada, pensions are not adjusted for increases in the cost of living. Pensions are paid at the same rate as when pensioners became entitled, or the date they left the UK if they were already pensioners.Over the years, the Government of Canada has sought to address this issue with the UK, including by proposing that the two countries negotiate a comprehensive social security agreement (SSA) that would provide for the indexation of UK pensions. To date, the UK has maintained its long-standing position that it cannot consider the indexation of UK pensions paid into Canada.The UK policy of non-indexation is codified in UK domestic law. A bilateral agreement with Canada is not required if the UK chooses to pay indexed pensions into Canada.In 2020, the British Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Frozen British Pensions   launched an inquiry regarding the impact of the UK Government’s approach to UK State Pensions paid to UK pensioners living abroad. The final report was released in December 2020. The Government of Canada presented a submission on the issue regarding the non-indexation of UK pensions paid in Canada, for the APPG’s consideration. The submission is consistent with Canada’s position of support for UK pensioners living in Canada.In November 2020, Employment and Social Development Canada officials wrote to the UK Government’s Department for Work and Pensions, seeking their interest in concluding a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK.In March 2021, motions were presented in both the House of Commons in Canada and the UK regarding the UK’s non-indexation policy, urging the UK to negotiate a SSA with Canada that would allow for the indexation of pensions.In June 2021, the former Minister of Seniors, in her capacity as the Minister responsible for concluding SSAs on behalf of the Government of Canada, sent a letter to the UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to formally request the conclusion of a comprehensive SSA between Canada and the UK, which would provide for the indexation of UK pensions.In April 2022, the Minister of Seniors, met with the British High Commissioner to Canada, to reiterate Canada’s longstanding position that UK pensioners who live in Canada should be recognized for the contributions they have made to society and should be treated equally, regardless of where they live.In June and October 2022, the Minister of Seniors, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department for Work and Pensions to reiterate Canada’s request to conclude a comprehensive bilateral SSA that would provide for the eligibility of benefits and the payment of indexed UK pensions.Most recently in April 2023, the Minister of Seniors together with the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, wrote to the UK Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade, encouraging her assistance on resolving this high priority issue for the Government of Canada.The Government of Canada will continue to raise this issue with the UK through various channels, where appropriate.
Indexation des pensionsRoyaume-Uni
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01312441-01312 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies. The Parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) recently completed its review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to MAID and their application, and of other issues, including those relating to mature minors (i.e., minors who have the capacity to make medical decisions). AMAD’s final report was tabled in Parliament on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01311441-01311 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre ce qui suit : Attendu que le Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination a produit son rapport final au début de 2022;Attendu que le rapport demande que le clergé des religions qui ont un point de vue différent de celui du ministère de la Défense nationale sur le genre et la sexualité soit banni en tant qu’aumôniers dans les Forces armées canadiennes; Attendu que le rapport qualifie même les religions canadiennes dominantes de discriminatoires, misogynes et sexistes;Attendu que tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres et les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, ont droit à la liberté de religion garantie par la Charte;Attendu que les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes servent tous les membres des Forces sans distinction de religion, de sexe ou d’orientation sexuelle; Attendu que la discrimination fondée sur la religion est répréhensible et offensante pour les Canadiens.C’est pourquoi nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes :1. De rejeter les recommandations sur l’aumônerie dans les Forces armées canadiennes contenues dans le rapport final du Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination;2. D’affirmer le droit de tous les Canadiens, y compris les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, à la liberté de religion.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayLast April, the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination released a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure Canada’s military is safe and welcoming for all. Work is underway to assess the implications of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, including those on the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is coordinating an analysis of each recommendation.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s (RCChS) primary goal is the care of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, without exceptions. It is already the expectation that CAF chaplains uphold the values and ethos of the CAF, just like every other member of the military. When chaplains apply for their roles within the chaplaincy, they undergo a rigorous process to assess their ability to provide spiritual support within the context of CAF values. Anyone who successfully makes it through this assessment has demonstrated their ability to provide religious or spiritual counsel to CAF members of all or no faiths, without judgement or exception.To this end, the RCChS continues to embrace CAF values and ethos, and has taken significant steps in the past several years to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, as of 2019, in order to better serve the CAF and represent the religious/spiritual diversity of Canadian society, the RCChS sought to include a wider number of traditions not previously represented in CAF chaplaincy. This resulted in the enrollment of chaplains from Sikh, Buddhist, and Humanist traditions. The RCChS also shifted from the historical requirement of “ordained” status to a more broadly defined status of “credentialed as a faith tradition leader.” In doing so, the RCChS has ensured wider opportunities for women from faith traditions where they cannot be ordained, but who meet qualification standards for CAF chaplaincy as credentialed faith tradition leaders. This is already the case for Roman Catholic and Muslim women, currently serving in the RCChS, and will now be an option for women from other faith traditions.To further promote diversity and inclusion, the RCChS has instituted several new advisor positions, including an Indigenous Advisor, 2SLGBTQi+ Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Advisor, Gender Advisor, and Advisor to the Commander of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and innovate. These advisors play a critical role in providing strategic input and advice to ensure direction and guidance, and programs integrate diverse perspectives with a view to enhancing inclusive engagement on behalf of the RCChS. The CAF continues to take positive steps to ensure that the chaplaincy represents Canadian society and supports the needs of its broader membership.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionForces canadiennesGroupe consultatif du Ministère sur le racisme systémique, la discrimination, notamment le racisme anti-Autochtones et anti-Noirs, les préjugés LGBTQ2+, la discrimination sexuelle et la suprématie blancheServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01310441-01310 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 202311 février 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, portons à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : Attendu que :Malgré la libération récente des Canadiens Micheal Spavor et Micheal Korvig après 1 000 jours de détention injuste en Chine, au moins 115 Canadiens sont toujours emprisonnés en Chine, dont Huseyin Celil, détenu depuis plus de 5 000 jours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien d’origine ouïghoure qui milite pour la défense des droits de la personne et qui est détenu en Chine pour avoir soutenu les droits politiques et religieux des Ouïghours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien qui a fui la Chine en Ouzbékistan après avoir été injustement emprisonné pendant 48 jours en 2001 et qui, après avoir été reconnu par les Nations Unies comme un réfugié, a immigré au Canada où il a obtenu la citoyenneté canadienne et renoncé à sa citoyenneté chinoise; Le gouvernement chinois a refusé de reconnaître la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui a refusé l’accès à un avocat, à sa famille et aux autorités canadiennes, alors qu’il a été contraint de signer des aveux et qu’il a subi un procès illégal et inéquitable;Il est désormais évident que le traitement des Ouïghours par le gouvernement chinois répond à la plupart, sinon à la totalité des critères relatifs au génocide définis dans la Convention des Nations Unies pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide; Le Canada ne peut rester insensible à la souffrance injuste d’un citoyen canadien. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes afin de corriger la situation : 1. Exiger que le gouvernement chinois reconnaisse la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui fournisse des services consulaires et juridiques conformément au droit international; 2. Déclarer officiellement que la libération de Huseyin Celil de sa détention en Chine et son retour au Canada sont des priorités du gouvernement canadien au même titre que l’étaient la libération de Michael Kovrig et Michael Spavor; 3. Nommer un envoyé spécial chargé d’obtenir la libération de M. Celil; 4. Demander l’aide de l’administration Biden et d’autres alliés à travers le monde pour obtenir la libération de M. Celil.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe case of Mr. Huseyincan Celil is a priority for Canada, as the Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned with his detention. Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil’s case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so. While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case. The Government of Canada will continue to seek access to Mr. Celil in order to verify his well-being.The safety and well-being of Canadians abroad remain of utmost importance to Canada.
Canadiens à l'étrangerCelil, HuseyincanChineDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01309441-01309 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 20232 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • Le caractère libre et équitable des procès, l’indépendance judiciaire et la primauté du droit sont des pierres angulaires de la démocratie canadienne;
  • Depuis juin 2019, des manifestations pour la démocratie, la liberté, le suffrage universel et l’autonomie régionale ont lieu à Hong Kong;
  • À de nombreuses reprises, des manifestants pacifiques de Hong Kong ont été accusés et reconnus coupables d’infractions pénales par un système judiciaire qui n’est ni impartial, ni équitable, ni libre;
  • L’article 36 de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés (L.C. 2001, ch. 27) prévoit que les étrangers qui ont commis une infraction à l’extérieur du Canada ou qui en ont été déclarés coupables sont interdits de territoire au Canada pour cause de criminalité et de grande criminalité;
  • Les Hongkongais qui ont été arbitrairement accusés et déclarés coupables d’infractions pénales pour des raisons politiques dans le contexte du mouvement prodémocratie risquent d’être déclarés interdits de territoire au Canada.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Reconnaître la politisation du pouvoir judiciaire à Hong Kong et son incidence sur la légitimité et la validité des condamnations au criminel; 2. Affirmer son engagement à considérer comme nulles et non avenues, aux fins de l’alinéa 36(1)c), toutes les accusations et condamnations prononcées sous le régime de la loi sur la sécurité nationale; 3. Créer un mécanisme par lequel les Hongkongais reconnus coupables d’infractions liées au mouvement prodémocratie pourront fournir des explications sur ces condamnations, afin que les fonctionnaires du gouvernement puissent accorder des exemptions aux Hongkongais déclarés interdits de territoire au titre des alinéas L36(1)b), (2)b) et (2)c), après avoir examiné les circonstances et déterminé que le casier judiciaire du demandeur est de nature politique; 4. Collaborer avec le Royaume-Uni, les États-Unis, la France, l’Australie, la Nouvelle-Zélande et d’autres démocraties pour que les habitants de Hong Kong qui ont été condamnés pour des raisons politiques et qui n’ont autrement pas de casier judiciaire ne soient pas interdits de territoire pour motif de criminalité.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. Foreign charges and convictions are examined to see whether they would have been an offence under Canadian laws if they had occurred in Canada.Immigration officers determine if there is an equivalent offence in Canada for the act committed. If there is no equivalent offence, the individual would not be inadmissible for having committed or being convicted for that offence. For example, as there is no equivalent offence in Canada for peaceful protesting, a charge or conviction for having partaken in such activities would not make an individual inadmissible to Canada.Where there are some similarities between the foreign law and Canadian law, a person would only be inadmissible if the underlying action is considered an offence in Canada.Immigration officers review all applications on a case-by-case basis, considering the specific facts presented by the applicant. All inadmissibility decisions are based on evidence, which may consist of police or intelligence reports, statutory declarations or other documents—such as media articles or publicly-available information.Decision-makers are required to follow the rules of procedural fairness throughout the decision-making process. In the event that an immigration officer has concerns over the criminal admissibility of an applicant, the individual is informed and given an opportunity to provide a response to concerns about their application.If an officer determines that an applicant is inadmissible to come to Canada, they may consider, on a case-by-case basis, using relief mechanisms available under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. For example, a temporary resident permit may be issued, when justified in the circumstances, to allow an inadmissible foreign national to enter Canada.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada has a special relationship with Hong Kong that is rooted in a shared history and extensive commercial, institutional and people-to-people ties.(1) The maintenance of Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, as expressed through the One Country, Two Systems framework, is a high priority for the Government of Canada. Under this framework, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is vested with executive, legislative and independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication. Canada remains committed to supporting Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy within the One Country, Two Systems framework, and to working with international partners to advance the goal of a free, stable and prosperous Hong Kong where human rights and fundamental freedoms under the Basic Law are guaranteed. We will continue to monitor developments in Hong Kong closely, including those relating to the territory’s judicial system, and reserve the right to undertake appropriate action in response to future developments.(4) In advance of the imposition of the National Security law in Hong Kong on June 30, 2020, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on May 22, 2020, expressing deep concern over proposals to introduce national security legislation in Hong Kong. Another statement was issued with Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States on May 28, 2020, reiterating concerns over the anticipated introduction of the National Security Law. On June 17, 2020, Canada joined its G7 partners to release a joint statement urging China to reconsider its decision.Following the imposition and implementation of the National Security Law, Canada has worked in concert with international partners to support the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Hong Kong residents and Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law and the One Country, Two Systems framework. Canada also announced new immigration initiatives for Hong Kong and has sought to complement and align these initiatives with measures taken by our likeminded partners.Subsequently, following the adoption by the National People’s Congress of a package of changes to the electoral system in Hong Kong in March 2021, the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States and the High Representative of the European Union, also released a joint statement expressing grave concerns at the Chinese authorities’ decision. The joint statement made it clear such a decision strongly indicates that the authorities in mainland China are determined to eliminate dissenting voices and opinions in Hong Kong, while also stifling political pluralism, contrary to the aim of moving towards universal suffrage as set out in the Basic Law.The wider chilling effects of the National Security Law and the growing restrictions on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, which are being felt across civil society is deeply concerning. On December 20, 2021 Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, as well as the Foreign Ministers of the G7, noting the outcome of the Legislative Council elections in Hong Kong, issued separate statements expressing grave concern over the erosion of democratic elements of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s electoral system. On February 17, 2022, Canada and 21 other members of the Media Freedom Coalition issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern at the Chinese authorities’ attacks on freedom of the press and their suppression of independent local media in Hong Kong.While Canada and its partners share a common interest in Hong Kong’s prosperity and security, each country has its own legislative framework and is responsible for applying its own sovereign rules and procedures, including those related to immigration and admissibility.Foreign nationals who are charged or convicted for an offence outside Canada are not automatically barred from entering or remaining in Canada. Inadmissibility decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.
Casiers judiciairesDroits de la personneHong KongImmigration et immigrantsPolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01308441-01308 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023e-4350e-4350 (Citoyenneté et immigration)KatiaHabraEmmanuellaLambropoulosSaint-LaurentLibéralQC3 mars 2023 à 14 h 46 (HAE)2 avril 2023 à 14 h 46 (HAE)19 avril 20232 juin 20233 avril 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278908" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté</Addressee>Attendu que : Le 6 février 2023, un séisme de magnitude 7,8 a secoué la Turquie et le nord de la Syrie; Plus de 50 000 personnes sont mortes et des centaines de milliers ont été blessées ou laissées sans abri dans des conditions glaciales; Le peuple syrien porte les cicatrices de 12 années de guerre, dont les effets entravent les efforts d’aide; En proie aux conflits, aux pénuries de nourriture et d’eau, à l’effondrement économique et à une récente épidémie de choléra, les infrastructures nationales du pays sont à un point de rupture depuis des années;Une crise humanitaire se profile : l’avenir des personnes vulnérables est encore plus incertain; Des milliers d’enfants sont orphelins, sans abri, affamés, et n’ont pas accès à l’éducation ni aux soins de santé; Aucun des programmes de réfugiés existants au Canada n’est adapté à la situation des Syriens déplacés à l’intérieur du pays;De nombreux réfugiés syriens parrainés sont arrivés au Canada ces dernières années et ont très bien su s’intégrer.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résident du Canada, demandons au ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de : 1. Mettre en place une politique publique pour faciliter et accélérer l’octroi du statut de résident permanent aux enfants qui se sont retrouvés sans abri et qui ont perdu au moins un parent à cause du séisme, ainsi qu’au parent survivant qui les accompagne ou un autre adulte dont ils dépendent pour leurs besoins économiques, émotionnels et sociaux; 2. Mettre en place une politique publique visant à faciliter et à accélérer le parrainage, au titre de la catégorie du regroupement familial, par des citoyens canadiens ou des résidents permanents, de n’importe lequel de leurs parents syriens qui déclarent avoir été directement et considérablement touchés par le séisme (sans égard aux limites au parrainage d’un parent en vertu de l’alinéa 117(1)h) du Règlement sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés).
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada understands the serious toll the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria have taken on those who live in the affected areas, and is committed to providing support in these difficult times.Recently, Canada announced a number of special immigration measures to support Turkish and Syrian nationals. Turkish and Syrian nationals who are already in Canada to study, work, or visit family can apply to extend their status free of charge, or change their temporary status (for example, visitor to temporary worker). Additionally, recognizing that some Canadian citizens and permanent residents may have lost their travel documents in the earthquakes, the Government of Canada is waiving fees for temporary passports, emergency travel documents, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents, to make it easier for them to return to Canada. Turkish and Syrian national clients who have lost their passports in the earthquakes may also be exempted from the requirement to provide a passport or travel document to be approved for a permanent resident visa to come to Canada.The Government of Canada is not, at this time, contemplating a public policy to grant permanent resident status to children. Presently, children are sponsored to immigrate to Canada by their parent in Canada or as accompanying dependents on a permanent resident application. The proposed public policy would require children to be the principal applicant in a permanent resident application, bringing their accompanying parent to Canada, which raises concerns about the best interest of a child (factors relating to a child’s emotional, social, cultural and physical welfare) in thecontext of having no ties to Canada. As an alternative, applications for permanent residence can be made under humanitarian and compassionate considerations, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.Canada has been prioritizing the processing of applications, including family reunification applications, for those that live in the affected regions. This prioritization includes overseas temporary and permanent residence applications from people of any nationality in the affected regions so that they could travel to, or join their loved ones in Canada as quickly as possible. This includes applications from family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as applications for refugee resettlement. A variety of Canadian immigration programs continue to be available for people who qualify, including the family sponsorship program. Canada has a generous family reunification program that allows for the sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children including adopted children, or orphaned relatives under the age of 18. To further help facilitate family reunification, Canada also offers parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents the ability to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and allows extended stays of up to five years at a time.Taken together, these measures provide support and relief to Turkish and Syrian nationals during this difficult time.
Migration et migrantsSéismesSyrie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01306441-01306 (Processus démocratique)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC19 avril 20232 juin 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • Lors d’un sondage d’Angus Reid réalisé en septembre : 85 % des personnes interrogées étaient favorables à la création d’une assemblée de citoyens qui serait chargée de délibérer sur la réforme électorale; 79 % étaient favorables à la création d’une assemblée nationale de citoyens qui serait chargée de la réforme électorale après l’élection fédérale de 2019, peu importe le parti au pouvoir; 90 % étaient d’accord pour que les partis coopèrent; et 80 % étaient d’accord pour dire que le Parlement doit refléter les votes des citoyens;
  • La distorsion entre les résultats de la récente élection fédérale et les votes illustre clairement la nécessité de réformer le système électoral;
  • Un sondage d’Angus Reid réalisé en novembre a révélé que la majorité des électeurs de toutes les provinces, de tous les groupes d’âge et de tous les grands partis politiques étaient favorables à la représentation proportionnelle;
  • Des assemblées de citoyens ont été établies avec succès au Canada, en Australie, en Belgique, en France, en Irlande, en Écosse et au Royaume-Uni pour s’attaquer à des questions difficiles;
  • Une Assemblée nationale de citoyens chargée de la réforme électorale permettrait aux citoyens de jouer un rôle de premier plan dans l’établissement de la réforme électorale au Canada; permettrait à un groupe représentatif de citoyens, libre de toute influence partisane et de tout intérêt partisan, de délibérer concrètement sur la réforme électorale; permettrait d’établir un consensus au sujet des changements recommandés dans notre système électoral; devrait être établie dès que possible pour que ses recommandations puissent être adoptées avant la prochaine élection fédérale.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement :
  • D’établir une assemblées nationale de citoyens sur la réforme électorale;
  • D’exiger que l’assemblée de citoyens termine ses travaux dans les 12 mois;
  • D’adopter tous les changements que l’assemblée recommandera d’apporter à notre système électoral avant la prochaine élection fédérale.
Response by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is committed to strengthening Canada’s democratic institutions. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy. Among many things it provides Canadians with a direct connection to their Members of Parliament (MP), who must work with each other in developing national policy and making political decisions, while engaging and remaining accountable to their constituents in an increasingly digital and connected Canada.The first-past-the-post system is not perfect – no system is – but it has served Canada well for over 150 years and continues to advance the democratic values that Canadians want reflected in their system of government. This includes strong local representation, stability, and accountability. How Canadians vote and how we govern ourselves is fundamentally important and impacts us all. Given this, the Government’s view has been very clear – any major reforms to the electoral system should not be made without the broad support of Canadians.However, there are a number of ways in which the Government continues to seek to improve Canada’s federal electoral process. Notably, in 2018, the Government introduced the Elections Modernization Act, which represented a significant reform of the Canada Elections Act, which modernized the electoral process, making it easier for Canadians to participate in elections and further bolstering Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Assemblée citoyenne nationale sur la réforme électoraleConsultation du publicRéforme électorale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01305441-01305 (Affaires étrangères)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON19 avril 20232 juin 20233 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le Falun Gong est une discipline spirituelle chinoise traditionnelle qui préconise la méditation, l’exercice et des enseignements moraux fondés sur les principes de la franchise, de la compassion et de la tolérance;En juillet 1999, le Parti communiste chinois a lancé une intense campagne nationale de persécution en vue d’éradiquer le Falun Gong. Par centaines de milliers, des adeptes du Falun Gong ont été détenus dans des camps de travail forcé, des centres de lavage de cerveau et des prisons, où la torture et les sévices sont courants; des milliers en sont morts;L’avocat canadien David Matas et l’ancien secrétaire d’État canadien (Asie-Pacifique) David Kilgour ont fait enquête en 2006 et ont conclu que le régime chinois et ses agences partout en Chine ont mis à mort des prisonniers de conscience du mouvement Falun Gong par dizaines de milliers. Leurs organes vitaux ont été prélevés contre leur gré et revendus au prix fort;L’organisme Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting (DAFOH) a recueilli environ 1,5 million de signatures dans plus de 50 pays sur une pétition qu’il a présentée au Haut-Commissaire des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme et qui réclame des mesures immédiates pour mettre fin à la pratique contraire à l’éthique que constitue le prélèvement forcé d’organes en Chine, ainsi qu’à la persécution du Falun Gong;Le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution condamnant le prélèvement abusif d’organes en Chine et exhortant le gouvernement chinois à mettre fin immédiatement à la pratique de prélever les organes de prisonniers de conscience. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, prions le Parlement et le gouvernement canadien :A) D’adopter une résolution en vue de prendre des mesures pour faire cesser l’assassinat systématique et criminel par le régime communiste chinois d’adeptes du Falun Gong afin de prélever leurs organes;B) De modifier les lois de manière à combattre le prélèvement forcé d’organes;C) De demander publiquement que cesse la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée2 juin 2023441-01304441-01304 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB19 avril 20232 juin 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of April 20, 2023, we have welcomed 30,455 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic minority communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021, and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca.
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023441-01303441-01303 (Protection des consommateurs)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB18 avril 20231 juin 202322 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, résidents de la province du Manitoba, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur les faits suivants :Attendu que :Le Centre antifraude du Canada signale une augmentation du blanchiment d’argent et de la fraude avec la mise en place de faux comptes bancaires, dans lesquels l’argent des comptes d’épargne de personnes âgées trompées est déposé, potentiellement dans le but de financer le terrorisme;Le gouvernement de la Colombie-Britannique évalue que 46,7 milliards de dollars ont été blanchis dans l’économie canadienne en 2018;Le CANAFE (Centre d’analyse des opérations et déclarations financières du Canada) affirme que les exigences ne sont pas suffisantes pour empêcher les fraudeurs de transférer illégalement de l’argent, sous prétexte de légitimité, par le système de virement télégraphique au Canada;Notre population canadienne croissante de retraités est de plus en plus la cible de fraudeurs en raison de la richesse qu’ils ont accumulée au cours de toute leur vie pour les aider à financer leur retraite et en raison de leur vulnérabilité causée par un manque de mesures de contrôle et de protection quant au transfert d’argent dans le système bancaire canadien;Des aînés voient leurs économies accumulées sur plusieurs années disparaître en raison de la sophistication des fraudeurs professionnels et des subterfuges que ces derniers utilisent pour exploiter les aînés ainsi que le système bancaire canadien actuel.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’entreprendre un examen en profondeur et exhaustif du système de transfert actuel de l’argent des citoyens canadiens dans l’objectif de mettre en place des procédures, des protocoles et des garde-fous plus stricts afin de protéger les personnes âgées, en particulier, contre la perte causée par la fraude de leurs économies et de leur richesse accumulées au cours de toute leur vie.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada is committed to a strong and comprehensive Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime. The government continually reviews the Regime to ensure that it is responsive to evolving risks. Since 2019, the government has made investments of over $319.9 million and a number of legislative and regulatory changes to enhance the effectiveness of the Regime.Budget 2023 proposes legislative amendments to strengthen the investigative, enforcement, and information sharing tools of Canada’s AML/ATF Regime. These amendments will complement the government’s Budget 2022 commitment to establish a new Canada Financial Crimes Agency to become the lead enforcement agency against financial crime.In keeping with the requirements of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, the government of Canada will launch a parliamentary review of this act this year. This review will include a public consultation that will examine ways to improve Canada's AML/ATF Regime, as well as examine how different orders of government can collaborate more closely.Illicit funds laundered by criminal actors are often generated illegally through fraud, including fraud that targets seniors. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canadians from these types of crimes. One major way it does so is through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which is the central repository for fraud information and intelligence in Canada, and is jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Competition Bureau of Canada. As a National Police Service function, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre gathers intelligence on fraud affecting Canadians, and assists all law enforcement agencies across Canada with fraud prevention and enforcement. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a Senior Support Unit entirely supported by volunteers who are dedicated to reducing the impact of fraud across Canada. The Senior Support Unit is a critical component of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, providing advice, education and reassurance to vulnerable Canadians targeted by fraudsters. The Senior Support Unit receives reports referred by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s Intake Unit, after identifying that further assistance for a senior or vulnerable individual is needed.
Banques et services bancairesPersonnes âgéesSécurité électronique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023441-01302441-01302 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC18 avril 20231 juin 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :L’avènement des changements climatiques nous obligera à réduire notre consommation d’énergie; 17 % de l’énergie consommée au Canada sert à chauffer les domiciles; La grande part de cette consommation découle d’un gaspillage causé par les appareils énergivores, la conception des maisons et l’isolation; La construction d’une maison écoénergétique revient moins cher que la rénovation d’une maison non écoénergétique.EN CONSÉQUENCE, LES PÉTITIONNAIRES prient le gouvernement du Canada de travailler de concert avec les provinces et territoires afin de mettre au point un nouveau code du bâtiment, qui réduirait la demande énergétique globale de 15 % par rapport à la consommation des structures actuelles.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.Our homes and buildings are where we live, work, study and gather. They are important to our well-being, our community, and a strong economy. However, the impacts of global warming demands that Canada take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors of the economy, including from our built environment. In response to the climate crisis, the Government of Canada has committed to reducing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions to 40 to 45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and to reaching net-zero by 2050.Canada’s buildings sector currently represents the third-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the country. Prioritizing de-carbonization of this sector, i.e. reducing or ending emissions into the atmosphere will be key to reaching net-zero. As announced in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, Natural Resources Canada is working with provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous governments, industry and other stakeholders to develop the Canada Green Buildings Strategy. This Strategy will chart a path towards a coordinated transformation of the building sector, while also being mindful of the specific requirements of each region. Work is underway to ensure that regional approaches are developed, allowing energy efficiency to become an integral part of the path to a net-zero buildings sector. Reducing energy demand through better built homes, and more efficient equipment will be key to the success of the Strategy.The government has developed Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act (Act) and Energy Efficiency Regulations (the Regulations) with a focus on home energy equipment. Since 1995, the federal government has updated and amended this set of well-defined requirements and standards regarding energy-using home appliances and equipment. These amendments have saved over 331 petajoules of energy, and in 2020 avoided over 43 Mt of greenhouse gas emissions. The most recent amendment to the regulations was published in December 2022 and will strengthen the requirements and testing standards for existing and new products, including air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, lights, and electric motors.Improving the quality and efficiency of our homes is guided by the National Model Building and Energy Codes. The federal government works collaboratively with provinces and territories, as well as municipalities, to develop and update model codes that will make new homes and buildings safer and more energy efficient, while responding to climate change.The most recent version of the National Model Building Codes was published in March of 2022. This new version includes energy performance tiers leading to net-zero energy ready. Net-zero energy-ready means a building is so energy efficient that it can easily supply its own needs with renewable energy. This version of the code is a pathway to make all new buildings consistent with national “net zero” policy objectives.Provinces and territories are responsible for adopting or adapting building codes to respond to the unique conditions or circumstances in their jurisdiction. Announced in Budget 2022, the federal government committed $100 million over five years to accelerate the adoption of the highest tiers of the national building codes. The Codes Acceleration Fund is designed to fund actions by provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governments and stakeholders to enable adoption of and compliance with the higher performance tiers set out in the National Model Building Codes.Through these measures, Canada is leading efforts towards improved energy efficiency in the residential sector and the construction of better built, more efficient homes. Future federal, provincial, territorial and municipal actions will be outlined in the forthcoming Canada Green Buildings Strategy.
Code du bâtimentÉconomie d'énergie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023441-01301441-01301 (Affaires et commerce)ToddDohertyCariboo—Prince GeorgeConservateurBC18 avril 20231 juin 202311 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le village de Lytton a été détruit dans un incendie le 30 juin 2021. Il est toujours frappé par un ordre d’évacuation, et la construction de résidences et d’autres édifices n’a toujours pas commencée;
  • Comme la reconstruction n’a toujours pas été lancée, les entreprises n’ont toujours pas ouvert leurs portes et ne génèrent pas de revenus depuis près de deux ans;
  • Accusant déjà des gros déficits causés par la pandémie, les entreprises anéanties par les flammes ne seront pas en mesure de rembourser leur prêt du Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennes (CUEC), qui viendra à échéance le 31 décembre 2023.
EN CONSÉQUENCE :Nous, soussignés, les citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconnaître les circonstances extraordinaires dans lesquelles se trouvent les entreprises de la région de Lytton et de les dispenser de rembourser leur prêt du CUEC. Vu l’ampleur du désastre et des retards bureaucratiques importants, les entreprises sont incapables de se reconstruire depuis près de deux ans. La dispense du remboursement des prêts du CUEC contractés par les entreprises de Lytton contribuerait à la reprise du développement économique et à la reconstruction d’une localité décimée.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), and the impact the fire in Lytton has had on Lytton businesses.The government launched the CEBA program to provide timely support to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and help support the jobs these businesses provide. The program provided nearly 900,000 small businesses with interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $60,000 to cover non-deferrable operating expenses. From the onset of the COVID pandemic, Export Development Canada (EDC), federal government partners and more than 230 Canadian financial institutions worked together to provide support to both exporting and non-exporting companies. This vital support helped small businesses make it through an unprecedented period of time. To provide additional support to businesses, the government extended the deadline to repay the loan, interest-free, until December 31, 2023, after which there is a repayment period of up to two years at an interest rate of 5%. The loans are fully due by December 31, 2025.EDC is the administrator of the CEBA program on behalf of the Government of Canada and is working with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to put in place systems to collect loans that remain outstanding after the repayment date. For those that cannot repay by the deadline, the CRA will work with each business to determine its ability to repay, emphasizing fairness, empathy, and putting people first.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of helping the people of Lytton rebuild. Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) are offering two new programs to support the rebuilding of Lytton:
  • $6 million for the new Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program to support eligible homeowners who will rebuild to net-zero and fire-resistant standards; and
  • $7.2 million to create the Lytton Business Restart program to help small- and medium-sized businesses re-establish in the community. This funding will include support for Indigenous businesses and those operated by women, youth and other underrepresented groups.
The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canadians and Canadian businesses and is focusing on growing our economy and building a stronger, more resilient Canada for everyone.
Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennesLyttonPetites et moyennes entreprisesPrêts
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023e-4227e-4227 (Affaires étrangères)BellaGharibyanAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNPDQC21 décembre 2022 à 15 h 28 (HAE)20 janvier 2023 à 15 h 28 (HAE)18 avril 20231 juin 202323 janvier 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que : Le 13 septembre 2022, sans provocation, les forces azerbaïdjanaises ont initié une invasion globale de la République d’Arménie. Ce geste odieux constitue une violation flagrante du droit international et de l’ordre international fondé sur des règles. Les attaques ont causé une dévastation généralisée des infrastructures et des biens arméniens, tué inutilement 210 Arméniens, dont des civils, déplacé 7600 personnes et fait plusieurs prisonniers de guerre; Le 2 octobre 2022, des rapports officiels ont confirmé que plus de sept prisonniers de guerre ont été brutalement tués par les forces azerbaïdjanaises. Une fois de plus, l’Azerbaïdjan a violé le droit international, spécifiquement en ce qui concerne les dispositions énoncées dans la troisième Convention de Genève, le Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques et la Convention européenne des droits de l’homme L’Azerbaïdjan occupe actuellement 130 km2 du territoire de la République d’Arménie; Usant de chantage militaire et exigeant publiquement un corridor ouvert hors du contrôle arménien à travers le territoire souverain de la région arménienne de Syunik, l’objectif final de l’Azerbaïdjan est de s’emparer complètement de la région, en s’appropriant son territoire et ses ressources; Nous, soussignés, Canadiens, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :1. De prendre la tête de la défense des victimes de violations des droits de la personne et d’appliquer de toute urgence des sanctions militaires et économiques à l’égard de l’Azerbaïdjan et de ses responsables comme mesures restrictives pour avoir violé les Conventions de Genève, les lois internationales et commis des crimes de guerre;2. D’appliquer les sanctions pour faire pression sur l’Azerbaïdjan afin qu’il se retire des frontières internationalement reconnues de la République d’Arménie, et réaffirmer l’engagement inébranlable du Canada envers la souveraineté et l’intégrité territoriale de l’Arménie;3. D’exhorter l’Azerbaïdjan à restituer tous les prisonniers de guerre, les détenus et les dépouilles arméniens.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada supports a comprehensive, negotiated political solution to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Canada’s position is based on the UN Security Council Resolutions on Nagorno-Karabakh, the principles of the non-use of force, territorial integrity, and self-determination, as well as the continuation of dialogue between the parties towards promoting confidence-building measures.Canada supports the efforts of the European Union and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe in bringing the parties together. Canada stands ready to support measures to stabilize the situation and negotiations towards a comprehensive peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.The Government of Canada is closely monitoring developments on the ground, including the ongoing protests and blockages in the Lachin Corridor, which continues to impede travel between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. Canada has urged Azerbaijan to ensure freedom of movement and prevent further negative impacts on the humanitarian situation.Canada also monitors the situation related to the Armenian Prisoners of War (POWs) and other detainees, and is aware of the difficulties in securing their release. Through bilateral and multilateral channels, Canada continues to call for the immediate release of all detainees as a key step in the confidence-building process. The release of POWs and detainees remains one of Canada’s priorities, and Canada will continue to raise its concerns whenever the opportunity arises.Canada remains deeply concerned about the allegations of human rights violation facing Armenian POWs and detainees, and calls on the respective governments to fully abide by the simultaneous orders issued by the International Court of Justice for provisional measures against both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Canada continues to call on respective governments to investigate human rights allegations diligently in compliance with international human rights law.Canada imposes sanctions against foreign states and non-state actors as a key tool for the international community to support peace and security and enforce international norms and laws. Canada’s sanction process is complex and lengthy. Canada considers bilateral consequences that any sanction could have, and primarily adopts sanctions in alignment with likeminded partners.
ArménieAzerbaÏdjanDroits de la personnePolitique étrangèreSanctions économiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023e-3848e-3848 (Justice)Étiennevan SteenbergheAlexandreBoulericeRosemont—La Petite-PatrieNPDQC16 février 2022 à 16 h 22 (HAE)16 juin 2022 à 16 h 22 (HAE)18 avril 20231 juin 202316 juin 2022Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :Le Conseil canadien de la magistrature a été créé par le Parlement pour que les Canadiens et Canadiennes puissent exprimer leurs préoccupations à l’égard de la conduite des juges de nomination fédérale;La présence exclusive de magistrat dans l’examen des plaintes soumises permet difficilement de poser un regard totalement impartial sur l'inconduite éthique d’un ou d'une collègue;Certaines études mettent en doute la possibilité d'une totale indépendance dans l’examen des plaintes en raison des liens professionnels;Certains comportements portés par un juge relèvent d’une interprétation du code éthique et qu’il serait important d’y apporter un regard pluriel afin d’examiner adéquatement la recevabilité d’une plainte;Il y a absence de participation civile dans le processus de recevabilité et d'examen des plaintes du public à l’égard des juges de nomination fédérale;Il y a impossibilité d’interjeter appel à la décision auprès d’une instance indépendante;Il est important d’assurer la qualité du système judiciaire.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de réformer le Conseil canadien de la magistrature en :1. Mettant en place un comité mixte, composé de représentants citoyens et de représentants de la magistrature chargé d’étudier la recevabilité des plaintes reçues et d’en faire le suivi;2. Rendant transparente la procédure de nomination des citoyens sur les divers comités du Conseil Canadien de la magistrature;3. Créant une procédure d’appel pour le comité d’examen des plaintes;4. Planifiant une procédure d’évaluation transparente et régulière du travail - et de la conduite - de chaque juge tous les cinq ans.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-9 proposes to reform the judicial conduct process, the process through which complaints against federally appointed judges are reviewed. Under C-9, the Canadian Judicial Council will be required to include a representative of the general public who has never been a lawyer or judge (known in this context as a “lay person”) on two key decision-making bodies charged with making findings of misconduct: review and full public hearing panels. Review panels will be primarily responsible for determining whether misconduct has occurred that is not serious enough to warrant removal and with imposing appropriate sanctions, while full hearing panels will be tasked with determining whether a judge should be removed from office and with making a recommendation on removal to the Minister of Justice.Transparency will be safeguarded through the requirement to have the Council make public the selection criteria that it will use to name members of the general public to the roster. Bill C-9 will also require that the roster reflect the diversity of Canadians.The Canadian Judicial Council’s practice of issuing an annual report will be codified in statute, along with what key information about the process each annual report will contain. Key aspects of process funding will also be reviewed every five years and be the subject of a public report issued after each review.New measures proposed by Bill C-9 also include new appeal procedures for judicial conduct matters. Appeal panels will constitute the final stage of the Council’s process; their decisions will only be appealable to the Supreme Court of Canada with leave of the Court. This will make the Supreme Court itself directly responsible for providing court oversight of the process. In Canada, court oversight of all decision-making processes is a constitutional requirement.As noted, Bill C-9 provides for comprehensive and effective mechanisms for fair and timely review of allegations of misconduct against federally appointed judges. As under the current process, anyone will be able to complain about the conduct of a federally appointed judge by writing to the Canadian Judicial Council. Routine review of a judge’s conduct in the absence of any allegations of misconduct would be not only unnecessary but inappropriate and a potential abuse of process.The Government is committed to ensuring that Canadians have full confidence in their justice system, which necessarily entails not only respecting but furthering the constitutional principle of judicial independence. By enhancing fairness, accountability, efficiency and transparency of the judicial conduct process in a legislative framework that upholds and even furthers the process’ independence from the other branches of government, the reforms proposed by Bill C-9 are designed to do precisely that.
Conseil canadien de la magistratureJuges nommés par le fédéral
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023441-01298441-01298 (Santé)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC18 avril 20231 juin 20237 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :La crise des opioïdes est l’une des urgences de santé publique les plus meurtrières de notre époque, compte tenu de la vingtaine de décès qu’elle cause chaque jour et de son bilan total de 30 843 morts en six ans et trois mois (de janvier 2016 à mars 2022);La crise des surdoses fait rage.Nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de qualifier la crise des surdoses d’une urgence sanitaire nationale et : De prendre des mesures pour mettre fin aux décès et aux blessures causés par les surdoses; D’élaborer sans attendre avec les provinces et les territoires un plan d’action pancanadien complet en matière de surdoses;De veiller à ce que le plan, quel qu’il soit, tienne compte des réformes que d’autres pays ont pu faire, comme réglementer les drogues pour assurer un approvisionnement sûr, décriminaliser la consommation personnelle, et modifier les politiques et les interventions policières inefficaces en matière de drogues;De veiller à ce que les fonds adéquats soient débloqués et que des programmes appropriés soient mis en place.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives. Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. For example, provinces and territories fund and deliver the majority of direct social and health interventions, such as naloxone distribution and supervised consumption sites, which are shown to effectively reduce overdoses deaths and harms. Provinces, territories and municipalities also have the power to declare a public health emergency in response to a significant increase in overdose-related deaths, as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta declaring a public health crisis in May 2017. More recently, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency in January 2022. The declaration of a provincial and territorial public health emergency allows a provincial and territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary powers to address a crisis. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some First Nations communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths, including Ehattesaht First Nation in British Columbia, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in Manitoba.The Emergencies Act is not an appropriate mechanism to address the ongoing overdose crisis, which requires a longer-term, sustained, and multi-jurisdictional effort to address the complex, interrelated health, social and economic factors driving opioid-related deaths and harms. At the federal level, we have taken action by: reducing legislative and regulatory barriers; developing new prescription guidelines and marketing restrictions; launching a public awareness campaign; improving the knowledge base; supporting treatment, safer supply and harm reduction initiatives across Canada; working with domestic and international partners to reduce the illegal drug supply; and, providing emergency funding to provinces and territories.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $800 million to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Nearly $350 million to the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) between 2017-2022 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the SUAP to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada; and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $24 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, through SUAP, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of April 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through the SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites (SCS) offering services grew from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including; regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and, on-the- ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publiqueUrgences sanitaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023e-4221e-4221 (Justice)RobertDowdellJohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservateurON21 décembre 2022 à 15 h 18 (HAE)19 février 2023 à 15 h 18 (HAE)18 avril 20231 juin 202320 février 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Les amendements au projet de loi C-21 proposés par le gouvernement du Canada et déposés en comité le 22 novembre 2022 portent préjudice aux propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux des lois;Les amendements au projet de loi C-21 modifient radicalement l’objet initial du projet de loi;La définition d’« arme à feu prohibée » que contient l’amendement au projet de loi C-21 ne figurait pas dans l’énoncé concernant la Charte et n’a pas fait l’objet d’un débat à la Chambre des communes;Sécurité publique Canada a affirmé que le rapport sommaire du cabinet-conseil Hill & Knowlton « Réduction de la criminalité violente : Dialogue sur les armes de poing et les armes à feu de style arme d’assaut » avait constitué sa principale source d’information pour justifier le décret 2020-0298 et le projet de loi C-21. Comme l’indiquent les principales constatations du rapport, la majorité des intervenants qui ont été invités à présenter des observations écrites à Sécurité publique Canada s’opposait à l’idée d’interdire les armes à feu des propriétaires respectueux des lois;La définition évolutive du terme « arme à feu prohibée » que propose l’amendement du 22 novembre 2022 va trop loin. Les armes à feu semi-automatiques sont sans restriction. Les armes à feu entièrement automatiques et une capacité de chargeur de plus de cinq projectiles sont interdites au Canada depuis les années 1970;L’amendement au projet de loi C-21 porte grandement atteinte aux droits issus des traités des propriétaires d’armes à feu légales des Premières Nations; La Cour fédérale est actuellement saisie de la définition du terme « arme à feu prohibée » dans une affaire intéressant le décret de mai 2020. L’amendement pourrait avoir une incidence directe sur l’issue de cette procédure judiciaire.Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le Gouvernement du Canada de :1. Cesser d’adopter des mesures législatives sur les armes à feu visant les chasseurs, tireurs sportifs et agriculteurs respectueux des lois; 2. Retirer immédiatement les amendements déposés le 22 novembre 2022 au Comité permanent de la sécurité publique et nationale.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023e-4278e-4278 (Environnement)ZoeBystrovJohnBrassardBarrie—InnisfilConservateurON31 janvier 2023 à 15 h 27 (HAE)1 avril 2023 à 15 h 27 (HAE)18 avril 20231 juin 20233 avril 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que : Les résidents du comté de Simcoe sont préoccupés par l’avenir du lac Simcoe et de son bassin versant. La santé et la durabilité du lac Simcoe sont importantes pour toute la région du centre de l’Ontario, car ce lac est une source d’eau potable ainsi qu’un lieu récréatif et touristique, et offre des possibilités économiques; Le gouvernement conservateur a créé le Fonds d’assainissement du lac Simcoe et y a consacré 59 millions de dollars de 2007 à 2017 pour soutenir plus de 200 projets sur le terrain, lesquels ont donné des résultats concrets, comme la réduction du phosphore, l’amélioration de la qualité de l’eau du lac et la prolifération des espèces de poissons indigènes; Au fil des ans, le développement urbain croissant a nui à la santé du bassin versant du lac. Il faut de toute urgence allouer un financement fédéral considérable au lac Simcoe pour restaurer les habitats riverains, nettoyer les sites contaminés et réduire les rejets d’eaux usées; Cet investissement du gouvernement, d’une importance cruciale pour le maintien de l’accès à l’eau potable, contribuera également au respect des engagements pris en matière de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones, tels que les Chippewas de Georgina Island, pour qui le lac est leur chez-soi.Nous soussignés, électeurs et résidents du comté de Simcoe, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. rétablir le Fonds d’assainissement du lac Simcoe et de s’engager fermement, échéancier à l’appui, à préserver le lac Simcoe pour les générations futures; 2. prévoir, dans le prochain budget fédéral, un financement expressément destiné à la protection du lac Simcoe; 3. Respecter les promesses faites par le Parti libéral lors des campagnes électorales de 2019 et de 2021, promesses qui n’ont été faites seulement après que le Parti conservateur du Canada s’est engagé à rétablir immédiatement le Fonds, y compris le modèle de gouvernance pour la surveillance du Fonds et l’allocation des fonds, dans sa forme originale.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTA clean and safe freshwater supply is essential to the wellbeing of Canadians, the health and sustainability of the environment, and to the economy. Freshwater sustains life on earth – it supplies drinking water, grows food, and supports ecosystems. It is also sacred to many Indigenous peoples, a source of life that plays a central role in Indigenous cultures, ceremonial practices, governance, welfare, and societies. The Government of Canada is committed to safeguarding our country’s freshwater resources for current and future generations.Water features prominently in the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change’s mandate letter from the Prime Minister. The Minister has been asked, with the support of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, to establish a Canada Water Agency and implement a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan, including a historic investment to provide funding to protect and restore large lakes and river systems starting with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River System, Lake Simcoe, the Lake Winnipeg Basin, the Fraser River Basin, the Saint John River, and the Mackenzie River Basin.On March 24, 2023, the Prime Minister confirmed Canada’s commitment to restore and protect freshwater by announcing a new historic investment of $420 million over 10 years to accelerate Great Lakes restoration and protection under the Freshwater Action Plan. This new investment was reaffirmed in the March 28, 2023 federal budget announcement of $650 million over 10 years, starting in 2023-24, to support a stronger Freshwater Action Plan including monitoring, assessment, and restoration work in eight major water bodies, which included the Great Lakes and Lake Simcoe. A further $22.6 million over 3 years, starting in 2023-24, was also proposed through Budget 2023 to improve coordination of freshwater protection efforts across Canada. The Government of Canada has also announced that the Canada Water Agency will be established in 2023, supported by an initial investment of $85.1 million over 5 years plus $21 million ongoing thereafter.The Government of Canada remains dedicated to restoring and protecting Canada’s freshwater, while working in collaboration with others. Freshwater management in Canada is a responsibility shared by federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as many other partners. Creating the Canada Water Agency presents a unique opportunity for Canada to work with provinces, territories, Indigenous peoples, local authorities, scientists and others to strengthen collaboration, and find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean and well-managed, while also respecting the jurisdictions of other governments.In Lake Simcoe, the Government of Canada looks forward to building on advancements supported through past and current federal investments. Given provincial jurisdiction over the management of waters within its boundaries, discussions and collaboration with the Government of Ontario will be essential.Further details about the Freshwater Action Plan, including in Lake Simcoe, as well as the creation of the Canada Water Agency will be communicated at a later date.  
Fonds d'assainissement du lac Simcoe et du sud-est de la baie GeorgienneLac SimcoeQualité de l'eau
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée1 juin 2023441-01295441-01295 (Affaires et commerce)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC18 avril 20231 juin 202314 avril 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le village de Lytton a été détruit dans un incendie le 30 juin 2021. Il est toujours frappé par un ordre d’évacuation, et la construction de résidences et d’autres édifices n’a toujours pas commencée;
  • Comme la reconstruction n’a toujours pas été lancée, les entreprises n’ont toujours pas ouvert leurs portes et ne génèrent pas de revenus depuis près de deux ans;
  • Accusant déjà des gros déficits causés par la pandémie, les entreprises anéanties par les flammes ne seront pas en mesure de rembourser leur prêt du Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennes (CUEC), qui viendra à échéance le 31 décembre 2023.
EN CONSÉQUENCE :Nous, soussignés, les citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reconnaître les circonstances extraordinaires dans lesquelles se trouvent les entreprises de la région de Lytton et de les dispenser de rembourser leur prêt du CUEC. Vu l’ampleur du désastre et des retards bureaucratiques importants, les entreprises sont incapables de se reconstruire depuis près de deux ans. La dispense du remboursement des prêts du CUEC contractés par les entreprises de Lytton contribuerait à la reprise du développement économique et à la reconstruction d’une localité décimée.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for expressing their views about the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), and the impact the fire in Lytton has had on Lytton businesses.The government launched the CEBA program to provide timely support to small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and help support the jobs these businesses provide. The program provided nearly 900,000 small businesses with interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $60,000 to cover non-deferrable operating expenses. From the onset of the COVID pandemic, Export Development Canada (EDC), federal government partners and more than 230 Canadian financial institutions worked together to provide support to both exporting and non-exporting companies. This vital support helped small businesses make it through an unprecedented period of time. To provide additional support to businesses, the government extended the deadline to repay the loan, interest-free, until December 31, 2023, after which there is a repayment period of up to two years at an interest rate of 5%. The loans are fully due by December 31, 2025.EDC is the administrator of the CEBA program on behalf of the Government of Canada and is working with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to put in place systems to collect loans that remain outstanding after the repayment date. For those that cannot repay by the deadline, the CRA will work with each business to determine its ability to repay, emphasizing fairness, empathy, and putting people first.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of helping the people of Lytton rebuild. Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) are offering two new programs to support the rebuilding of Lytton:
  • $6 million for the new Lytton Homeowner Resilient Rebuild program to support eligible homeowners who will rebuild to net-zero and fire-resistant standards; and
  • $7.2 million to create the Lytton Business Restart program to help small- and medium-sized businesses re-establish in the community. This funding will include support for Indigenous businesses and those operated by women, youth and other underrepresented groups.
The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canadians and Canadian businesses and is focusing on growing our economy and building a stronger, more resilient Canada for everyone.
Compte d’urgence pour les entreprises canadiennesLyttonPetites et moyennes entreprisesPrêts
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée31 mai 2023441-01294441-01294 (Anciens combattants)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC17 avril 202331 mai 20238 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, citoyens ou résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :La Loi sur les mesures de réinsertion et d’indemnisation des militaires et vétérans des Forces canadiennes établit que le Canada a l’obligation « de rendre un hommage grandement mérité aux militaires et vétérans pour leur dévouement envers le Canada »;De nombreux vétérans blessés dans l’exercice de leurs fonctions ont reçu une compensation inadéquate;Le processus utilisé par Anciens Combattants Canada pour évaluer les demandes de prestations d’invalidité excède les délais raisonnablement prévus;Le délai prescrit de cinq ans pour recevoir un paiement rétroactif pénalise injustement les vétérans pour les délais de traitement des demandes par Anciens Combattants Canada;La lettre de mandat du ministre prévoit l’adoption d’une approche « un vétéran, une norme ».PAR CONSÉQUENT, VOS PÉTITIONNAIRES prient le ministre des Anciens Combattants d’éliminer tout délai prescrit pour recevoir un paiement rétroactif de prestations d’invalidité et de travailler avec chaque vétéran pour lui verser les prestations d’invalidité grandement méritées auxquelles il a droit en temps opportun.
Response by the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Lawrence MacAulayThe Canadian Forces Members and Veterans Re-establishment and Compensation Act was replaced by the Veterans Well-being Act on April 1, 2018. Under the Veterans Well-being Act, Canadian Armed Forces members and Veterans are eligible for Pain and Suffering Compensation if they have experienced a service-related disability. The Pain and Suffering Compensation is a monthly benefit that is payable from the later of: the date of application; or the day that is three years before the first day of the month in which the Pain and Suffering compensation is granted. As well, the Veterans Wellbeing Act permits the Minister to grant an additional payment to the member or Veteran in an amount not exceeding an amount equal to the Pain and Suffering Compensation payable to the member or Veteran for two years.The backlog of disability benefits applications waiting beyond the service standard has been reduced by 70%, from 22,138 on March 31, 2020 to 6,621 on March 31, 2023. Veterans Affairs Canada has also been able to eliminate its backlog of reassessments and is currently processing reassessments within the service standard. While Veterans Affairs Canada has made progress and has a better understanding of the challenges in processing disability benefits, it is continuously looking for ways to accelerate the decision-making process. Veterans Affairs Canada published a Strategic Direction document, Timely disability benefits decisions: Strategic direction for improving wait times, in June 2020 and updated in March 2023. This document outlines the measures it is taking to improve services to Veterans and their families by changing the way it works to make faster disability benefits decisions including work on automation, health records search tools and updating tools for decision makers.Given the current turnaround times for Pain and Suffering Compensation applications at Veterans Affairs Canada, no amendments are currently being considered to the effective date or additional payment sections of the Veterans Well-being Act.
ArriéréPrestations d'invaliditéPrestations sociales pour anciens combattants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01293441-01293 (Affaires étrangères)KevinLamoureuxWinnipeg-NordLibéralMB31 mars 202315 mai 202314 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes ATTENDU QUE :
  • À son arrivée au pouvoir en 2009, le gouvernement actuel du Bangladesh a commencé à utiliser les forces armées telles que la police et le Bataillon d’action rapide (RAB), ainsi que les militants armés du parti au pouvoir, pour opprimer et réprimer les partis politiques d’opposition, les critiques, les intellectuels, les médias d’information et les journalistes, de façon à les faire taire, à priver les citoyens de leurs droits démocratiques et à conserver le pouvoir par la force;
  • Le gouvernement actuel a également institué un système de disparitions forcées, d’exécutions extrajudiciaires, de faux procès et de moyens d’intimidation tous azimuts par l’intermédiaire de ses forces alignées et de ses activistes armés;
  • Corruption, viol, torture, meurtre et enlèvement sont au nombre des multiples actions antidémocratiques qui dépassent l’entendement;
  • En conséquence, le gouvernement des États-Unis a imposé des sanctions au RAB et à six hauts responsables de l’application de la loi;
  • Le gouvernement au pouvoir a pris le contrôle de toutes les institutions fondamentales de l’État, y compris le système judiciaire. L’ex-première ministre du Bangladesh, Begum Khaleda Zia, a par exemple été condamnée au terme d’un procès motivé par des considérations politiques et se voit refuser le droit de se rendre à l’étranger pour y soigner sa maladie grave;
  • Selon des observateurs nationaux et internationaux impartiaux, le parti au pouvoir a conservé le pouvoir grâce au truquage des élections générales de 2014 et de 2018;
  • Lorsque des centaines de milliers de militants des partis politiques d’opposition et du grand public se sont rassemblés en masse lors de manifestations pacifiques tenues dans l’ensemble du pays, réclamant le retour du système de gouvernement intérimaire neutre en vue d’élections générales libres et équitables, la police a arrêté des milliers de personnes, y compris des dirigeants des partis d’opposition;
  • La façon dont des militants et des dirigeants de l’opposition, dont un ancien député, ont été tués est préoccupante.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de confier à un comité permanent de la Chambre le mandat de se pencher sur les violations des droits de la personne et les actions antidémocratiques commises par le gouvernement actuel du Bangladesh, et de prendre toutes les mesures possibles pour soutenir la démocratie, les droits de la personnes et la justice.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada attaches great importance to protecting and advancing human rights and democracy, including respect for diversity, pluralism, and the rule of law. Canada recognizes the critical need to continue to strengthen democratic norms and institutions around the world, which is reflected in engagement with all international partners. Canada believes that peace, prosperity, and democracy are mutually reinforcing and must be built through inclusive approaches that respect human rights, diversity and gender equality. These values remain a priority for Canada’s engagement at home and abroad. The promotion and protection of human rights remains a key element of Canada’s international policies and engagement, including in Canada’s relationship with Bangladesh. Canada strongly believes that respect for all human rights is essential to achieving a stable, inclusive and prosperous world.Canada continues to closely monitor the democracy and human rights situation in Bangladesh. Canada publically conveyed its concerns regarding credible claims of irregularities, harassment, intimidation, and violence exhibited during the 2018 general elections in Bangladesh, as well as the lack of transparent action by the relevant authorities to address these claims. Canada has privately voiced human rights concerns during meetings with Prime Minister Hasina and publicly through editorials in the national newspaper; and directly funds the country’s strongest human rights lawyers, advocates and organizations. In concert with likeminded partners, Canada is a vocal supporter of human rights in Bangladesh, with related public statements and programing in its role co-chairing the Media Freedom Coalition, and through the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka.As part of the United Nations Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review in 2018, the Government of Canada recommended that the Government of Bangladesh: ensure that freedom of assembly and expression extends in practice to all people, media, civil society and political parties; eliminate child, early and forced marriage, including by reforming the Child Marriage Restraint Act to remove the exception for child marriage in “special cases”; and take active steps to include LGBTI persons in human rights legislation in recognition of the many dangers and other challenges faced by the community. The upcoming Universal Periodic Review process for Bangladesh in 2023 will again provide Canada with an avenue to provide constructive feedback on the human rights situation in this country.Canada will continue to engage with the Government of Bangladesh on these important issues.
BangladeshDroits de la personnePolitique étrangère
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01292441-01292 (Affaires sociales et égalité)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB31 mars 202315 mai 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01291441-01291 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB31 mars 202315 mai 202314 septembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, faisons remarquer à la Chambre ce qui suit : Attendu que le Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination a produit son rapport final au début de 2022;Attendu que le rapport demande que le clergé des religions qui ont un point de vue différent de celui du ministère de la Défense nationale sur le genre et la sexualité soit banni en tant qu’aumôniers dans les Forces armées canadiennes; Attendu que le rapport qualifie même les religions canadiennes dominantes de discriminatoires, misogynes et sexistes;Attendu que tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres et les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, ont droit à la liberté de religion garantie par la Charte;Attendu que les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes servent tous les membres des Forces sans distinction de religion, de sexe ou d’orientation sexuelle; Attendu que la discrimination fondée sur la religion est répréhensible et offensante pour les Canadiens.C’est pourquoi nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes :1. De rejeter les recommandations sur l’aumônerie dans les Forces armées canadiennes contenues dans le rapport final du Groupe consultatif de la ministre de la Défense nationale sur le racisme systémique et la discrimination;2. D’affirmer le droit de tous les Canadiens, y compris les aumôniers des Forces armées canadiennes, à la liberté de religion.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayLast April, the Minister’s Advisory Panel on Systemic Racism and Discrimination released a comprehensive set of recommendations to ensure Canada’s military is safe and welcoming for all. Work is underway to assess the implications of the Advisory Panel’s recommendations, including those on the Royal Canadian Chaplain Service, and the Vice Chief of the Defence Staff is coordinating an analysis of each recommendation.The Royal Canadian Chaplain Service’s (RCChS) primary goal is the care of all Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and their families, without exceptions. It is already the expectation that CAF chaplains uphold the values and ethos of the CAF, just like every other member of the military. When chaplains apply for their roles within the chaplaincy, they undergo a rigorous process to assess their ability to provide spiritual support within the context of CAF values. Anyone who successfully makes it through this assessment has demonstrated their ability to provide religious or spiritual counsel to CAF members of all or no faiths, without judgement or exception.To this end, the RCChS continues to embrace CAF values and ethos, and has taken significant steps in the past several years to strengthen its commitment to diversity and inclusion. For example, as of 2019, in order to better serve the CAF and represent the religious/spiritual diversity of Canadian society, the RCChS sought to include a wider number of traditions not previously represented in CAF chaplaincy. This resulted in the enrollment of chaplains from Sikh, Buddhist, and Humanist traditions. The RCChS also shifted from the historical requirement of “ordained” status to a more broadly defined status of “credentialed as a faith tradition leader.” In doing so, the RCChS has ensured wider opportunities for women from faith traditions where they cannot be ordained, but who meet qualification standards for CAF chaplaincy as credentialed faith tradition leaders. This is already the case for Roman Catholic and Muslim women, currently serving in the RCChS, and will now be an option for women from other faith traditions.To further promote diversity and inclusion, the RCChS has instituted several new advisor positions, including an Indigenous Advisor, 2SLGBTQi+ Advisor, Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Advisor, Gender Advisor, and Advisor to the Commander of Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) in an effort to raise awareness, educate, and innovate. These advisors play a critical role in providing strategic input and advice to ensure direction and guidance, and programs integrate diverse perspectives with a view to enhancing inclusive engagement on behalf of the RCChS. The CAF continues to take positive steps to ensure that the chaplaincy represents Canadian society and supports the needs of its broader membership.
Discrimination fondée sur la religionForces canadiennesGroupe consultatif du Ministère sur le racisme systémique, la discrimination, notamment le racisme anti-Autochtones et anti-Noirs, les préjugés LGBTQ2+, la discrimination sexuelle et la suprématie blancheServices d'aumônerie et aumôniers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01290441-01290 (Affaires étrangères)ArnoldViersenPeace River—WestlockConservateurAB31 mars 202315 mai 20237 février 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, portons à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : Attendu que :Malgré la libération récente des Canadiens Micheal Spavor et Micheal Korvig après 1 000 jours de détention injuste en Chine, au moins 115 Canadiens sont toujours emprisonnés en Chine, dont Huseyin Celil, détenu depuis plus de 5 000 jours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien d’origine ouïghoure qui milite pour la défense des droits de la personne et qui est détenu en Chine pour avoir soutenu les droits politiques et religieux des Ouïghours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien qui a fui la Chine en Ouzbékistan après avoir été injustement emprisonné pendant 48 jours en 2001 et qui, après avoir été reconnu par les Nations Unies comme un réfugié, a immigré au Canada où il a obtenu la citoyenneté canadienne et renoncé à sa citoyenneté chinoise; Le gouvernement chinois a refusé de reconnaître la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui a refusé l’accès à un avocat, à sa famille et aux autorités canadiennes, alors qu’il a été contraint de signer des aveux et qu’il a subi un procès illégal et inéquitable;Il est désormais évident que le traitement des Ouïghours par le gouvernement chinois répond à la plupart, sinon à la totalité des critères relatifs au génocide définis dans la Convention des Nations Unies pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide; Le Canada ne peut rester insensible à la souffrance injuste d’un citoyen canadien. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes afin de corriger la situation : 1. Exiger que le gouvernement chinois reconnaisse la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui fournisse des services consulaires et juridiques conformément au droit international; 2. Déclarer officiellement que la libération de Huseyin Celil de sa détention en Chine et son retour au Canada sont des priorités du gouvernement canadien au même titre que l’étaient la libération de Michael Kovrig et Michael Spavor; 3. Nommer un envoyé spécial chargé d’obtenir la libération de M. Celil; 4. Demander l’aide de l’administration Biden et d’autres alliés à travers le monde pour obtenir la libération de M. Celil.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe case of Mr. Huseyincan Celil is a priority for Canada, as the Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned with his detention. Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil’s case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so. While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case. The Government of Canada will continue to seek access to Mr. Celil in order to verify his well-being.The safety and well-being of Canadians abroad remain of utmost importance to Canada.
Canadiens à l'étrangerCelil, HuseyincanChineDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-4167e-4167 (Affaires sociales et égalité)VanessaFellsAndyFillmoreHalifaxLibéralNS8 novembre 2022 à 8 h 28 (HAE)8 mars 2023 à 8 h 28 (HAE)31 mars 202315 mai 20238 mars 2023Pétition à la<Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que : Le Canada, en tant que membre de l’Empire britannique, a participé activement à la traite transatlantique des esclaves et à l’asservissement des Africains; Il existe aujourd’hui un racisme systémique envers les Noirs au Canada; La vie des Canadiens noirs compte; La Nouvelle-Écosse est le berceau de l’histoire des Noirs au Canada, et leur présence remonte à 1605; Les Néo-Écossais d’origine africaine constituent un peuple distinct qui continue de contribuer à tous les aspects de la vie au Canada; Les Nations Unies ont déclaré 2015-2024 comme étant la Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine et ont appelé les nations à reconnaître les souffrances découlant de l’esclavage des peuples africains et à s’en excuser; Le groupe de travail des Nations Unies a recommandé, lors de son voyage au Canada, de présenter des excuses pour l’esclavage et les injustices qui y sont liées, et de reconnaître légalement les Afro-Canadiens comme un groupe distinct; Le gouvernement du Canada n’a toujours pas reconnu le rôle du Canada dans l’esclavage des Africains et de leurs descendants et n’a pas présenté ses excuses;Le gouvernement du Canada a présenté des excuses pour les atrocités commises à l’égard de nombreux groupes, notamment les Autochtones, les Japonais, les Ukrainiens, les membres de la communauté LGBTQ2+ et les Chinois. Cependant, les Canadiens noirs ont été laissés de côté. C’est inacceptable.Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d’adopter une motion demandant au gouvernement du Canada de s’excuser pour le rôle joué par le Canada dans l’esclavage des Africains et de leurs descendants, de créer une loi qui reconnaît les Canadiens noirs comme un groupe unique de Canadiens, de reconnaître les Néo-Écossais africains comme un peuple distinct et de renouveler l’engagement du Canada à s’attaquer aux effets générationnels de l’esclavage, de la ségrégation et du racisme systémique envers les Noirs.
Response by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Paul ChiangThe Government of Canada thanks the citizens of Canada who called upon the House of Commons to “pass a resolution for the Government of Canada to apologize for Canada’s role in the enslavement of African People, and their descendants, create legislation to recognize Black Canadians as a unique group of Canadians, recognize African Nova Scotians as a distinct people and renew Canada’s commitment to addressing the generational effects of enslavement, segregation, and systemic anti-Black racism”.As previously stated in August 2021 by the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, “Despite the abolition of enslavement nearly two centuries ago, the legacy of anti-Black racism is still prevalent today… Black Canadians continue to face prejudice, discrimination, and longstanding disparities in access to education, housing, and employment that limit their full and equal participation in society.”The Government is committed to supporting Black communities across the country through concrete measures that recognize the heritage, contribution of and unique challenges experienced by People of African Descent, and which address systemic barriers and anti-Black racism in all its forms to deliver positive outcomes for Black communities in Canada.In July 2022, the Government of Canada apologized to the members of No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force for the “anti-Black hate and systemic racism that denied these men dignity in life and in death.” The Government recognizes the important contribution of People of African Descent in shaping Canada’s history, starting with the first documented African Nova Scotian who first arrived in the early 17th century.  As a collective responsibility, the impacts of systemic racism should be ended by listening, learning, and taking action. That is why in 2018, the Government of Canada officially recognized the United Nation’s International Decade for People of African Descent (UNDPAD), which provides a global framework for recognition, justice, and development for people of African descent. Subsequently, the Government announced, the launch of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI) to celebrate, share knowledge, and build capacity in Canada's vibrant Black Canadian communities. In addition, the Government also announced several measures to tackle systemic anti-Black racism, advance the social and economic inclusion and improve the well-being of Black people in Canada and around the world.  These commitments include:
  • “Recognition of more than 40 people, places, and events of national historic significance that reflect the importance of Black communities to our country’s shared heritage. Designations of locations such as Africville, and people such as Richard Pierpoint and Mary Ann Shadd, acknowledge past tragedies and injustices while highlighting the perseverance, resistance, resilience, and strength of Black Canadians”.
  • SBCCI which aims to build capacity in Canada’s vibrant Black Canadian communities by providing funding to Black-led and Black-serving NGOs. As part of the SBCCI, the Government will establish a National Institute for People of African Descent to advance policy and program initiatives that address issues affecting Black communities in Canada from a Black centric perspective.
  • The renewal of Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy and the unprecedented creation of an Action Plan on Combatting Hate, through which the Government will take concrete steps to fight systemic anti-Black racism and hate crimes and incidents targeting Black and Afro-descendant communities in Canada. 
  • The Black Entrepreneurship Program, which supports Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and empower them to succeed.
  • The Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund which is dedicated to supporting Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities and social purpose organizations.  
  • The Mental Health of Black Canadians Initiative, which supports Black Canadians to develop more culturally focused knowledge, capacity and programs to address mental health and its determinants for Black Canadians.
  • The Community Support for Black Canadian Youth Initiative, which provides funding for youth-focused projects to combat discrimination through awareness raising and/or digital literacy, empower Black Canadian youth through the promotion of Black history, culture and identity, and help youth develop leadership skills.
  • Canada’s Black Justice Strategy will help address the systemic discrimination and anti-Black racism that has resulted in the overrepresentation of Black individuals in Canada’s criminal justice system, including as victims of crime.
  • The National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) which will assist Black Canadians facing housing needs by supporting Black-led organizations to build housing, as well as more affordable housing for Black renter households in Canada.
  • The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, which leads a whole-of-government approach to working with federal organizations, other orders of government and civil society, to identify systemic racial barriers and gaps, develop new initiatives, and consider the impacts of new and existing policies, services and programs on racialized communities.
  • The North American Partnership for Equity and Racial Justice, which fosters collaboration among Canada, the United States, and Mexico to ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to achieve their full potential and equal participation in social, cultural, economic, and political life, including through advancing the rights and aspirations enshrined in the multilateral commitment of the International Decade for People of African Descent.
The Government will continue to work with Black communities to co-develop measures aimed at building a more inclusive, fair, equitable and resilient Canada that is respectful of Black identities, that leads to more just and effective systems, and which improve the wellbeing of Black people in Canada, through ongoing partnerships and engagements with Black-led advisory committees such as:
  • The SBCCI External Reference Group, which provides advice to the Minister of Families, Children, and Social Development and Employment and Social Development Canada on the implementation of SBCCI and UNDPAD more broadly.
  • The Steering Group for Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, which provides advice to the Department of Justice Canada on the development of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy.
  • The Mental Health of Black Canadians Working Group, which informs the Public Health Agency of Canada’s delivery of the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund. 
  • The Advisory Committee to Address Anti-Black Racism in research, which advises the work of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to support Black Canadian scholars. 
The Government of Canada recognizes diversity as a source of strength, and that although progress has been made, more work is ahead. The Government of Canada will continue its progress in developing a whole-of-government approach that builds upon the framework of the UNDPAD, by developing policies and projects that tackle anti-Black racism, discrimination, and bias in public and private institutions. To do this well, the Government will continue to engage with partners across the country to ensure that federal programs and services for Black Canadians reflect the realities and needs of Black Canadians.
Canadiens de race noireEsclavageExcuses officiellesNouvelle-Écosse
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-3929e-3929 (Ressources naturelles et énergie)SuzanneDeonCherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON29 mars 2022 à 14 h 42 (HAE)27 juin 2022 à 14 h 42 (HAE)31 mars 202315 mai 202328 juin 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : L’installation de gestion des déchets près de la surface (IGDPS) proposée par les Laboratoires nucléaires canadiens (LNC) aux Laboratoires de Chalk River (LCR) est une solution sûre, responsable, très étudiée et très appropriée pour l’élimination des déchets de faible activité; Le projet IGDPS améliorera considérablement les conditions environnementales aux LCR, réduisant ainsi les risques pour la rivière des Outaouais, l’environnement local et les communautés voisines; L’énergie nucléaire est un élément important de l’avenir de l’énergie propre du Canada et de son engagement en faveur de la carboneutralité; Le nucléaire est le seul secteur énergétique canadien qui gère tous ses sous-produits de déchets, qui rend compte de leur élimination et qui finance entièrement les activités d’assainissement de l’environnement; Les LNC ont mené une vaste campagne de mobilisation des Autochtones et du public sur le projet IGDPS; Le Canada est un leader mondial dans le domaine de la science et de la technologie nucléaires depuis plus de 75 ans; Plus d’un milliard de procédures médicales ont été réalisées à l’aide d’isotopes médicaux produits aux LCR, au bénéfice de personnes dans le monde entier; Les Canadiens s’attendent à ce que les décisions soient fondées sur les faits et les mérites d’une proposition et ne soient pas indûment retardées par des opinions alarmistes, ancrées dans la partialité ou la désinformation; Le gouvernement du Canada s’est engagé à prendre des décisions fondées sur la science et les preuves.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Maintenir son engagement en faveur de la science et de la prise de décision fondée sur des données probantes;2. Soutenir les résultats de l’évaluation environnementale de la IGDPS, supervisée par la Commission canadienne de sûreté nucléaire, l’organisme de réglementation indépendant et respecté à l’échelle internationale du Canada;3. Ne pas retarder indûment l’élimination sûre des déchets hérités du passé en raison d’informations erronées; 4. Reconnaître le droit de s’engager et le devoir d’être informé.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN WILKINSON, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is committed to the safe, effective, and environmentally sound management of radioactive waste. Protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment is the government’s top priority when it comes to nuclear energy and radioactive waste.Nuclear power provides affordable non-emitting energy to communities as Canadians move toward a net-zero electricity system by 2035. Nuclear power creates jobs and economic opportunities across Canada while displacing fossil fuels domestically and globally.As part of the Government’s continuous efforts to ensure that radioactive waste management and disposal is carried out in a safe, environmentally sound, comprehensive, and integrated manner, now and for generations to come, in March 2023, the Government released Canada’s modernized Policy for Radioactive Waste and Decommissioning. Four priorities form the basis of Canada’s Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning: 
  • Protection of health, safety, security of people and the environment, and ensuring nuclear non-proliferation; 
  • Inclusive engagement, openness, and transparency on radioactive waste management and decommissioning matters; 
  • Recognition of Canada’s deep commitment to building partnerships and advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples related to the management of radioactive waste and decommissioning, based on the recognition of rights, respect, collaboration and partnership; and, 
  • Global excellence in the fields of radioactive waste management and decommissioning. 
The recently modernized Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning builds on the views and perspectives we heard from a variety of interested groups and individuals, including Indigenous peoples, interested Canadians, experts, waste producers and owners, and other levels of government. It ensures Canada continues to meet international standards based on the best available science and provides Canadians with confidence in long-term solutions for all of Canada’s radioactive waste. All radioactive waste in Canada is currently safely managed in accordance with international standards at facilities that are licensed by our independent nuclear regulator – the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC).The Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) conducted a Performance Audit of Nuclear Waste Management, which included Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the CNSC and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL). The CESD Report was tabled in Parliament in fall 2022, and found that NRCan, AECL, and the CNSC did a good job of managing the low and intermediate level radioactive waste that makes up 99.5% of Canada’s radioactive waste output.AECL is a federal Crown corporation that works to advance Canada’s interests through nuclear science and technology, and environmental protection initiatives. A key element of AECL’s mandate is to address the Government of Canada’s radioactive waste and decommissioning responsibilities, the majority of which are located at the Chalk River Laboratories. AECL’s objective is to safely and responsibly address these environmental responsibilities and liabilities which have resulted from legacy activities at AECL sites. These legacy liabilities are the result of decades of significant contributions and advancements in nuclear science which have benefitted Canadians and the world, including the development of the CANDU technology and the production of medical isotopes used in the diagnostic and treatment of cancer and other diseases. AECL is focused on the decontamination and decommissioning of redundant structures and buildings, the remediation of contaminated lands, and the management and disposal of radioactive waste at AECL sites. Since 2015, AECL has been delivering its mandate through a government-owned, contractor-operated (GoCo) model, whereby a private-sector organization, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), operates AECL’s sites. AECL has asked CNL to propose long-term radioactive waste disposal solutions and to advance other decommissioning activities to reduce its environmental liabilities. One project proposed by CNL to manage AECL’s low-level radioactive waste is the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF).This facility would enable the remediation of contaminated areas, moving low-level radioactive waste from temporary storage areas and existing areas of contaminated soil to an engineered disposal facility that will contain the waste and contamination long enough for it to naturally decay. The facility would be a mound, built at near-surface level, consisting of disposal cells with a base liner and cover, and systems to collect leachate, detect leaks, and monitor the environment.The proposed NSDF project at the Chalk River laboratories is undergoing an environmental assessment (EA) pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. The CNSC is the responsible authority and continues its work to thoroughly assess CNL’s proposal.The CNSC will make its environmental assessment and licensing decisions based on Canadian legislation, regulations, policy, and guidance, and will take into account international standards and guidance documents. The CNSC will only allow the project to proceed if it is safe for Canadians and the environment, both in the short- and long-term. In Canada, all decisions in relation to proposed or existing major nuclear projects and activities, including the NSDF proposed by CNL, are made by the Commission, a quasi-judicial tribunal of the CNSC. The Nuclear Safety and Control Act assigns to the Commission the role to regulate the nuclear industry to prevent unreasonable risk to the health and safety of persons and the environment, to ensure protection of national security and the discharge of Canada’s international obligations respecting non-proliferation. The Commission’s evidence-based decisions are made in consideration of all scientific and other relevant information, including Indigenous Knowledge. This information is presented to the Commission by project proponents, CNSC staff, Indigenous Nations and communities and other interested persons and organizations during public proceedings that are open and that welcome and support participation, with opportunities for financial support through the CNSC’s Participant Funding Program. Licensees of major nuclear facilities are also required to develop and implement public information programs, to keep the public informed about their nuclear activities and any potential related impact on public health and the environment. Other federal authorities, including Environment and Climate Change Canada, Health Canada, and Natural Resources Canada, as well as the Quebec and Ontario governments, are also participating in and contributing to the environmental assessments based on their expert input and knowledge. The public and Indigenous Nations and communities also have opportunities to participate and input into the process ensuring an open, balanced process that strengthens the quality and credibility of a project’s review. With respect to the NSDF, AECL will continue to work with CNL on regular outreach to the public, local communities, as well as Indigenous communities. The CNSC will render its decisions on the NSDF project following a public hearing. The Commission will not allow nuclear projects, including those for the long-term management of radioactive waste, to proceed unless it determines that human health and the environment are protected, and that Indigenous Knowledge is integrated in its decision-making, both now and in the future.
Déchets radioactifsÉvaluation environnementaleGestion des déchets
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01287441-01287 (Santé)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 202323 mars 2022PÉTITION AU PREMIER MINISTRE Attendu que :
  • La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, la Déclaration canadienne des droits ainsi que les sacrifices historiques que le Canada a consentis pour défendre la liberté exigent que nous respections et défendions la liberté de conscience de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes;
  • Le premier ministre a incité à la haine et au mépris envers ceux et celles qui exercent leurs droits à la liberté de conscience protégés par la Constitution.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le premier ministre de : 1– Mettre fin aux mesures obligatoires liées à la pandémie qui sont imposées aux membres de la fonction publique et des Forces armées canadiennes, à tous les entrepreneurs assujettis aux exigences fédérales et à tous les travailleurs sous réglementation fédérale; 2– Lever les restrictions frontalières relatives à la pandémie pour tous les Canadiens et, notamment, cesser d’exiger que les Canadiens se soumettent à un test de dépistage de la COVID à leur retour au Canada.
Response by the President of the Treasury Board Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Greg FergusThe Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was implemented in the fall of 2021 when vaccination provided a high degree of protection against infection and transmission of COVID-19 viruses. This approach served as an effective public health measure to protect public servants and the communities they worked in.  All employees have had access to Public Health Agency of Canada/Health Canada information about vaccines and how they work so they could understand how vaccination helps protect them and their workplaces against COVID-19.The Policy is compliant with legislation, including the Privacy Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and collective agreements. On October 21, 2021, the Canadian Human Rights Commission published a guide on vaccination policies and human rights, which states that “Rights are not absolute. […] Requiring that an individual be vaccinated to work or travel is not a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Vaccination requirements are not a discriminatory practice because they are intended (and are necessary) to protect public health and safety.” The Policy provides for addressing requests for accommodation based on any prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act, on a case-by-case basis.Based on the evolving nature of the pandemic and the scientific data, the Government of Canada announced on June 14th, 2022 that it would suspend vaccination requirements for federal government employees, and effective June 20, 2022, employees of the core public administration would no longer be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. Consequently, employees who had been placed on administrative leave without pay as per the Policy, could be reinstated as early as June 20, 2022.The decision to suspend the Policy is based on the latest scientific evidence related to vaccine effectiveness against transmission and infection with evolving COVID-19 variants. Suspending the Policy allows the Government to easily reinstate it as needed, based on science and public health risk, in the future. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken a comprehensive, layered approach to border management, with measures informed by available data, operational considerations, scientific evidence, and monitoring of the epidemiological situation and pandemic response capacity both in Canada and internationally.A number of factors supported lifting Canada’s COVID-19 border measures and travel requirements. These included increased immunity within the Canadian population, lower hospitalization and death rates, high vaccination rates, as well as the availability of vaccines (including bivalent formulation), rapid tests and treatments.As of October 1, 2022, all travellers arriving in Canada are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Canada or meet COVID-19 testing, quarantine or isolation requirements. All travellers no longer have to submit their public health information through ArriveCAN, undergo health checks for travel on air and rail or wear masks on planes and trains.However, the Government of Canada encourages individuals to remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including booster doses when eligible. While not mandatory, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear well-constructed and well-fitted masks during their travel on planes and in airports, or other crowded indoor settings. Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant or a border services officer upon arrival.The Government of Canada continues to work with international partners to enhance genomic sequencing capacity, and closely monitors the global epidemiology of COVID-19 and new variants of concerns. The Government of Canada will not hesitate to put in place additional protective measures for the health and safety of people in Canada should it be required.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherOn June 14, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the suspension of mandatory vaccination for federal employees effective June 20, 2022. In alignment with this measure, the Government of Canada also suspended the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Supplier Personnel.This means that as of June 20, 2022, and until further notice, the vaccination requirements of the policy are no longer in effect.Please note that Supplier Personnel may still be required to comply with site-specific workplace health and safety measures that have been put in place by federal departments and agencies separately from the policy.Canada reserves the right to reinstate the policy in the future in alignment with public health guidelines and any vaccination requirements for the public service.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayProtecting the health and safety of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel is critical to maintaining the CAF’s readiness to deliver on Government of Canada missions at home and around the world.COVID-19 vaccine requirements are one of the many public health measures within our broader layered risk mitigation strategy that the CAF continues to assess. These measures have enabled the CAF to carry out operations at home and abroad, including the Whole of Government pandemic response.As the pandemic has evolved, so too have force protection measures. In October 2022, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) amended the directive on CAF COVID-19 vaccination. Since then, the requirement to have the COVID-19 vaccine has been guided by operational readiness and effectiveness. It will be required for employment in certain positions and on certain operations where it is assessed that the greatest reduction of risk is warranted to maintain operational readiness. These requirements will focus on those high-readiness, deployable, or core missions or tasks where an illness would create risk to an individual or the mission.Further information about the CDS’ vaccination can be found at the following link: CDS Directive 003 on CAF COVID-19 Vaccination for Operations and Readiness.
COVID-19Employeurs et employés sous réglementation fédéraleFrontièresPandémiesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01286441-01286 (Santé)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 20232 mars 2022PÉTITION AU PREMIER MINISTRE Attendu que :
  • La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, la Déclaration canadienne des droits ainsi que les sacrifices historiques que le Canada a consentis pour défendre la liberté exigent que nous respections et défendions la liberté de conscience de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes;
  • Le premier ministre a incité à la haine et au mépris envers ceux et celles qui exercent leurs droits à la liberté de conscience protégés par la Constitution.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le premier ministre de : 1– Mettre fin aux mesures obligatoires liées à la pandémie qui sont imposées aux membres de la fonction publique et des Forces armées canadiennes, à tous les entrepreneurs assujettis aux exigences fédérales et à tous les travailleurs sous réglementation fédérale; 2– Lever les restrictions frontalières relatives à la pandémie pour tous les Canadiens et, notamment, cesser d’exiger que les Canadiens se soumettent à un test de dépistage de la COVID à leur retour au Canada.
Response by the President of the Treasury Board Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Greg FergusThe Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was implemented in the fall of 2021 when vaccination provided a high degree of protection against infection and transmission of COVID-19 viruses. This approach served as an effective public health measure to protect public servants and the communities they worked in.  All employees have had access to Public Health Agency of Canada/Health Canada information about vaccines and how they work so they could understand how vaccination helps protect them and their workplaces against COVID-19.The Policy is compliant with legislation, including the Privacy Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and collective agreements. On October 21, 2021, the Canadian Human Rights Commission published a guide on vaccination policies and human rights, which states that “Rights are not absolute. […] Requiring that an individual be vaccinated to work or travel is not a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Vaccination requirements are not a discriminatory practice because they are intended (and are necessary) to protect public health and safety.” The Policy provides for addressing requests for accommodation based on any prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act, on a case-by-case basis.Based on the evolving nature of the pandemic and the scientific data, the Government of Canada announced on June 14th, 2022 that it would suspend vaccination requirements for federal government employees, and effective June 20, 2022, employees of the core public administration would no longer be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. Consequently, employees who had been placed on administrative leave without pay as per the Policy, could be reinstated as early as June 20, 2022.The decision to suspend the Policy is based on the latest scientific evidence related to vaccine effectiveness against transmission and infection with evolving COVID-19 variants. Suspending the Policy allows the Government to easily reinstate it as needed, based on science and public health risk, in the future. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken a comprehensive, layered approach to border management, with measures informed by available data, operational considerations, scientific evidence, and monitoring of the epidemiological situation and pandemic response capacity both in Canada and internationally.A number of factors supported lifting Canada’s COVID-19 border measures and travel requirements. These included increased immunity within the Canadian population, lower hospitalization and death rates, high vaccination rates, as well as the availability of vaccines (including bivalent formulation), rapid tests and treatments.As of October 1, 2022, all travellers arriving in Canada are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Canada or meet COVID-19 testing, quarantine or isolation requirements. All travellers no longer have to submit their public health information through ArriveCAN, undergo health checks for travel on air and rail or wear masks on planes and trains.However, the Government of Canada encourages individuals to remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including booster doses when eligible. While not mandatory, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear well-constructed and well-fitted masks during their travel on planes and in airports, or other crowded indoor settings. Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant or a border services officer upon arrival.The Government of Canada continues to work with international partners to enhance genomic sequencing capacity, and closely monitors the global epidemiology of COVID-19 and new variants of concerns. The Government of Canada will not hesitate to put in place additional protective measures for the health and safety of people in Canada should it be required.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherOn June 14, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the suspension of mandatory vaccination for federal employees effective June 20, 2022. In alignment with this measure, the Government of Canada also suspended the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Supplier Personnel.This means that as of June 20, 2022, and until further notice, the vaccination requirements of the policy are no longer in effect.Please note that Supplier Personnel may still be required to comply with site-specific workplace health and safety measures that have been put in place by federal departments and agencies separately from the policy.Canada reserves the right to reinstate the policy in the future in alignment with public health guidelines and any vaccination requirements for the public service.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayProtecting the health and safety of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel is critical to maintaining the CAF’s readiness to deliver on Government of Canada missions at home and around the world.COVID-19 vaccine requirements are one of the many public health measures within our broader layered risk mitigation strategy that the CAF continues to assess. These measures have enabled the CAF to carry out operations at home and abroad, including the Whole of Government pandemic response.As the pandemic has evolved, so too have force protection measures. In October 2022, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) amended the directive on CAF COVID-19 vaccination. Since then, the requirement to have the COVID-19 vaccine has been guided by operational readiness and effectiveness. It will be required for employment in certain positions and on certain operations where it is assessed that the greatest reduction of risk is warranted to maintain operational readiness. These requirements will focus on those high-readiness, deployable, or core missions or tasks where an illness would create risk to an individual or the mission.Further information about the CDS’ vaccination can be found at the following link: CDS Directive 003 on CAF COVID-19 Vaccination for Operations and Readiness.
COVID-19Employeurs et employés sous réglementation fédéraleFrontièresPandémiesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01285441-01285 (Santé)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 202323 mars 2022PÉTITION AU PREMIER MINISTRE Attendu que :
  • La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés, la Déclaration canadienne des droits ainsi que les sacrifices historiques que le Canada a consentis pour défendre la liberté exigent que nous respections et défendions la liberté de conscience de tous les Canadiens et Canadiennes;
  • Le premier ministre a incité à la haine et au mépris envers ceux et celles qui exercent leurs droits à la liberté de conscience protégés par la Constitution.
Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le premier ministre de : 1– Mettre fin aux mesures obligatoires liées à la pandémie qui sont imposées aux membres de la fonction publique et des Forces armées canadiennes, à tous les entrepreneurs assujettis aux exigences fédérales et à tous les travailleurs sous réglementation fédérale; 2– Lever les restrictions frontalières relatives à la pandémie pour tous les Canadiens et, notamment, cesser d’exiger que les Canadiens se soumettent à un test de dépistage de la COVID à leur retour au Canada.
Response by the President of the Treasury Board Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Greg FergusThe Policy on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Core Public Administration Including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police was implemented in the fall of 2021 when vaccination provided a high degree of protection against infection and transmission of COVID-19 viruses. This approach served as an effective public health measure to protect public servants and the communities they worked in.  All employees have had access to Public Health Agency of Canada/Health Canada information about vaccines and how they work so they could understand how vaccination helps protect them and their workplaces against COVID-19.The Policy is compliant with legislation, including the Privacy Act, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and collective agreements. On October 21, 2021, the Canadian Human Rights Commission published a guide on vaccination policies and human rights, which states that “Rights are not absolute. […] Requiring that an individual be vaccinated to work or travel is not a discriminatory practice under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Vaccination requirements are not a discriminatory practice because they are intended (and are necessary) to protect public health and safety.” The Policy provides for addressing requests for accommodation based on any prohibited ground of discrimination as defined under the Canadian Human Rights Act, on a case-by-case basis.Based on the evolving nature of the pandemic and the scientific data, the Government of Canada announced on June 14th, 2022 that it would suspend vaccination requirements for federal government employees, and effective June 20, 2022, employees of the core public administration would no longer be required to be vaccinated as a condition of employment. Consequently, employees who had been placed on administrative leave without pay as per the Policy, could be reinstated as early as June 20, 2022.The decision to suspend the Policy is based on the latest scientific evidence related to vaccine effectiveness against transmission and infection with evolving COVID-19 variants. Suspending the Policy allows the Government to easily reinstate it as needed, based on science and public health risk, in the future. 
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThroughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has taken a comprehensive, layered approach to border management, with measures informed by available data, operational considerations, scientific evidence, and monitoring of the epidemiological situation and pandemic response capacity both in Canada and internationally.A number of factors supported lifting Canada’s COVID-19 border measures and travel requirements. These included increased immunity within the Canadian population, lower hospitalization and death rates, high vaccination rates, as well as the availability of vaccines (including bivalent formulation), rapid tests and treatments.As of October 1, 2022, all travellers arriving in Canada are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter Canada or meet COVID-19 testing, quarantine or isolation requirements. All travellers no longer have to submit their public health information through ArriveCAN, undergo health checks for travel on air and rail or wear masks on planes and trains.However, the Government of Canada encourages individuals to remain up to date with the recommended vaccinations, including booster doses when eligible. While not mandatory, all travellers are strongly recommended to wear well-constructed and well-fitted masks during their travel on planes and in airports, or other crowded indoor settings. Individuals are reminded that they should not travel if they have symptoms of COVID-19. If travellers become sick while travelling, and are still sick when they arrive in Canada, they should inform a flight attendant or a border services officer upon arrival.The Government of Canada continues to work with international partners to enhance genomic sequencing capacity, and closely monitors the global epidemiology of COVID-19 and new variants of concerns. The Government of Canada will not hesitate to put in place additional protective measures for the health and safety of people in Canada should it be required.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherOn June 14, 2022, the Government of Canada announced the suspension of mandatory vaccination for federal employees effective June 20, 2022. In alignment with this measure, the Government of Canada also suspended the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy for Supplier Personnel.This means that as of June 20, 2022, and until further notice, the vaccination requirements of the policy are no longer in effect.Please note that Supplier Personnel may still be required to comply with site-specific workplace health and safety measures that have been put in place by federal departments and agencies separately from the policy.Canada reserves the right to reinstate the policy in the future in alignment with public health guidelines and any vaccination requirements for the public service.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayProtecting the health and safety of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel is critical to maintaining the CAF’s readiness to deliver on Government of Canada missions at home and around the world.COVID-19 vaccine requirements are one of the many public health measures within our broader layered risk mitigation strategy that the CAF continues to assess. These measures have enabled the CAF to carry out operations at home and abroad, including the Whole of Government pandemic response.As the pandemic has evolved, so too have force protection measures. In October 2022, the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) amended the directive on CAF COVID-19 vaccination. Since then, the requirement to have the COVID-19 vaccine has been guided by operational readiness and effectiveness. It will be required for employment in certain positions and on certain operations where it is assessed that the greatest reduction of risk is warranted to maintain operational readiness. These requirements will focus on those high-readiness, deployable, or core missions or tasks where an illness would create risk to an individual or the mission.Further information about the CDS’ vaccination can be found at the following link: CDS Directive 003 on CAF COVID-19 Vaccination for Operations and Readiness.
COVID-19Employeurs et employés sous réglementation fédéraleFrontièresPandémiesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01284441-01284 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 20239 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022,  amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.  No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01283441-01283 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 20238 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022,  amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.  No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01282441-01282 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 20239 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022,  amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.  No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01281441-01281 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 20238 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022,  amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.  No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01280441-01280 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 202314 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022,  amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.  No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01279441-01279 (Justice)CherylGallantRenfrew—Nipissing—PembrokeConservateurON31 mars 202315 mai 202314 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesConsidérant que :
  • Le projet de loi C-21 est une atteinte au droit à la propriété privée des Canadiens et des Canadiennes;
  • Le droit de posséder des armes à feu est un droit ancré dans l’histoire qui a été confirmé en vertu de la common law au Canada;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 pénalise injustement les chasseurs, les adeptes du tir sportif et les propriétaires d’armes à feu qui respectent la loi;
  • Ce projet de loi ne contribue en rien à la lutte contre le trafic d’armes à feu ou contre les crimes violents commis avec des armes à feu;
  • La coalition libérale-néo-démocrate limite inutilement les droits des propriétaires d’armes à feu respectueux de la loi.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de voter contre le projet de loi C 21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022,  amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.  No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01278441-01278 (Affaires sociales et égalité)JennyKwanVancouver-EstNPDBC31 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • les paiements d’aide financière aux personnes handicapées au Canada sont actuellement bien inférieurs au seuil officiel de la pauvreté au Canada;
  • 1,5 million de Canadiens handicapés souffrent quotidiennement dans une situation de « pauvreté réglementée »;
  • les personnes vivant avec un handicap sont laissées pour compte et la crise du coût de la vie leur fait particulièrement mal;
  • la pauvreté, l’isolement et la dépendance aux soins auxiliaires sont tous des facteurs qui aggravent les risques de violence et d’exploitation sexistes pour les femmes handicapées;
  • le NPD lutte pour les gens et talonnera le gouvernement pour que la Loi sur la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées soit mise en œuvre et sorte les gens de la pauvreté.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens canadiens préoccupés, prions le gouvernement du Canada de mettre un terme à l’actuelle situation de « pauvreté réglementée » dans laquelle se trouvent des Canadiens vivant avec un handicap et d’établir une prestation fédérale pour les personnes handicapées qui respecte les droits de la personne, la Convention relative aux droits des personnes handicapées et l’objectif de développement durable 1 (Pas de pauvreté) en vertu de la Loi sur la prestation canadienne pour les personnes handicapées.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykCanadians with disabilities, especially of working age, have long faced high levels of financial insecurity. According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, working age Canadians with disabilities experience poverty at nearly twice the rate of working age Canadians without disabilities (23% vs 12%). As well, there are the many extra costs associated with having a disability, such as the need for accessible housing and out of pocket disability-related expenses. These additional costs can be a significant hardship for Canadians with disabilities already living in low-income.The Government is committed to reducing poverty and supporting the financial security of working-age persons with disabilities. On June 2, 2022, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion introduced in the House of Commons the Canada Disability Benefit Act, Bill C-22. After being studied and amended, the Bill received unanimous, all-party support in its third reading on February 2, 2023, before being referred to the Senate where it is being further debated and studied.This Act is framework legislation, establishing the benefit and providing the legal authorities to detail the benefit’s design in future regulations. Regulations developed under the Act will prescribe benefit amounts, eligibility criteria and other key design and administrative elements. This approach, in the spirit of “Nothing Without Us,” will allow the Government to continue to engage with Canadians with disabilities, other stakeholders and provincial and territorial governments to inform the Benefit’s design.Engagement activities with the disability community began with a series of virtual roundtables that started in summer 2021 and continued into spring of 2022. Additionally, disability community-led engagement will continue until spring?2023, while Indigenous-led engagement could continue until 2023/2024. As well, provincial, and territorial governments are critical partners in developing the proposed benefit to ensure that it meets its intended objective of reducing poverty amongst persons with disabilities. Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers Responsible for Social Services met for an initial discussion on the Disability Inclusion Action Plan and the proposed benefit in July 2021 and that engagement has been ongoing. In addition, Budget 2023 committed $21.5 million in 2023/2024 to continue work on the future delivery of the proposed benefit, including engagement with the disability community and provinces and territories on the regulatory process.The Canada Disability Benefit is a key component of Canada’s first-ever Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The Action Plan is a blueprint for change to make Canada more inclusive of persons with disabilities based on the principles of equality, anti-discrimination, participation, and inclusion in the development of our programs and policies.
Personnes ayant des limitations fonctionnellesPrestations d'invalidité
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-3968e-3968 (Processus démocratique)RaymondGianfrancescoJennaSuddsKanata—CarletonLibéralON21 avril 2022 à 10 h 24 (HAE)20 juin 2022 à 10 h 24 (HAE)31 mars 202315 mai 202328 juin 2022Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que :Voter est un droit fondamental pour tous;Tout le monde devrait avoir le droit de choisir ses propres dirigeants; Les personnes de 16 ans sont matures, informées et prêtes à voter aux élections.Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d’abaisser à 16 ans l’âge minimum pour voter.
Response by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellThe Government of Canada is pleased to respond to this petition.The Government of Canada is committed to improving and strengthening our democracy. Our electoral system (i.e., the fundamental rules determining how votes are translated into seats in the House of Commons) is one of the most foundational pieces of our democracy – at its core is a question of how we, as Canadians, govern ourselves. The Government’s view has been clear: major reforms to the electoral system should not be made if they lack the broad support of Canadians.Although the federal voting age remains at 18, calls to lower the voting age to 16 have been made by both past and present parliaments. One such effort, Bill C-210, was defeated at second reading in the House of Commons, on September 28, 2022, while another, Bill S-201, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Regulation Adapting the Canada Elections Act for the Purposes of a Referendum, is at second reading in the Senate.The Government has taken notable steps to improve federal electoral processes, including through the Elections Modernization Act, which made significant changes to the Canada Elections Act to make it easier for Canadians to participate in elections. It also further bolstered Canadians’ trust and confidence in Canada’s world class electoral system.Notably, the Elections Modernization Act provided young Canadians with the ability to participate in the federal electoral process in several ways outside of voting. For example, Canadians aged 14 to 17 can pre-register to vote in federal elections by requesting that Elections Canada add them to the Register of Future Electors which will automatically register them to vote once they turn 18. Furthermore, Canadians who are at least 16 years old on election day may apply to work at polling stations, providing them with a firsthand experience on how the election process works and an opportunity to deliver an important service to Canadians.In a healthy democracy, there is always more work to do, but Canadians have many reasons to be proud of their electoral system. The Government of Canada will continue to work to strengthen and protect our democratic practices and institutions to ensure they uphold Canadian values.
Âge du droit de voteSystème électoral
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01276441-01276 (Protection des consommateurs)JennaSuddsKanata—CarletonLibéralON31 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE :
  • En 2019, les ministres de l’Industrie, des Aînés et de la Prospérité de la classe moyenne ont eu comme mandat de créer un poste de protecteur des consommateurs du Canada pour offrir un guichet unique aux consommateurs ayant besoin d’aide pour leurs plaintes concernant les secteurs bancaires, de télécommunications ou de transport réglementés au niveau fédéral;
  • Une version élargie de ce mandat visant l’amélioration des cadres de protection des consommateurs dans tous les secteurs de l’économie avait reçu l’appui de Canadiens de toutes les provinces et de tous les territoires sous la forme d’une pétition certifiée à la Chambre des communes (e-3150) juste avant la dissolution du Parlement en août 2021;
  • Dans la nouvelle législature, le gouvernement du Canada a annulé le mandat de créer un poste de protecteur des consommateurs du Canada;
  • Les Canadiens et les organisations canadiennes de protection des consommateurs continuent de penser que l’attention portée par le gouvernement fédéral à la protection des consommateurs s’est érodée au cours des dernières décennies et que la voix des consommateurs est absente lorsque des décisions politiques, réglementaires et législatives importantes sont prises;
  • La COVID-19 a créé un stress sur les cadres juridiques, réglementaires et normatifs de protection des consommateurs dont dépend le Canada, en révélant les lacunes dans l’état de préparation des gouvernements et leur capacité à protéger les Canadiens;
  • L’approche disparate actuelle en matière de protection des consommateurs est une stratégie vouée à l’échec, car les Canadiens naviguent sur des marchés de plus en plus complexes dominés par de puissants intérêts particuliers, ce qui entravera la reprise économique après la pandémie de COVID-19;
  • Les progrès réalisés pour relever les défis économiques et sociaux futurs résident dans l’établissement d’un défenseur fédéral indépendant ayant pour seule fonction de défendre les consommateurs, de soutenir leur voix par le biais de la société civile et de souligner la relation entre leurs besoins et les processus décisionnels au sein des agences gouvernementales.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de revenir sur sa décision et de créer comme prévu un poste indépendant de protecteur des consommateurs du Canada, qui relèverait du Parlement, afin de promouvoir les intérêts des consommateurs et de travailler avec la société civile pour représenter la voix des consommateurs.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HONOURABLE FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for sharing their views on improving Canada’s consumer protection framework.The government recognizes Canadian consumers' vital role in securing our economic future in a post-COVID environment. This is demonstrated in its focus on implementing a number of measures to make life more affordable for Canadians and ensure greater consumer protection. These efforts include those outlined in Budget 2022 and Budget 2023, such as:
  • Introducing targeted legislation to strengthen Canada’s external complaints handling systems for banks and to designate a single, not-for-profit corporate body as the sole external complaints body (ECB). These enhancements will remove the ability for banks to choose which ECB to be a member of and ensure that the complaints-handling system will no longer run on a for-profit basis.  
  • Strengthening air passenger rights and airline obligations to compensate passengers for delays and cancellations and aligning Canada's air passenger rights regime with those of leading international approaches to ensure that passengers are fairly compensated. These measures build on the government’s March 14, 2023, announcement of an additional $75.9 million in funding over three years to the Canadian Transportation Agency for air passenger consumer protection. 
  • Working with regulatory agencies, provinces, and territories to reduce the unexpected, hidden, and additional fees that have become a consumers burden without adding value. The government is referring to these additional fees as junk fees. It is committed to examining how it can work to limit these unnecessary costs to consumers on goods and services – including higher telecom roaming charges, event and concert fees, excess baggage fees, and unjustified shipping and freight fees. This builds on recent steps the government has taken to protect Canadians from hidden costs, including the 2022 amendments to the Competition Act to clarify that the practice of “drip pricing” (failing to disclose all obligatory charges at the outset) is false or misleading.
Further, the Prime Minister directed the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, through his current mandate letter, to enhance consumer protection with commitments that include: 
  • Undertaking a broad review of the current legislative and structural elements that may restrict or hinder competition. This includes, the role and functioning of the Competition Act and its enforcement regime; whether key aspects of the regime are fit for purpose; and whether the law can stand up to new challenges brought about by the evolution of our economy, especially digital transformation. This is in part to ensure that Canadians are protected from anti-consumer practices in critical sectors, including in the oil and gas, telecommunications and financial services sectors;
  • Introducing legislation to advance the Digital Charter, strengthen privacy protections for consumers and provide a clear set of rules that ensure fair competition in the online marketplace.
As a preliminary step toward modernizing Canada’s competition regime and addressing current market concerns, the government recently made some changes to the Competition Act to better protect Canadian consumers, businesses and workers from anti-competitive conduct. Building on these changes, between November 2022 and March 2023, the government held a public consultation toward a broader and open-ended review of the law, inviting comments from the general public on various areas for potential improvement and reconsideration in the Competition Act, that will help the Competition Bureau better protect consumers and the integrity of the marketplace. Further information on this consultation is available on the Consultation on the future of competition policy in Canada page.Furthermore, in August 2021, the Government of Canada launched the Consumer Hub, an online resource finder to help consumers seek redress for banking, telecom or transportation-related complaints. Since its launch, around 500 users visit the hub each month, with popular searches on topics like travel agency issues, mobile phone equipment issues, banks, and over 65% of visitors looking for information on the transportation sector.These and other actions continue to protect and empower consumers as the government works to build a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive economy post-pandemic. Once again, thank you for bringing these concerns forward.
Consommateurs et protection des consommateursIntervenants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-4315e-4315 (Culture et patrimoine)RobertPingitoreKevinVuongSpadina—Fort YorkIndépendantON20 février 2023 à 12 h 05 (HAE)22 mars 2023 à 12 h 05 (HAE)31 mars 202315 mai 202323 mars 2023Pétition à la<Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Le gouvernement fédéral sait que les arts et la culture resserrent nos liens et que l’amélioration des infrastructures contribue à bâtir des communautés fortes, dynamiques et prospères;C’est la raison pour laquelle il a investi dans le Harbourfront Centre de Toronto, important centre culturel qui contribue à la vitalité du secteur riverain de Toronto et qui attire annuellement cinq millions de visiteurs du Canada et d’ailleurs;Le 21 août 2021, le gouvernement a annoncé que Patrimoine canadien verserait au Harbourfront Centre 20 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour des travaux d’immobilisations urgents;L’argent devait servir à financer des améliorations aux immobilisations et des réparations prioritaires afin de moderniser les salles et les lieux de spectacle, de manière à soutenir l’accès aux arts, à la culture et aux loisirs et à offrir des occasions de mettre en lumière la diversité et la richesse canadiennes;Le Centre voyait ce financement comme un investissement important essentiel pour lui permettre de continuer à accueillir un éventail diversifié d’artistes et de communautés comme il le fait depuis près de cinquante ans et à divertir le public dans le secteur riverain de Toronto;Les travaux visant la patinoire Harbourfront, laquelle devait être réparée et modernisée, n’ont pas eu lieu. Cette attraction majeure qui a fait le plaisir des résidents et des visiteurs pendant des décennies a plutôt été démantelée sans consultation publique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada : 1. De réaliser un examen de son engagement financier à l’égard du Harbourfront Centre et de ses obligations;2. D'informer le Centre qu’il s’est écarté de ses objectifs initiaux;3. d'exiger que le Centre consulte les résidents des environs en ce qui concerne ses nouvelles priorités et la manière de maintenir la patinoire.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Chris BittleBudget 2021 included an investment of $500 million over two years for the Recovery Fund for Arts, Culture, Heritage, and Sport Sectors, and the Reopening Fund to help the sector return to its pre-pandemic strength. Substantial portions of these funds were invested in the live arts presentation sector, community festivals, performing arts organizations, and music. As part of the Recovery Fund for the Arts, Culture, Heritage and Sport Sectors under Budget 2021, $20 million was awarded to Harbourfront Centre for capital infrastructure work over two years (2021-2023). This funding sought to address urgent capital improvements and repairs to update performance spaces and venues, address health and safety elements to welcome back artists, visitors, audiences and staff, provide greater accessibility throughout the site, and achieve reductions in energy and water use targeting future zero carbon levels, as well to continue urgent capital repairs. The contribution agreement for these funds was signed on August 18, 2021.Following an interim report from Harbourfront Centre on October 4, 2022, an amendment was made to the agreement to reflect changes to the schedule and project list, signed November 10, 2022. These updates respect its contribution agreement requirements, fiscal responsibility towards the project and represent good stewardship of public funds.As an independent not-for-profit organization, Harbourfront Centre is responsible for setting priorities for its ongoing infrastructure projects and making its own decisions accordingly. There is not a public consultative requirement as part of the contribution agreement between PCH and Harbourfront Centre.PCH will continue to work closely with Harbourfront Centre to receive regular updates on the infrastructure projects outlined in the agreement, along with the important programs and services that the organization continues to deliver alongside its cultural and community partners. 
Consultation du publicCulture et créativitéHarbourfront CentreServices de maintenance, de réparation et de rénovation
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-4155e-4155 (Fiscalité)ColinO'LearyFrankCaputoKamloops—Thompson—CaribooConservateurBC31 octobre 2022 à 10 h 44 (HAE)28 février 2023 à 10 h 44 (HAE)31 mars 202315 mai 202328 février 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Les fiducies foncières communautaires existent partout au Canada et constituent un moyen éprouvé pour lutter contre l’actuelle crise du logement abordable, mais sont paralysées par l’actuelle loi fédérale sur l’impôt, qui les empêche de recevoir des dons de terres.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada à :1. Apporter des modifications et des ajouts à la Loi de l’impôt sur le revenu afin de favoriser les dons de terre aux fiducies foncières, dans le but de développer des projets de logement abordable, en utilisant les mêmes mécanismes que ceux déjà prévus dans la Loi pour permettre aux individus et aux entreprises de faire des dons aux réserves foncières écologiques; 2. Faire en sorte que les dons de terres aux fiducies foncières communautaires soient admissibles aux exonérations d’impôt sur les gains en capital et à un crédit d’impôt ou à une déduction fiscale, en échange de la terre, selon la juste valeur marchande.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the urgent need to make housing more affordable for Canadians and continues to consider policies in this respect. Canada’s National Housing Strategy is an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. This includes $13.2 billion through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, $2.5 billion through the Rapid Housing Initiative, $8.6 billion through the Canada Community Housing Initiative, and $618 million through the Federal Community Housing Initiative, among other initiatives.The Government of Canada encourages support through the tax system for registered charities via the Charitable Donations Tax Credit (CDTC). Registered charities are established for a variety of socially beneficial purposes, including charities that provide affordable housing for low-income individuals, and those that provide adaptive and assisted housing for persons with disabilities and seniors.Tax support for charitable donations in Canada has been recognized as being among the most generous in the world.  For individuals that donate more than $200, the CDTC provides tax assistance at 29% (and can be as high as 33% for those with taxable income over $235,675 in 2023). Provincial and territorial governments also provide charitable donation credits. When these are combined with federal assistance, most donors receive a total assistance of about 46% when annual charitable donations exceed $200. Donors can claim donations up to 75% of their net income, and any unused donations can be carried forward for up to five years.While donations of real estate are not currently eligible for an exemption from capital gains tax, they are generally eligible for the CDTC, which will more than offset the tax payable on any such donation. This is because generally only 50% of the capital gain arising from the donation of land is required to be included in a donor’s income, whereas the CDTC is provided on the full fair market value of the disposition.The Department of Finance is continually reviewing the tax system to ensure that it is fair and effective, including ensuring that tax incentives for charitable donations are as effective as possible. With respect to the specific suggestion to modify the Income Tax Act to provide the same treatment for donations to land trusts as exists for donations of ecologically sensitive land, this proposal will be taken under consideration by officials of the Department of Finance as it considers these important public policy issues.
Crédit d'impôt pour dons de bienfaisanceLogement social
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01273441-01273 (Environnement)BlakeDesjarlaisEdmonton GriesbachNPDAB31 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit s’attaquer à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des mesures législatives pour une transition équitable qui :
  • Réduisent les émissions d’au moins 60 % sous les niveaux de 2005 d’ici 2030, et qui apportent une importante contribution à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Réduisent progressivement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et l’infrastructure connexe, mettent un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et prévoient la transition vers une économie décarbonée;
  • Créent de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et développent la propriété publique des services d’utilité publique à l’échelle de l’économie afin de mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créent de bons emplois verts et favorisent le développement d’un effectif diversifié, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs concernés et des communautés, et assurent des emplois convenables et à faibles émissions de carbone pour tous les travailleurs;
  • Protègent et renforcent les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respectent les droits des Autochtones, leur souveraineté et leur savoir en les intégrant dans la création et la mise en oeuvre de ces mesures législatives, assurent la justice pour les migrants et mettent l’accent sur l’aide aux communautés qui vivent une marginalisation de longue date;
  • Élargissent le filet de sécurité sociale avec de nouvelles mesures d’aide au revenu, des logements sociaux décarbonés et des fonds de soutien pour des services de transport en commun abordables et accessibles à l’échelle du pays;
  • Financent la transition en augmentant l’impôt des plus riches et des sociétés et mettant sur pied une banque publique nationale.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.As part of this effort, Canada joined other countries at COP26 and committed to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so to this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required – including legislation – to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero future.  This is why the Government released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan in February of this year. This Plan is complementary to – and in fact a part of – Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth. In drafting this Plan, the Government consulted widely with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society.This Plan also lays out the Government’s proposed approach to sustainable jobs legislation, which will create a framework for accountability, engagement and transparency that will ensure we empower workers and communities while building economic opportunities in ways that give confidence to Canadians.In addition to outlining the Government’s approach to legislation, the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan also describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that they can realize their comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has also earmarked $120 billion in investments to support emissions reductions and the low-carbon economy. In addition to these investments, the Government has developed targeted tax measures that similarly work to support the creation of sustainable jobs. For example, new Investment Tax Credits for Clean Hydrogen and Clean Technologies were announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and they would provide a refundable tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the capital cost of investments in clean energy technologies for claimants that meet certain labour conditions (20 per cent rate for those who do not). The Fall Economic Statement also unveiled details of the Canada Growth Fund, which seeks to attract billions of dollars in private capital to reduce Canada’s emissions, grow the economy and create good jobs.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a net-zero world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, our current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.  
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykOn February 17, 2023 the Government of Canada released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to sustainable jobs legislation.The Government is preparing to introduce this legislation in 2023. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand; 
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and, 
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone.  
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01272441-01272 (Santé)BlakeDesjarlaisEdmonton GriesbachNPDAB31 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :La crise des opioïdes est l’une des urgences de santé publique les plus meurtrières de notre époque, compte tenu de la vingtaine de décès qu’elle cause chaque jour et de son bilan total de 30 843 morts en six ans et trois mois (de janvier 2016 à mars 2022);La crise des surdoses fait rage.Nous, les soussignés, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de qualifier la crise des surdoses d’une urgence sanitaire nationale et : De prendre des mesures pour mettre fin aux décès et aux blessures causés par les surdoses; D’élaborer sans attendre avec les provinces et les territoires un plan d’action pancanadien complet en matière de surdoses;De veiller à ce que le plan, quel qu’il soit, tienne compte des réformes que d’autres pays ont pu faire, comme réglementer les drogues pour assurer un approvisionnement sûr, décriminaliser la consommation personnelle, et modifier les politiques et les interventions policières inefficaces en matière de drogues;De veiller à ce que les fonds adéquats soient débloqués et que des programmes appropriés soient mis en place.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives. Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. For example, provinces and territories fund and deliver the majority of direct social and health interventions, such as naloxone distribution and supervised consumption sites, which are shown to effectively reduce overdoses deaths and harms. Provinces, territories and municipalities also have the power to declare a public health emergency in response to a significant increase in overdose-related deaths, as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta declaring a public health crisis in May 2017. More recently, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency in January 2022. The declaration of a provincial and territorial public health emergency allows a provincial and territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary powers to address a crisis. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some First Nations communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths, including Ehattesaht First Nation in British Columbia, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in Manitoba.The Emergencies Act is not an appropriate mechanism to address the ongoing overdose crisis, which requires a longer-term, sustained, and multi-jurisdictional effort to address the complex, interrelated health, social and economic factors driving opioid-related deaths and harms. At the federal level, we have taken action by: reducing legislative and regulatory barriers; developing new prescription guidelines and marketing restrictions; launching a public awareness campaign; improving the knowledge base; supporting treatment, safer supply and harm reduction initiatives across Canada; working with domestic and international partners to reduce the illegal drug supply; and, providing emergency funding to provinces and territories.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $800 million to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Nearly $350 million to the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) between 2017-2022 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 $1.3 million in remaining amortization to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the SUAP to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada; and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $24 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, through SUAP, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of April 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through the SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites (SCS) offering services grew from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including; regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and, on-the- ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publiqueUrgences sanitaires
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01271441-01271 (Transport)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC31 mars 202315 mai 20238 mars 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • À l’heure actuelle, aucune compagnie aérienne n’offre de vol direct entre Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, et Amritsar, au Pendjab, un itinéraire logique qui correspondrait à la plus courte distance entre les aéroports internationaux YVR et ATQ;
  • Les options de vol actuellement offertes imposent toutes une correspondance à Delhi, un détour d’environ 400 km au sud d’Amritsar, ce qui ajoute environ 700 km supplémentaires à l’ensemble du voyage. En outre, de nombreux vols passent par Toronto, ce qui ajoute plus de 3 300 kilomètres superflus à un déplacement déjà extrêmement long;
  • En proposant l’itinéraire le plus court entre les aéroports YVR et ATQ, on réduirait le nombre de kilomètres parcourus inutilement, la consommation de carburant et la durée des voyages, ce qui améliorerait l’expérience des passagers et limiterait les émissions de carbone;
  • De nombreux citoyens canadiens et résidents permanents voyagent entre les aéroports YVR et ATQ pour les affaires ou l’agrément, ou encore pour visiter des proches. On estime que plus de 40 000 résidents canadiens sont restés coincés au Pendjab à la fin mars 2020, en raison du confinement total de l’Inde entraîné par la COVID-19.
PAR CONSÉQUENT : Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de tirer parti du fait qu’il détient des actions d’Air Canada pour encourager la compagnie à offrir des vols directs entre Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, et Amritsar, au Pendjab, si une telle liaison s’avère économiquement viable.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraThe Government of Canada takes note of the campaign advocating for direct flights between Canada and Amritsar, India, and is aware of the importance of this issue for many Canadians, especially those with ties to Punjab. The Government of Canada is responsible for negotiating bilateral air transport agreements with foreign governments. These agreements govern the operation of scheduled air services and provide the legal framework within which airlines make decisions based on their own commercial priorities, actual market demand, and the operational viability of routes. This is an important point as the locations that Canadian airlines decide to serve are business decisions. The Government of Canada expanded its air transport agreement with India in 2022 and was able to remove limits on capacity (i.e., the number of flights that can be operated). Currently, Canadian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Bangalore (Bengaluru), Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, while Indian air carriers can operate own-aircraft services to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. While agreement was not reached on access to additional cities during the negotiations in 2022, officials from both countries remain in contact to discuss further expansion of the air transport agreement. In the meantime, when operating code-share services, which is a type of marketing arrangement, Amritsar is available to Canadian carriers. Additionally, the agreement does not preclude Indian airlines from operating direct services to/from anywhere in India, including Amritsar, to Canada. Bilateral agreements cannot be unilaterally amended. However, Canadian Ministers have pressed Canada’s air transport interests during meetings with their Indian counterparts. The Minister of Transport met with India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia, in May of 2022, where he expressed Canada’s interest in an expanded air transport agreement that also includes direct access to Amritsar for Canadian airlines.  Over the past year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with her counterpart, India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, on a number of occasions, which is a reflection of the countries’ strong and growing economic, cultural and people-to-people ties. The Ministers have continually taken these opportunities to reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation in these and all facets of the bilateral relationship.  Most recently, these Ministers met on March 3, 2023, and discussed, among other things, Canada’s interests in obtaining market access for direct air services to a greater number of cities in India (including in Punjab).  The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development has also recently spoken with her counterpart, the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister, on May 8th, 2023 regarding this issue.  Subsequently, on March 24, 2023, Canada’s High Commissioner to India wrote to Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs of India, reiterating Canada’s interest in exchanging the right for Canada’s respective airlines to operate services to any point or points in the other country’s territory. The Government of Canada has not yet received a reply. 
IndeTransport aérien
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01270441-01270 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC31 mars 202315 mai 202322 novembre 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • Le 20e rapport du département d’État américain sur la traite de personnes mentionne que le Canada respecte les normes minimales pour l’élimination de la traite;
  • Le rapport mentionne que les gouvernements, au Canada, n’ont pas fourni de données exhaustives sur les enquêtes, les poursuites, les condamnations et les services aux victimes;
  • La gamme, la qualité et les délais de prestations des services en matière de traite varient à l’échelle du Canada et sont l’objet d’une insuffisance de fonds chronique;
  • La coordination entre les gouvernements fédéral et provinciaux sur les mesures de lutte contre la traite de personnes est mauvaise;
  • Le rapport américain exhorte les gouvernements au Canada à recourir davantage à des techniques proactives d’application de la loi,à la formation des procureurs et des juges et à des partenariats avec le secteur privé pour prévenir la traite de personnes.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : Renforcer la Loi sur la protection des collectivités et des personnes victimes d’exploitation pour combler les lacunes du Canada relevées dans le rapport américain afin que le Canada surpasse les normes minimales pour l’élimination de la traite;Établir une collaboration et une coordination plus étroites avec les provinces, le secteur privé et les autres intervenants dans la lutte contre la traite de personnes au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe 2022 Annual Report on Trafficking in Persons, prepared by the US Government, recognizes that Canada, as a Tier 1 country, fully meets the standards outlined in the report to combat trafficking in persons and that Canada continues to demonstrate sustained and serious efforts. Combating trafficking in persons in Canada requires concerted action by all levels of government and a broad range of stakeholders.The Government of Canada continues to demonstrate national leadership and is committed to ensuring a whole-of-government approach and comprehensive way forward to address human trafficking. The Criminal Code provides a robust framework for human trafficking with six specific human trafficking offences, including trafficking in adults, child trafficking, materially benefitting from human trafficking and withholding or destroying identity documents to facilitate this crime, with maximum penalties of up to life imprisonment. Additionally, the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act includes a human trafficking-specific offence, which applies where victims are brought into Canada. This offence has a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Justice Canada provides training to law enforcement through the Human Trafficking Investigators Course, offered regularly through the Canadian Police College.The federal government works closely with provinces and territories to support victims of crime, including victims of human trafficking. Specifically, the Justice Canada Victims Fund makes grants and contributions funding available to provincial and territorial governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other eligible recipients for the creation and enhancement of services for victims of crime and to enhance the knowledge and capacity of those who work with victims of crime so that these professionals and volunteers can better meet victims’ needs.In support of the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking led by Public Safety Canada, Justice Canada makes $1 million per year available through the Victims Fund to NGOs to develop or enhance services for victims of human trafficking. In particular, Justice Canada is providing funding to nine projects in fiscal year 2022-2023 through the Victims Fund. These projects include the establishment or enhancement of services for victims of human trafficking, as well as the development and delivery of training for law enforcement officers and frontline service providers. A total of $1,164,157 in funding was committed in fiscal year 2022-2023 to support victims of human trafficking.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.The Government of Canada takes the issue of human trafficking seriously and is committed to the protection of children, women, girls, and other vulnerable members of society from all forms of exploitation and abuse, including sexual exploitation and labour trafficking in Canada and abroad.The protection of victims of human trafficking is a shared responsibility among all levels of government. Provinces and territories provide services such as health and social services, emergency housing, and legal aid to victims and survivors and in some cases have established their own local strategies and action plans to address human trafficking in their jurisdictions. Similarly, civil society and other non-governmental actors play a critical role in Canada’s response to this crime. The Government of Canada recognizes that human trafficking is a multifaceted issue which requires cooperation with the provinces and territories, the private sector and civil society actors.In 2019, the Government of Canada launched the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking (National Strategy), which brings together federal efforts under one strategic framework, and is supported by an investment of $57.22 million over five years and $10.28 million ongoing. The National Strategy includes measures aligned with the internationally recognized pillars of prevention, protection, prosecution and partnerships. Expanding on these pillars, the National Strategy includes empowerment as a fifth pillar to enhance supports and services to victims of human trafficking. As a whole-of-government approach, the National Strategy sets out a comprehensive way forward to address human trafficking and brings together all federal efforts that aim to address human trafficking under one strategic plan to ensure a collaborative and coordinated national response.Under the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking, the Federal Government has developed an enhanced governance structure to enable a more coordinated response to human trafficking. The Human Trafficking Taskforce (HTT), comprised of all relevant federal departments, was established to ensure effective coordination, implementation and management of existing and enhanced efforts to address human trafficking in Canada and abroad. Further, the HTT serves to support the alignment of anti-human trafficking initiatives with other federal government priorities (i.e. Gender-Based Violence and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls). Public Safety Canada has also established robust mechanisms to bolster existing governance through the federal HTT, these include an Assistant Deputy Ministers meeting, and a Director-General Steering Committee on Human Trafficking which provide oversight of the horizontal initiative.Collaboration and information sharing with federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments through the Public Safety Canada-led FPT Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Working Group remains central to the Government’s efforts. The Government of Canada also hosts a Justice Canada led-FPT Coordinating Committee of Senior Officials on Human Trafficking. These meetings facilitate information sharing and collaboration, and the sharing of best practices and lessons learned to inform policy and program development.Furthermore, under the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to hosting stakeholder engagements to ensure ongoing outreach and information sharing and to address emerging trends. The purpose of these engagements is to bring together experts, civils society organizations, service providers and other external stakeholders to enhance knowledge and information sharing; better understand stakeholder concerns and priority issues; and, inform forward looking policy and program development. These meetings also provide Public Safety Canada and federal partners with an opportunity to strengthen key relationships and establish new ones as well as identify opportunities for new partnerships.The Government of Canada is committed to combating human trafficking and will continue to work diligently to better understand gaps in Canada’s collective response to this crime to build stronger and safer communities across Canada.
Loi sur la protection des collectivités et des personnes victimes d'exploitationTraite de personnes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01269441-01269 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC31 mars 202315 mai 202325 janvier 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • Le gouvernement fédéral a présenté le projet de loi C-21, qui comprend des dispositions interdisant la majorité des répliques d’armes à feu, telles que les armes à air comprimé, et qui incorpore dans la loi le décret C.P. 2020-298 du 1er mai 2020, lequel dresse des listes d’armes à feu dont il interdit ou limite la possession;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 criminalisera des centaines de milliers de Canadiens respectueux de la loi qui possèdent des armes à feu obtenues légalement;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 causera un grave préjudice financier à des milliers de Canadiens dont le gagne-pain repose en totalité ou en partie sur la vente d’armes à feu;
  • Au Canada, la chasse fait partie du patrimoine depuis longtemps, tant chez les Autochtones que chez les non-Autochtones, et l’interdiction inutile des armes à feu des citoyens efface et ignore notre histoire et nos traditions;
  • La grande majorité des crimes armés sont commis avec des armes obtenues illégalement, et la confiscation des armes à feu appartenant à des citoyens respectueux de la loi ne contribue en rien à stopper les gangs et les criminels dangereux qui se procurent des armes à feu illégalement.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de ne plus cibler les citoyens respectueux de la loi qui possèdent des armes à feu obtenues légalement, de protéger les droits et les libertés des Canadiens en veillant à ce que les lois sur les armes à feu soient fondées sur des données probantes plutôt que sur des idéologies, et de retirer le projet de loi C-21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gunviolence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country.  
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01268441-01268 (Processus démocratique)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 202321 octobre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, les soussignés, citoyens (ou résidents) du Canada, désirons porter à l’attention de la Chambre ce qui suit :CONSIDÉRANT QUE le présent « vote de censure » est le résultat des mandats donnés ainsi que des politiques et des mesures prises par le premier ministre Justin Trudeau et son gouvernement libéral. Le premier ministre Justin Trudeau a démontré très clairement qu’il ne se soucie pas de répondre aux préoccupations des citoyens du Canada. Le premier ministre Justin Trudeau manque de dévouement envers les Canadiens; il n’a pas fait preuve d’un engagement quelconque à faire du Canada un pays où tous les habitants peuvent s’épanouir. Nous, le peuple du Canada, élisons nos premiers ministres. Ceux-ci devraient diriger le pays dans l’intérêt supérieur des Canadiens. Ils devraient agir avec transparence et rendre compte de leurs actes, et non poursuivre des objectifs cachés. Par rapport au premier ministre, les Canadiens se sentent trahis, ils sont mécontents, ils ont peur, ils se sentent menacés, et ainsi de suite. Le temps est venu de changer les choses : un « vote de censure » est nécessaire pour que les Canadiens puissent se rétablir et passer à autre chose; il nous faut un chef qui sait rendre compte de ses actes et qui prend à cœur l’intérêt supérieur des Canadiens.PAR CONSÉQUENT, les pétitionnaires demandent que le Parlement relève le premier ministre Justin Trudeau et les membres de son gouvernement libéral de leurs fonctions.
Response by the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and CommunitiesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Jennifer O'ConnellAs Canadians, we are blessed to live in a free and democratic country.In 2021, we collectively exercised the democratic rights guaranteed to us by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canada Elections Act. In the 44th General Election since Confederation, a total of 17,209,811 Canadian citizens exercised their right to vote, and to freely choose from among 2,010 fellow citizens who put themselves forward as candidates. We should all take pride in the fact that Canadians continue to be so deeply engaged in our democratic process and its institutions.Under our system of Parliamentary and responsible government, we continue to govern with the confidence of the House of Commons. We are accountable to Parliament and to Canadians, whether through Parliament proceedings, the scrutiny of the free press, and the many formal and informal ways in which Government and elected Members of Parliament engage with concerned citizens, organizations, and civil society every day.We continue to work to make Canada a place where we can all thrive. Our agenda as a Government includes measures to make life more affordable for Canadians, whether through investing in child care and dental care, or by improving important benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, Canada Pension Plan, OAS, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. We are helping Canadians create new middle class jobs by tackling supply chain challenges, doubling the Tradespeople’s Tool Deduction, and promoting international trade to bring Canadian goods and services to the global marketplace. And we are protecting our environment for future generations by greening our electrical grid, electrifying our transport sector, and investing in the critical mineral sector that makes Canada a world leader.The Government is proud of this record. We continue to work hard to retain the confidence of Parliament for the remainder of this term, and Canadian citizens will once again exercise their democratic rights in the 45th General Election.
Allusions aux députésConfiance dans le gouvernementPremier ministreTrudeau, Justin
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01267441-01267 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenMedical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal issue. The Government of Canada recognizes and respects the diverse views on whether MAID should be permitted for persons suffering solely from a mental illness. The safety and security of the most vulnerable Canadians remains at the forefront of our actions as we take a careful and considered approach on the implementation of MAID for persons living with a mental disorder.On March 9, 2023, through the passing of Bill C-39, the Government extended the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness until March 17, 2024. This extension will allow more time for:
  • Consideration of any recommendations arising from the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report, tabled in February 2023, alongside the recommendations of the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness; and,
  • Dissemination and uptake of key resources, such as the Model MAID Practice Standard (released March 27, 2023) and a nationally accredited MAID curriculum, by the medical, nursing, and health provider communities.
We believe that a one-year extension, until March 17, 2024, will provide sufficient time to ensure health system readiness, to disseminate and promote uptake of key resources by the medical and nursing communities, and to fully consider the recommendations in the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report. It is imperative that MAID assessors and providers be ready to assess requests for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness in a safe and consistent manner across Canada by the time the extension is over.Health Canada, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders have already made significant progress to prepare for eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness.On March 27, 2023, a Task Group of experts convened by Health Canada (chaired by Dr. Mona Gupta, former Chair of the Expert Panel) released a Model Practice Standard for MAID. The Practice Standard will help clinicians align their practice with clear guidance and will assist regulators to ensure the protection of the public in the context of more complex cases. Ultimately, this will help ensure MAID practice in Canada operates in a consistent and safe manner across the country.In addition, the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers is developing and implementing an accredited Canadian MAID curriculum to support clinician education and training, and to address various topics related to the assessment and provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The curriculum will consist of seven modules. A rolling launch of modules will begin in the late summer of 2023, including a module on MAID and Mental Disorders, with the aim for all modules to be available by the end of 2023.The Model MAID Practice Standard and its supporting documents, along with the MAID training curriculum, will provide valuable resources for regulators and practitioners in interpreting and applying the legislative framework safely in different clinical situations.Supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Health Canada invested $130 million from 2020-22 in Wellness Together Canada, an online mental health and substance use support portal, and received $140 million in Budget 2022 to support the portal for two more years beginning in 2022-23. Launched in April 2020, Wellness Together Canada provides free and confidential online mental health and substance use supports accessible 24/7 to individuals across Canada in both official languages.Through the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investing $4.9 million annually in community based mental health promotion projects that focus on reducing systemic barriers. The MHP-IF encourages mental health and well-being during the early years of life by promoting protective factors and addressing the underlying determinants of mental health and health equity for children, youth, young adults, and their caregivers.Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest close to $200 billion over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to improve health care for Canadians, including $25 billion to Provinces and Territories (PTs) via tailored bilateral agreements which will focus on four key priorities, including improving access to mental health and substance use services and the integration of these services in community family health services.   This investment will build on the Budget 2017 investments, which include $2.4 billion from 2023-24 to 2026-27 still available to PTs for mental health and addictions services.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01266441-01266 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 202316 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenMedical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal issue. The Government of Canada recognizes and respects the diverse views on whether MAID should be permitted for persons suffering solely from a mental illness. The safety and security of the most vulnerable Canadians remains at the forefront of our actions as we take a careful and considered approach on the implementation of MAID for persons living with a mental disorder.On March 9, 2023, through the passing of Bill C-39, the Government extended the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness until March 17, 2024. This extension will allow more time for:
  • Consideration of any recommendations arising from the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report, tabled in February 2023, alongside the recommendations of the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness; and,
  • Dissemination and uptake of key resources, such as the Model MAID Practice Standard (released March 27, 2023) and a nationally accredited MAID curriculum, by the medical, nursing, and health provider communities.
We believe that a one-year extension, until March 17, 2024, will provide sufficient time to ensure health system readiness, to disseminate and promote uptake of key resources by the medical and nursing communities, and to fully consider the recommendations in the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report. It is imperative that MAID assessors and providers be ready to assess requests for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness in a safe and consistent manner across Canada by the time the extension is over.Health Canada, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders have already made significant progress to prepare for eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness.On March 27, 2023, a Task Group of experts convened by Health Canada (chaired by Dr. Mona Gupta, former Chair of the Expert Panel) released a Model Practice Standard for MAID. The Practice Standard will help clinicians align their practice with clear guidance and will assist regulators to ensure the protection of the public in the context of more complex cases. Ultimately, this will help ensure MAID practice in Canada operates in a consistent and safe manner across the country.In addition, the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers is developing and implementing an accredited Canadian MAID curriculum to support clinician education and training, and to address various topics related to the assessment and provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The curriculum will consist of seven modules. A rolling launch of modules will begin in the late summer of 2023, including a module on MAID and Mental Disorders, with the aim for all modules to be available by the end of 2023.The Model MAID Practice Standard and its supporting documents, along with the MAID training curriculum, will provide valuable resources for regulators and practitioners in interpreting and applying the legislative framework safely in different clinical situations.Supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Health Canada invested $130 million from 2020-22 in Wellness Together Canada, an online mental health and substance use support portal, and received $140 million in Budget 2022 to support the portal for two more years beginning in 2022-23. Launched in April 2020, Wellness Together Canada provides free and confidential online mental health and substance use supports accessible 24/7 to individuals across Canada in both official languages.Through the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investing $4.9 million annually in community based mental health promotion projects that focus on reducing systemic barriers. The MHP-IF encourages mental health and well-being during the early years of life by promoting protective factors and addressing the underlying determinants of mental health and health equity for children, youth, young adults, and their caregivers.Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest close to $200 billion over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to improve health care for Canadians, including $25 billion to Provinces and Territories (PTs) via tailored bilateral agreements which will focus on four key priorities, including improving access to mental health and substance use services and the integration of these services in community family health services.   This investment will build on the Budget 2017 investments, which include $2.4 billion from 2023-24 to 2026-27 still available to PTs for mental health and addictions services.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01265441-01265 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 20233 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenMedical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal issue. The Government of Canada recognizes and respects the diverse views on whether MAID should be permitted for persons suffering solely from a mental illness. The safety and security of the most vulnerable Canadians remains at the forefront of our actions as we take a careful and considered approach on the implementation of MAID for persons living with a mental disorder.On March 9, 2023, through the passing of Bill C-39, the Government extended the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness until March 17, 2024. This extension will allow more time for:
  • Consideration of any recommendations arising from the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report, tabled in February 2023, alongside the recommendations of the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness; and,
  • Dissemination and uptake of key resources, such as the Model MAID Practice Standard (released March 27, 2023) and a nationally accredited MAID curriculum, by the medical, nursing, and health provider communities.
We believe that a one-year extension, until March 17, 2024, will provide sufficient time to ensure health system readiness, to disseminate and promote uptake of key resources by the medical and nursing communities, and to fully consider the recommendations in the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report. It is imperative that MAID assessors and providers be ready to assess requests for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness in a safe and consistent manner across Canada by the time the extension is over.Health Canada, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders have already made significant progress to prepare for eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness.On March 27, 2023, a Task Group of experts convened by Health Canada (chaired by Dr. Mona Gupta, former Chair of the Expert Panel) released a Model Practice Standard for MAID. The Practice Standard will help clinicians align their practice with clear guidance and will assist regulators to ensure the protection of the public in the context of more complex cases. Ultimately, this will help ensure MAID practice in Canada operates in a consistent and safe manner across the country.In addition, the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers is developing and implementing an accredited Canadian MAID curriculum to support clinician education and training, and to address various topics related to the assessment and provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The curriculum will consist of seven modules. A rolling launch of modules will begin in the late summer of 2023, including a module on MAID and Mental Disorders, with the aim for all modules to be available by the end of 2023.The Model MAID Practice Standard and its supporting documents, along with the MAID training curriculum, will provide valuable resources for regulators and practitioners in interpreting and applying the legislative framework safely in different clinical situations.Supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Health Canada invested $130 million from 2020-22 in Wellness Together Canada, an online mental health and substance use support portal, and received $140 million in Budget 2022 to support the portal for two more years beginning in 2022-23. Launched in April 2020, Wellness Together Canada provides free and confidential online mental health and substance use supports accessible 24/7 to individuals across Canada in both official languages.Through the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investing $4.9 million annually in community based mental health promotion projects that focus on reducing systemic barriers. The MHP-IF encourages mental health and well-being during the early years of life by promoting protective factors and addressing the underlying determinants of mental health and health equity for children, youth, young adults, and their caregivers.Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest close to $200 billion over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to improve health care for Canadians, including $25 billion to Provinces and Territories (PTs) via tailored bilateral agreements which will focus on four key priorities, including improving access to mental health and substance use services and the integration of these services in community family health services.   This investment will build on the Budget 2017 investments, which include $2.4 billion from 2023-24 to 2026-27 still available to PTs for mental health and addictions services.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01264441-01264 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 202317 février 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que : Le projet de loi du gouvernement fédéral sur l’aide médicale à mourir (AMM) suscite de graves préoccupations;Les directeurs des départements de psychiatrie des 17 écoles de médecine du Canada ont tous demandé que l’adoption du projet de loi soit reportée;Le gouvernement fédéral n’a pas respecté sa promesse de financer la création du Transfert canadien en matière de santé mentale, laissant ainsi en plan les Canadiens aux prises avec un trouble de santé mentale.Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de reporter l’élargissement de l’AMM.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenMedical Assistance in Dying (MAID) is a complex and deeply personal issue. The Government of Canada recognizes and respects the diverse views on whether MAID should be permitted for persons suffering solely from a mental illness. The safety and security of the most vulnerable Canadians remains at the forefront of our actions as we take a careful and considered approach on the implementation of MAID for persons living with a mental disorder.On March 9, 2023, through the passing of Bill C-39, the Government extended the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness until March 17, 2024. This extension will allow more time for:
  • Consideration of any recommendations arising from the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report, tabled in February 2023, alongside the recommendations of the Expert Panel on MAID and Mental Illness; and,
  • Dissemination and uptake of key resources, such as the Model MAID Practice Standard (released March 27, 2023) and a nationally accredited MAID curriculum, by the medical, nursing, and health provider communities.
We believe that a one-year extension, until March 17, 2024, will provide sufficient time to ensure health system readiness, to disseminate and promote uptake of key resources by the medical and nursing communities, and to fully consider the recommendations in the Special Joint Committee on MAID’s final report. It is imperative that MAID assessors and providers be ready to assess requests for MAID for persons suffering solely from a mental illness in a safe and consistent manner across Canada by the time the extension is over.Health Canada, provinces and territories, and other stakeholders have already made significant progress to prepare for eligibility for MAID for persons whose sole medical condition is a mental illness.On March 27, 2023, a Task Group of experts convened by Health Canada (chaired by Dr. Mona Gupta, former Chair of the Expert Panel) released a Model Practice Standard for MAID. The Practice Standard will help clinicians align their practice with clear guidance and will assist regulators to ensure the protection of the public in the context of more complex cases. Ultimately, this will help ensure MAID practice in Canada operates in a consistent and safe manner across the country.In addition, the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers is developing and implementing an accredited Canadian MAID curriculum to support clinician education and training, and to address various topics related to the assessment and provision of MAID, including mental disorders and other complex chronic conditions. The curriculum will consist of seven modules. A rolling launch of modules will begin in the late summer of 2023, including a module on MAID and Mental Disorders, with the aim for all modules to be available by the end of 2023.The Model MAID Practice Standard and its supporting documents, along with the MAID training curriculum, will provide valuable resources for regulators and practitioners in interpreting and applying the legislative framework safely in different clinical situations.Supporting the mental health and well-being of Canadians is a priority for the Government of Canada.Through Budget 2021, the Government of Canada is providing $100 million to support projects that promote mental health and prevent mental illness in populations disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including youth, older adults, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and Black and other racialized Canadians. The Government is also providing $50 million to support projects that address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma in health care workers, front-line and other essential workers and others affected by the pandemic.Health Canada invested $130 million from 2020-22 in Wellness Together Canada, an online mental health and substance use support portal, and received $140 million in Budget 2022 to support the portal for two more years beginning in 2022-23. Launched in April 2020, Wellness Together Canada provides free and confidential online mental health and substance use supports accessible 24/7 to individuals across Canada in both official languages.Through the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is investing $4.9 million annually in community based mental health promotion projects that focus on reducing systemic barriers. The MHP-IF encourages mental health and well-being during the early years of life by promoting protective factors and addressing the underlying determinants of mental health and health equity for children, youth, young adults, and their caregivers.Budget 2023 confirmed the Government’s commitment to invest close to $200 billion over ten years, starting in 2023-24, to improve health care for Canadians, including $25 billion to Provinces and Territories (PTs) via tailored bilateral agreements which will focus on four key priorities, including improving access to mental health and substance use services and the integration of these services in community family health services.   This investment will build on the Budget 2017 investments, which include $2.4 billion from 2023-24 to 2026-27 still available to PTs for mental health and addictions services.Budget 2023 committed $158.4 million over three years to support the implementation and operation of 988. The introduction of 988 will provide people across Canada with easy-to-remember access to immediate and safe support for suicide prevention and emotional distress. The creation of the 988 service in Canada builds on existing investments received through Budget 2019 for the Pan-Canadian Suicide Prevention Service, where PHAC received $25 million over five years, with $4.2 million per year ongoing. With this funding, the Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) currently operates Talk Suicide Canada. Talk Suicide Canada provides people across Canada with suicide prevention crisis support from trained responders via phone (24/7) at 1-833-456-4566 and text (evenings) to 45645. Residents of Québec can also call 1-866-277-3553, text 535353 or visit suicide.ca for support by text and online chat.Mental health remains a priority for the Government, and we will continue to invest in it and work with Provinces, Territories, and key stakeholders to support the needs of individuals and communities across the country, now and in the future.
Aide médicale à mourirSanté mentale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01263441-01263 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 202325 janvier 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADA :Attendu que : Le gouvernent fédéral a proposé une mesure législative (projet de loi C-21) afin d’interdire les fusils de chasse et les carabines à des millions de Canadiens;S’en prendre aux fermiers et aux chasseurs ne réduira pas la criminalité commise par arme à feu ni la criminalité en milieu rural; La chasse et le tir sportif sont de fières traditions canadiennes; Les tentatives d’interdire les fusils de chasse constituent une attaque contre les résidants des régions rurales et les peuples autochtones.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le parlement du Canada de mettre fin à l’interdiction des fusils de chasse du gouvernement libéral.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)Chasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01262441-01262 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 202315 mars 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADA :Attendu que : Le gouvernent fédéral a proposé une mesure législative (projet de loi C-21) afin d’interdire les fusils de chasse et les carabines à des millions de Canadiens;S’en prendre aux fermiers et aux chasseurs ne réduira pas la criminalité commise par arme à feu ni la criminalité en milieu rural; La chasse et le tir sportif sont de fières traditions canadiennes; Les tentatives d’interdire les fusils de chasse constituent une attaque contre les résidants des régions rurales et les peuples autochtones.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le parlement du Canada de mettre fin à l’interdiction des fusils de chasse du gouvernement libéral.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)Chasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01261441-01261 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 20233 mars 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADA :Attendu que : Le gouvernent fédéral a proposé une mesure législative (projet de loi C-21) afin d’interdire les fusils de chasse et les carabines à des millions de Canadiens;S’en prendre aux fermiers et aux chasseurs ne réduira pas la criminalité commise par arme à feu ni la criminalité en milieu rural; La chasse et le tir sportif sont de fières traditions canadiennes; Les tentatives d’interdire les fusils de chasse constituent une attaque contre les résidants des régions rurales et les peuples autochtones.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le parlement du Canada de mettre fin à l’interdiction des fusils de chasse du gouvernement libéral.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)Chasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01260441-01260 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 202314 février 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADA :Attendu que : Le gouvernent fédéral a proposé une mesure législative (projet de loi C-21) afin d’interdire les fusils de chasse et les carabines à des millions de Canadiens;S’en prendre aux fermiers et aux chasseurs ne réduira pas la criminalité commise par arme à feu ni la criminalité en milieu rural; La chasse et le tir sportif sont de fières traditions canadiennes; Les tentatives d’interdire les fusils de chasse constituent une attaque contre les résidants des régions rurales et les peuples autochtones.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le parlement du Canada de mettre fin à l’interdiction des fusils de chasse du gouvernement libéral.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)Chasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01259441-01259 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 20238 février 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADA :Attendu que : Le gouvernent fédéral a proposé une mesure législative (projet de loi C-21) afin d’interdire les fusils de chasse et les carabines à des millions de Canadiens;S’en prendre aux fermiers et aux chasseurs ne réduira pas la criminalité commise par arme à feu ni la criminalité en milieu rural; La chasse et le tir sportif sont de fières traditions canadiennes; Les tentatives d’interdire les fusils de chasse constituent une attaque contre les résidants des régions rurales et les peuples autochtones.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le parlement du Canada de mettre fin à l’interdiction des fusils de chasse du gouvernement libéral.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)Chasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01258441-01258 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 20231 février 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADA :Attendu que : Le gouvernent fédéral a proposé une mesure législative (projet de loi C-21) afin d’interdire les fusils de chasse et les carabines à des millions de Canadiens;S’en prendre aux fermiers et aux chasseurs ne réduira pas la criminalité commise par arme à feu ni la criminalité en milieu rural; La chasse et le tir sportif sont de fières traditions canadiennes; Les tentatives d’interdire les fusils de chasse constituent une attaque contre les résidants des régions rurales et les peuples autochtones.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le parlement du Canada de mettre fin à l’interdiction des fusils de chasse du gouvernement libéral.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)Chasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01257441-01257 (Justice)RandyHobackPrince AlbertConservateurSK31 mars 202315 mai 20231 février 2023PÉTITION AU PARLEMENT DU CANADA :Attendu que : Le gouvernent fédéral a proposé une mesure législative (projet de loi C-21) afin d’interdire les fusils de chasse et les carabines à des millions de Canadiens;S’en prendre aux fermiers et aux chasseurs ne réduira pas la criminalité commise par arme à feu ni la criminalité en milieu rural; La chasse et le tir sportif sont de fières traditions canadiennes; Les tentatives d’interdire les fusils de chasse constituent une attaque contre les résidants des régions rurales et les peuples autochtones.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le parlement du Canada de mettre fin à l’interdiction des fusils de chasse du gouvernement libéral.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920M throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)Chasseurs
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-3582e-3582 (Fiscalité)AdityaAggarwalBrianMasseWindsor-OuestNPDON7 mars 2022 à 13 h 34 (HAE)5 juillet 2022 à 13 h 34 (HAE)31 mars 202315 mai 20236 juillet 2022Pétition à la <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="214329" mp-riding-display="1">ministre du Revenu national</Addressee>Attendu que :Des milliers d’habitants de Windsor-Essex se rendent aux États-Unis pour y travailler et rapportent des millions de dollars à l’économie de la région en créant trois à quatre fois plus d’emplois dans la région grâce à l’effet composé;La pandémie de COVID-19 a entraîné l’application de règles de l’Agence du revenu du Canada (ARC) qui sont antérieures à la nécessité et au succès du télétravail et à son autorisation par la plupart des entreprises, et ces règles ont conduit à une augmentation insoutenable des impôts sur les travailleurs frontaliers en raison de la double imposition de la Loi américaine sur les contributions fédérales à l’assurance (FICA) et des retenues sur les régimes 401(k), avec un impact direct sur le crédit d’impôt étranger; Le potentiel existe pour inciter de nombreux travailleurs à déménager aux États-Unis au lieu de vivre à Windsor-Essex; Les employeurs américains pourraient commencer à licencier les travailleurs canadiens, afin d’éliminer les coûts liés à la gestion d’une paie canadienne distincte; À moins d’une mise à jour immédiate de l’interprétation de l’ARC concernant l’imposition des travailleurs transfrontaliers, on pourrait assister à l’effondrement de la communauté des travailleurs transfrontaliers et à des répercussions négatives sur l’économie de Windsor-Essex, ce qui entraînerait le chômage de milliers de résidents compétents ou un exode massif.Nous, soussignés, membres de la communauté des travailleurs transfrontaliers et résidents du Canada, prions la ministre du Revenu national :1. De bien vouloir éliminer la double imposition des travailleurs transfrontaliers de Windsor-Essex et d’accorder des crédits d’impôts étrangers complets pour les retenues FICA et 401(k);2. De rendre permanent l’allègement temporaire de l’impôt sur le revenu international de la section VII de l’ARC en 2020 pour les travailleurs transfrontaliers qui font du télétravail de leur domicile au Canada plutôt que de laisser les anciennes règles s’appliquer;3. D’adopter des mesures pour que les entreprises américaines qui emploient des travailleurs canadiens ne soient pas obligées de tenir un registre de paie canadien distinct pour ces employés, afin de supprimer le nouvel élément dissuasif pour l’embauche de Canadiens.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for voicing their concerns about Windsor-Essex commuters. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government provided extraordinary administrative relief to cross-border workers who were required to work remotely from their homes in Canada. Under the Convention between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital (the Convention) Canada has a right to tax the employment income of Canadian residents. However, if a Canadian resident works in the United States, the United States also generally has a right to tax their employment income, and double taxation is generally prevented through the provision, by Canada, of a foreign tax credit for the tax paid to the United States. During the pandemic, in order to alleviate the administrative burden of temporarily adjusting to a different tax situation, the government refrained from exercising Canada’s right, under the Convention and the Income Tax Act, to fully tax Canadian residents that had previously commuted to the United States for work. Since then, the government continues to monitor the continuing evolution of the workplace and the appropriateness of the tax rules. In that regard, the Government of Canada appreciates the petitioners’ comments.
Response by the Minister of National RevenueSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, P.C., M.P.The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) extends its thanks to the petitioners for expressing their views concerning taxation. The CRA understands that cross border employment can give rise to tax compliance complexities due to the involvement of two countries. The CRA also understands that changes caused or accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic may add difficulties.The Guidance on international income tax issues raised by the COVID-19 crisis (Guidance) provided specific administrative relief intended to recognize the difficulties COVID-19 pandemic-related travel restrictions imposed on Canadian-resident cross-border workers. The Guidance didnot represent any interpretive position or intention to establish any broader policy by the CRA. Specifically, the administrative relief provided to the cross border workersin the Guidance allowed them to be taxed in Canada as if they had performed their 2020 and 2021 employment duties in the United States. This required Canada not only to cede its first right under the Convention between Canada and the United States of America with Respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital (Canada-US Treaty) to tax these individuals on duties physically performed in Canada, but also to allow the United States to impose tax on these individuals’ employment income even though no right to do so is provided under the Convention. Extraordinary administrative relief of this nature was possible only because of the unprecedented situation created by the pandemic and was therefore available only for the period in which it was necessary to address the effect of COVID-19 travel restrictions on cross-border workers.The role of the CRA, among other things, is to act as the administrator of Canada’s income tax system. Doing so requires the application of the tax rules enacted by Canadian federal and provincial/territorial governments, including the provisions of Canada’s various income tax treaties. With the lifting of public health measures, in particular travel restrictions, the CRA must return to the administration of the law as it is set out in legislation and in Canada’s international agreements. This includes stepping away from the temporary administrative relief relating to tax credits, tax residency determinations, the permanent establishments of businesses, and legally required payroll withholdings. Changes to tax policy and the negotiation of Canada’s income tax treaties is the responsibility of the Department of Finance.In allocating taxing rights between Canada and another country in respect of employees who are employed in one country but reside in the other, Canada’s income tax treaties generally look to the country in which the employee’s duties are carried out/exercised. This includes the Canada-US Treaty and is in accord with the Model Tax Convention on Income and Capital of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Because the Canada-US Treaty  focuses on the location of where employment duties are carried out/exercised a distinction must be made between the work of traditional  commuters andremote work arrangements.In recognition of possible income tax issues these allocation rules could raise for Canadian residents employed in the United States, the Canada-US Treaty contains specific provisions that allow these individuals to claim a foreign tax credit against their Canadian income tax in respect of contributions made pursuant to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) in connection with employment carried out in the United States. Similarly, when the Canadian resident is an employee of a US employer,   the Canada-US Treaty  allows, under certain conditions,   theCanadian resident employee to deduct from their  Canadian taxable  income, contributions made  to a United States pension plan such as a 401(k) plan.  However, the deduction is only in respect of contributions attributable to employment duties exercised in the United States.It is the CRA’s understanding that employers typically make contributions to 401(k) plans, in which case the 401(k) plans would be characterized as an employee benefit plan (EBP) under Canadian tax laws. Undeducted employee contributions to the EBP may be returned to the employee free of Canadian income tax, such that  double taxation generally should not arise.Finally, with respect to employerpayroll  withholdings, the CRA also allows cross-border workers to apply for a “Letter of Authority” in respect of a  taxation year. In such a case, a waiver in respect of Canadian tax to be deducted from remuneration paid to a cross border workerwill be issued where the cross border worker can show that their employment income will be taxed in the United States as allowed under the Canada-US Treaty.
États-Unis d'AmériqueImpôt sur le revenu des particuliersPolitique fiscale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-4302e-4302 (Justice)VictoriaParaschakBrianMasseWindsor-OuestNPDON10 février 2023 à 11 h 00 (HAE)12 mars 2023 à 11 h 00 (HAE)31 mars 202315 mai 202315 mars 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement </Addressee>Attendu que : Au Canada, les enfants et les jeunes ont le droit de participer à n’importe quel sport sans subir de mauvais traitements, d’abus ou de violences; Dans le système sportif actuel, les droits fondamentaux des athlètes sont bafoués, car il n’existe pas de mécanisme transparent et totalement indépendant des disciplines sportives pour traiter les plaintes de mauvais traitements; La Commission Dubin de 1989 a créé un précédent en matière d’enquête de ce type.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d’exiger la tenue d’une enquête judiciaire sur le système sportif au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of QuebecSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pascale St-OngeThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for their call for a judicial inquiry into the Canadian sport system.The Government recognizes that this is a challenging time within the Canadian sport system and changes are needed.? Reports of maltreatment, including harassment, abuse, and discrimination, have come to light recently and there have been consistent calls for greater protections, liability and accountability within the sport system. We take this issue seriously and we are committed to ensuring that all sport participants, including children and youth, experience a safe and inclusive sport environment.While driving change in the sport system involves many stakeholders, including Federal, Provincial, and Territorial (FPT) governments, National Sport Organizations (NSOs), National Multisport Service organizations (MSOs), Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes, and the private sector, the Government of Canada has made strong, concerted efforts to promote safe sport, especially in recent years. We have worked to ensure safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all sport participants, bolstered by investments in Budgets 2019, 2022, and 2023.With support from Sport Canada, the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) was developed by and for the sport community. It sets harmonized rules and common principles to be adopted by sport organizations that receive funding from the Government of Canada to advance a respectful sport culture that delivers quality, inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and safe sport experiences. This code provides the Canadian sport community with a foundational and significant tool for preventing and effectively responding to maltreatment in sport.In July 2021, following a call for proposals to identify the most appropriate and qualified organization to accomplish this work, the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) was selected to administer the UCCMS and establish an independent safe sport mechanism. In June 2022, the SDRCC launched the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC).As Canada’s new independent third-party mechanism, the OSIC receives and manages allegations of maltreatment in sport. It receives reports about violations of the UCCMS, initiates scoping for Sport Environment Assessments, and offers education, prevention tools and resources, including mental health and legal aid referrals. All NSOs are now required to become Program Signatories to the Abuse-Free Sport program, including OSIC services, to access funding from Sport Canada. The OSIC is an important step to challenge the culture of silence and to provide an independent channel for all sport participants to report maltreatment, be heard, and receive support.In June 2022, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Sport Canada Athlete Advisory Committee (SCAAC) to increase the representation of athletes in the sport system. The SCAAC aims to provide advice and guidance to Sport Canada that reflect Canadian athletes’ realities. This dialogue, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to amplifying athletes’ voices, will inform Sport Canada’s policies and programs moving forward.Announced in March 2023, Budget 2023 provides $13.8 million over three years to the Department of Canadian Heritage to enhance accountability and support efforts to build a safe and accountable sport system. The Government recognizes that ensuring accountability is critical to building a sport system that promotes the safety and well-being of athletes across Canada.Ensuring a safe and inclusive sport environment is a joint responsibility. In February 2019, FPT Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation endorsed the Red Deer Declaration for the Prevention of Harassment, Abuse and Discrimination in Sport. Ministers committed to developing a collaborative approach to address harassment, abuse and discrimination in sport in the areas of awareness, policy, prevention, reporting, management, and monitoring.In February 2023, FPT Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to have every athlete and participant in Canada protected by an independent third-party mechanism, such as the OSIC, by the end of 2023. To that end, some provinces are currently in discussions with the OSIC.Amidst all these efforts, FPT governments also continue to work together on the renewal of the Canadian Sport Policy (CSP). The CSP, which sets priorities and provides guidance in advancing sport, will include a focus on safe sport experiences for all participants.The Government of Canada recognizes that much work remains to be done. We greatly anticipate the forthcoming reports from the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and Standing Committee on the Status of Women’s studies on safe sport and women and girls in sport (respectively). The Government commits to carefully reviewing each recommendation and exploring opportunities for further action. We thank each committee for its work and attention on this important matter.Furthermore, the Government thanks the petitioners for their continued efforts to create a safer and more inclusive sport system in Canada. We will continue to work with the sport community, especially athletes, to address these serious issues and to ensure that everyone in Canada has the opportunity to participate and flourish in sport regardless of age, ability, background, gender or sexual orientation in an environment free from maltreatment.
Enquêtes judiciairesJeunes gensSports
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01254441-01254 (Affaires et commerce)BrendaShanahanChâteauguay—LacolleLibéralQC31 mars 202315 mai 202315 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaAttendu que :
  • des entreprises basées au Canada contribuent aux atteintes aux droits humains et à la perpétration de dommages environnementaux partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces atteintes et défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont particulièrement menacés;
  • le Canada encourage mais n'exige pas des entreprises qu'elles préviennent de tels préjudices dans leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales.
Nous soussigné-e-s, citoyen-ne-s et résident-e-s du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d'adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits humains et d'environnement qui :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent les impacts négatifs sur les droits humains et l'environnement tout au long de leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, y compris en évaluant soigneusement la manière dont elles pourraient contribuer à des atteintes aux droits humains ou à l'environnement à l'étranger et en garantissant l'accès à des voies de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • entraînerait des conséquences significatives pour les entreprises qui omettent de faire preuve de diligence raisonnable adéquate et d'en faire rapport; et établirait un droit statutaire pour les personnes lésées de demander justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01253441-01253 (Affaires et commerce)JoëlLightboundLouis-HébertLibéralQC30 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes du CanadaAttendu que :
  • des entreprises basées au Canada contribuent aux atteintes aux droits humains et à la perpétration de dommages environnementaux partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces atteintes et défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont particulièrement menacés;
  • le Canada encourage mais n'exige pas des entreprises qu'elles préviennent de tels préjudices dans leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales.
Nous soussigné-e-s, citoyen-ne-s et résident-e-s du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes d'adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits humains et d'environnement qui :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent les impacts négatifs sur les droits humains et l'environnement tout au long de leurs opérations et chaînes d'approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, y compris en évaluant soigneusement la manière dont elles pourraient contribuer à des atteintes aux droits humains ou à l'environnement à l'étranger et en garantissant l'accès à des voies de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • entraînerait des conséquences significatives pour les entreprises qui omettent de faire preuve de diligence raisonnable adéquate et d'en faire rapport; et établirait un droit statutaire pour les personnes lésées de demander justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01252441-01252 (Affaires sociales et égalité)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 mars 202315 mai 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Le Parti libéral du Canada a promis dans sa plateforme de 2021 de refuser le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance à des organismes ayant des convictions en matière d’avortement que le Parti libéral juge « malhonnêtes »; Une telle mesure pourrait mettre en péril le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance d’hôpitaux, de lieux de culte, d’écoles, de refuges pour sans-abri et d’autres organismes de bienfaisance qui ne sont pas du même avis que le Parti libéral à ce sujet pour des raisons de conscience;De nombreux Canadiens comptent sur la bienfaisance de tels organismes;Le gouvernement a déjà employé un « critère des valeurs » pour traiter de manière discriminatoire des demandeurs méritants dans le cadre du programme Emplois d’été Canada en refusant d’accorder une aide financière aux organismes qui n’acceptaient pas de cocher une case pour indiquer qu’ils souscrivaient aux positions politiques du parti au pouvoir;Les organismes de bienfaisance et d’autres organismes sans but lucratif ne doivent pas faire l’objet de discrimination fondée sur leurs opinions politiques ni leurs valeurs religieuses et ne doivent pas être soumis à un « critère des valeurs » politisé;La Charte canadienne des droits et libertés garantit à tous les Canadiens la liberté d’expression sans discrimination.Par conséquent, nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Protéger et préserver l’application des règles concernant le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance en toute neutralité sur le plan politique et idéologique, sans discrimination fondée sur les valeurs politiques ou religieuses et sans l’imposition d’un nouveau « critère des valeurs »; 2. Affirmer le droit des Canadiens à la liberté d’expression.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. 
DiscriminationLiberté de conscience et de religionOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01251441-01251 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 mars 202315 mai 202330 novembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Les Canadiens sont déterminés à protéger les droits internationaux de la personne; Les Canadiens reconnaissent que les groupes ethniques, religieux et autres groupes minoritaires sont souvent la cible, partout dans le monde, d’individus qui violent leurs droits;Le projet de loi C 281, Loi sur les droits de la personne à l’échelle internationale, prévoit des protections supplémentaires contre les violations des droits de la personne et confère au Parlement un rôle accru dans cette lutte.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 281, Loi sur les droits de la personne à l’échelle internationale.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is consistently a strong voice for the promotion and protection of human rights which is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Human rights are indivisible, universal and interdependent; they are inherent to everyone regardless of their race, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or other identifying factors.Canada works with a range of partners, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support other countries in upholding their human rights commitments and advance accountability for human rights violations. Canada also continuously strives to further promote and protect human rights at home, in keeping with fundamental commitments contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its many international obligations.The fight against all forms of systemic racism and discrimination requires ongoing commitment and cooperation. The engagement from members of all parties during the study of Bill C-281 by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development is a positive sign in that respect. The Government looks forward to continuing to monitor the progress of the bill as it makes its way through Parliament.
C-281, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le ministère des Affaires étrangères, du Commerce et du Développement, la Loi sur la justice pour les victimes de dirigeants étrangers corrompus (loi de Sergueï Magnitski), la Loi sur la radiodiffusion et la Loi interdisant les armes à sous-munitionsDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01250441-01250 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 mars 202315 mai 202316 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01249441-01249 (Justice)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 mars 202315 mai 20235 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies. The Parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) recently completed its review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to MAID and their application, and of other issues, including those relating to mature minors (i.e., minors who have the capacity to make medical decisions). AMAD’s final report was tabled in Parliament on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01248441-01248 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 mars 202315 mai 202323 mars 2022PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAAttendu que :
  • La Fédération de Russie a déclenché une guerre contre la population ukrainienne en l’absence de toute provocation;
  • La Fédération de Russie a commis plusieurs crimes de guerre contre la population ukrainienne;
  • L’invasion russe a provoqué une crise humanitaire, forcé des populations à se déplacer et donné lieu à des violations des droits de la personne, la pire catastrophe de ce genre dans l’histoire récente de l’Europe;
  • En date du 10 mars 2022, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé estime qu’au moins 18 hôpitaux ont été la cible d’attaques par les forces russes depuis le début de l’invasion;
  • Le Canada, terre d’accueil de quelque 1,4 million de citoyens d’origine ukrainienne, éprouve un attachement profond et indéfectibleenvers les Ukrainiens;
  • En date du 10 mars 2022, plus de 2 millions d’Ukrainiens se sont réfugiés dans des pays européens limitrophes;
  • Selon un sondage d’opinion publique d’Abacus Data datant du 9 mars 2022, 85 % des Canadiens appuient ou peuvent accepter la mise en place d’une exemption de visa pour les Ukrainiens qui viennent au Canada.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’annuler immédiatement toutes les exigences de visa pour les Ukrainiens et de leur accorder le droit d’entrer au Canada sans visa.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada has taken a strong stance against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and is committed to helping Ukrainian nationals and their family members overseas and in Canada. Canada and Ukraine maintain a close friendship built on shared values and strong-people-to-people ties.Canada has implemented a number of effective immigration solutions to help the people of Ukraine, including the launch of the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) on March 17, 2022. The CUAET is the fastest, safest, and most efficient way for Ukrainians and their immediate family members (of any nationality) to seek temporary safe haven in Canada. This measure, which was extended on March 22, 2023, eases many of the normal visa requirements, eliminates most application and processing fees, and offers accelerated processing.  Key Ukrainian immigration figures can be found on a dedicated webpage.Canada’s visa policy decisions are made on a country-by-country basis. A range of objective criteria are considered before lifting a country’s visa requirement, involving a complex process similar to those of like-minded partners. Canada’s relationship with the country is a key consideration, but so too is the safety and security of Canadians, and the importance of maintaining a well-managed migration system. It takes time to complete a comprehensive visa review, and Ukrainians need help urgently. Ukraine’s visa requirement is not currently under review, but the situation is being monitored very closely to ensure the people of Ukraine continue to receive the support they need.
Passeports et visasRéfugiésUkraine
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01247441-01247 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB30 mars 202315 mai 202320 octobre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Muhammad Naeem Chatta Qadri, un haut dignitaire religieux du Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP), a, dans un discours prononcé récemment, appelé à la violence contre les femmes enceintes et les enfants musulmans ahmadis « pour s’assurer qu’aucun nouvel Ahmadi ne naisse » et veiller à ce que « les bébés [ahmadis] qui naissent soient tués »;Muhammad Naeem Chatta Qadri a également déclaré que ceux qui blasphèment le Saint Prophète allaient être tués et découpés en morceaux, et a scandé des slogans comme « il n’y a qu’un seul châtiment pour les blasphémateurs : le meurtre »;Des enfants ahmadis du district d’Attock, au Pendjab, ont été expulsés de l’école en raison de leurs convictions religieuses;Le Pakistan a signé la Déclaration universelle des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies, selon laquelle « toute personne a droit à la liberté de pensée, de conscience et de religion; ce droit implique la liberté de […] manifester sa religion ou sa conviction […] par l’enseignement, les pratiques, le culte et l’accomplissement des rites »; Les Canadiens sont préoccupés par la sécurité de toutes les minorités au Pakistan, y compris les musulmans ahmadis, les chrétiens, les hindous, les sikhs et les autres minorités musulmanes.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes et le gouvernement du Canada :
  • 1. de condamner les encouragements et les appels à la violence contre les femmes et les enfants ahmadis lancés par des acteurs politiques du Tehreek-e-Labbaik, en l’occurrence Muhammad Naeem Chatta Qadri;
  • 2. de défendre le droit des enfants ahmadis pakistanais de fréquenter l’école;
  • 3. d’exhorter le gouvernement du Pakistan à condamner ouvertement la violence contre les musulmans ahmadis et toutes les minorités religieuses;
  • 4. de demander instamment au gouvernement du Pakistan de réformer ou de supprimer ses lois sur le blasphème, qui visent de manière disproportionnée les minorités religieuses.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe Government of Canada is concerned by the ongoing persecution of Pakistan’s religious minorities, including the Ahmadi Muslim community, Hindus, Sikhs, Christians and Shia Muslims. The promotion and protection of human rights, including freedom of religion or belief and the right to education, is a global foreign policy priority for Canada. It is also a key area of Canadian engagement in Pakistan. Freedom of religion or belief is a universal human right enshrined in key international human rights documents, and is intrinsically linked to other fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, of assembly, and of association. Everyone should have the freedom to practice their religion or belief without fear of persecution or violence regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity or nationality.Canada is deeply concerned by the persecution of the Ahmadi Muslim community in Pakistan. Canada condemns in the strongest terms incitement of and calls to violence against Ahmadi Muslims. Religious intolerance and discrimination, no matter their form, are completely unacceptable.Canada consistently calls on Pakistan to respect, protect and promote freedom of religion or belief for all, and will continue to advocate for these values to be upheld. Canada has made its views on human rights and freedom of religion or belief known directly to Pakistani government officials at the federal and provincial level, as well as with the Pakistani High Commission in Ottawa, as recently as March 2023.Canada continues to engage first hand with the Ahmadi Muslim community and works to support civil society actors, human rights defenders, and local advocates. The Canadian High Commission in Pakistan also closely monitors specific cases of human rights violations and has engaged with government and civil society stakeholders to support victims, including by facilitating their access to legal advice and assistance.Canada works with international partners to protect and promote freedom of religion or belief, including through the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief (ICG-FoRB), which Canada established in 2015 to encourage and deepen multilateral coordination on this critical issue. Canada uses its position of leadership at the ICG FoRB to advocate on behalf of persecuted faith and belief communities internationally, including the Ahmadi Muslim Community in Pakistan. Furthermore, Canada continues to promote freedom of religion or belief, most recently sharing its concerns regarding the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims and other religious minorities during the 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, in March 2023.Rest assured that the Government of Canada will remain steadfast in its engagement on this issue, as well as other human rights concerns.
Droits de la personneMinorités religieusesPakistan
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01246441-01246 (Justice)TracyGrayKelowna—Lake CountryConservateurBC30 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le projet de loi C 21 est fondé sur une idéologie, et non sur des preuves ou des données;
  • Les criminels qui ont obtenu illégalement des armes à feu continueront à le faire indépendamment de nouvelles dispositions législatives;
  • Le décret pris par le gouvernement le 1er mai 2020, qui interdit plus de 1 000 modèles d’armes à feu, a été adopté sans débat à la Chambre des communes, sans étude en comité et sans consultation publique;
  • Le projet de loi C 21 détournerait des ressources de la lutte contre l’utilisation criminelle d’armes à feu illégales, ce qui risquerait d’augmenter le nombre de Canadiens exposés à la violence armée, et non de le réduire.
EN CONSÉQUENCE, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :1. Cesser de cibler les chasseurs, les tireurs sportifs et les agriculteurs respectueux de la loi par des mesures législatives sur les armes à feu;2. Réviser le projet de loi C 21 de manière à ce qu’il s’attaque efficacement à l’utilisation illégale des armes à feu par les criminels, tout en respectant les droits des citoyens respectueux de la loi;3. Concentrer les ressources des forces de l’ordre sur les gangs, les trafiquants de drogue, les trafiquants d’armes illégales et les personnes qui achètent des armes à feu illégalement, car ce sont ces groupes qui sont responsables de la violence dans nos communautés.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. A central part of this work is addressing the assault-style firearms that have been used in the worst tragedies in our country’s history. This is why the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns and were withdrawn  to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Following weeks of discussion with Canadians and after having talked with hunter association and organization representing law abiding gun owner, the government, on May 1st,  took another decisive step to address gun violence. A series of new enhanced measure to strengthen Bill C-21 and cement in law a permanent ban on new assault-style firearms from Canada were announced.  From Tackling the issues of ghost gun, to the re-establishment of the Canadian Firearms Advisory Committee those measure were made in Respect the rights of First Nations, Inuit and Métis by including a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner. No single program or initiative can tackle the challenge of gun violence alone. Bill C-21 is part of the Government of Canada’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and strengthen gun control in Canada.  This includes legislative measures in the Bill to combat firearms trafficking and smuggling such as the higher maximum penalties from 10 to 14 years, the most severe penalties short of a life sentence.  The Government has also invested over $920 million throughout the last six years in targeted initiatives to address gun and gang violence.  This includes over $312 million over five years, starting in 2021-22, to support efforts by Public Safety, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to identify smuggled firearms at the border and through firearms tracing. Among other things, this funding will increase capacity to trace firearms and provide additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking by equipping the RCMP and the CBSA with the necessary tools and resources, such as x-ray machines and parcel scanners, to prevent illegal firearms from entering Canada. Further, $125 million is being provided to law enforcement agencies to increase capacity in priority areas, ensure front line officers have access to an integrated suite of resources to support firearms investigations, as well as to help prevent illegal firearms from coming into the country. 
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-4319e-4319 (Citoyenneté et immigration)AlperKirtilLena MetlegeDiabHalifax-OuestLibéralNS21 février 2023 à 11 h 11 (HAE)23 mars 2023 à 11 h 11 (HAE)30 mars 202315 mai 202323 mars 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278908" mp-riding-display="1"> ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté</Addressee>Attendu que :Les séismes de magnitude 7,7 et 7,6 survenus en Türkiye le 6 février 2023 ont laissé dans leur sillage plus de 15 000 immeubles résidentiels inhabitables, la plupart s’étant effondrés, ont entraîné la mort tragique de plus de 40 000 personnes et ont fait plus de 150 000 blessés;La superficie totale de la région concernée équivaut à la distance entre Windsor et Ottawa, et la population touchée atteint presque 15 millions de personnes;Les membres de la diaspora turque en pleine expansion, avec plus de 150 000 personnes, ont des membres de la famille qui sont blessés, qui ont perdu leur maison et qui n’ont nulle part où rester.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, collègues et amis de Turcs , prions le ministre de l’Immigration, des Réfugiés et de la Citoyenneté de : 1. Créer un programme spécial d’octroi de visas permettant aux membres de la famille de citoyens et de résidents permanents du Canada qui se trouvent en Türkiye d’être réunis avec leurs proches au Canada après les deux séismes dévastateurs. Cela leur offrirait le soutien et la stabilité nécessaires pour faire face aux conséquences des tremblements de terre;2. Accélérer le traitement des demandes de réunification familiale dans le cas de demandeurs principaux vivant dans la zone touchée par les tremblements de terre. Cela contribuerait énormément à la réunification rapide des familles et apporterait un soutien essentiel en ces temps difficiles.Nous comprenons l’importance de maintenir un processus d’immigration rigoureux, mais, en l’occurrence, une approche humanitaire s’impose pour aider les personnes dans le besoin. La création de ce programme spécial d’octroi de visas et le traitement accéléré des demandes, en plus d’apporter du réconfort à ces familles, montreraient que le Canada a à cœur de soutenir les personnes touchées par des catastrophes naturelles.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada understands the serious toll the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria have taken on those who live in the affected areas, and is committed to providing support in these difficult times.Specifically, Canada has been prioritizing the processing of applications, including family reunification applications, for those that live in the affected regions. This prioritization includes overseas temporary and permanent residence applications from people of any nationality in the affected regions so that they could travel to, or join their loved ones in Canada as quickly as possible. This includes applications from family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as applications for refugee resettlement.The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) also recognizes that some cases may need priority processing. For example, Chairperson Guideline 8: Procedures with Respect to Vulnerable Persons Appearing Before the IRB allows scheduling priority to be given to persons in vulnerable situations, as appropriate. The situation of family members may be a factor in determining a claimant’s vulnerability and in deciding whether priority scheduling should be granted. Beyond Guideline 8, the Refugee Protection Division (RPD) of the IRB has control over its hearing schedule and can grant scheduling priority on a case-by-case basis. In addition, where possible, refugee claims that are determined to be more straightforward or less complex may be referred to the RPD’s Task Force on Less Complex Claims (TFLCC). Such claims are decided based on a file review (i.e., without a hearing), or through a short hearing if there are one or two determinative issues requiring clarification. Less complex Türkiye files can be, and often are, considered for processing through the TFLCC.Recently, Canada also announced a number of special immigration measures to support Turkish and Syrian nationals. Turkish and Syrian nationals who are already in Canada to study, work, or visit family can apply to extend their status free of charge, or change their temporary status (for example, visitor to temporary worker). Additionally, recognizing that some Canadian citizens and permanent residents may have lost their travel documents in the earthquakes, the Government of Canada is waiving fees for temporary passports, emergency travel documents, Canadian citizenship certificates, and permanent resident travel documents, to make it easier for them to return to Canada. Turkish and Syrian national clients who have lost their passports in the earthquakes may also be exempted from the requirement to provide a passport or travel document to be approved for a permanent resident visa to come to Canada. While an additional visa is not being contemplated at this time, these measures are designed to provide support and relief during this difficult time.A variety of Canadian immigration programs continue to be available for people who qualify, including the family sponsorship program. Canada has a generous family reunification program that allows for the sponsorship of spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, parents, grandparents, dependent children including adopted children, or orphaned relatives under the age of 18. To further help facilitate family reunification, Canada also offers parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents the ability to apply for the Parents and Grandparents Super Visa, which is valid for up to 10 years and allows extended stays of up to five years at a time. Applications for permanent residence can also be made under humanitarian and compassionate considerations, which are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Passeports et visasRéunification des famillesSéismesTurquie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01244441-01244 (Pêches)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC30 mars 202315 mai 20237 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :
  • Les stocks de saumoneaux sauvages en migration sont gravement menacés par des agents pathogènes, des polluants et le pou du poisson provenant des piscicultures à enclos en filets en eau libre;
  • Le saumon sauvage soutient les traditions culturelles des Premières Nations et les écosystèmes complexes, notamment en contribuant aux forêts côtières, qui produisent l’oxygène que nous respirons;
  • Malgré le risque grave posé par l’orthoréovirus pisciaire (RVP) aux stocks de saumoneaux sauvages en migration, le ministère des Pêches et des Océans refuse de procéder au dépistage du RVP et d’arrêter le transfert de poissons d’élevage dont on sait qu’ils sont infectés par le RVP;
  • La montaison du saumon du Pacifique sur la côte de la Colombie-Britannique est dans un état critique.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Légiférer le retrait des piscicultures à enclos en filets en eau libre des eaux de la Colombie-Britannique d’ici 2025, notamment par une mesure législative visant à :a) arrêter immédiatement le transfert des saumoneaux infectés par le RVP dans les piscicultures à enclos en filet en eau libre; b) achever la transition des piscicultures à enclos en filet en eau libre vers des installations terrestres en parc clos d’ici 2025.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mike KellowayThe Government of Canada recognizes that wild Pacific salmon are an iconic species and of great importance to the people and communities of British Columbia, and in particular, to Indigenous peoples, both culturally and economically. Wild Pacific salmon are facing historic threats from a variety of stressors.Given the unprecedented threats that wild Pacific salmon are facing, we must take action to conserve and protect them.  Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is working with the Province of British Columbia and Indigenous communities to create a responsible plan to transition from open net-pen salmon farming in coastal British Columbia waters by 2025.The Government is committed to ensuring aquaculture activities are undertaken in a manner that is environmentally responsible, sustainable, and minimizes impacts on wild salmon and other fish stocks along our coasts. DFO works closely with provincial and territorial partners, and in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, to create and maintain an effective and responsible regulatory framework for aquaculture in Canada.DFO continues to conduct research on disease pathogens, including the occurrence of Piscine Orthoreovirus (PRV) in wild populations of Pacific salmon, and in 2019 initiated a project to examine the occurrence of PRV in juvenile salmon at commercial and freshwater enhancement hatcheries in British Columbia prior to transfer to the marine environment. The Government previously undertook engagement in 2020 and 2021 and collected views on transitioning the salmon aquaculture sector in British Columbia, and on July 29, 2022, DFO released a discussion framework which outlines a proposed vision for transitioning from open net-pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia. The transition plan will ensure that finfish aquaculture in British Columbia is conducted in a manner that reduces or eliminates interactions with wild Pacific salmon.The framework has guided engagement with the Government of British Columbia, First Nations, industry, local governments, stakeholders, and British Columbians. Once a transition plan is finalized and published later this year, DFO will continue to collaborate and engage with partners and stakeholders on its implementation. DFO believes that this work will drive Canada toward technological innovation, and place us at the forefront of modern, sustainable aquaculture.Growing a sustainable blue economy that creates jobs in coastal communities while ensuring oceans remain healthy is a priority for the Government of Canada. It is important to understand how a transition from open-net pen salmon aquaculture in British Columbia can support these goals.
AquacultureColombie-BritanniqueSaumon sauvage
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-4097e-4097 (Justice)HarrisonGordonTakoVan PoptaLangley—AldergroveConservateurBC10 août 2022 à 11 h 43 (HAE)8 décembre 2022 à 11 h 43 (HAE)30 mars 202315 mai 20239 décembre 2022Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :La suspension proposée des ventes et cessions d’armes de poing constitue une manière inefficace de combattre les crimes commis à l’aide d’armes à feu;La législation concernée cible de façon démesurée des propriétaires d’armes respectueux des lois, qui comptent déjà parmi les membres de la société canadienne les plus contrôlés, qui sont assujettis à des vérifications quotidiennes et qui sont statistiquement moins susceptibles de commettre des crimes que les personnes qui ne possèdent pas d’armes à feu;Le gouvernement du Canada devrait concentrer ses ressources sur des moyens efficaces de lutter contre les crimes commis avec des armes à feu;L’Accord national australien sur les armes à feu de 1996 n’a eu aucune incidence supplémentaire statistiquement observable en Australie sur les taux de suicide ou sur les décès survenus par suite d’agressions à main armée;En 2019, il a été rapporté que les Canadiens ont dépensé en un an plus de deux milliards de dollars en armes à feu, munitions et accessoires destinés spécifiquement au tir sportif;La Loi sur les armes à feu prévoit que les propriétaires d’armes à feu peuvent se prévaloir de l’article 74 si le gouvernement modifie les conditions d’un permis relatif à la propriété d’une d’arme à feu ou d’un enregistrement d’arme à feu, ou s’il refuse de délivrer un permis ou un enregistrement de ce genre.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada :1. D'abroger immédiatement la proposition de suspension visant la vente et la cession d’armes de poing;2. De modifier le projet de loi C-21 afin de ne plus interdire les répliques d’armes à feu, c’est-à-dire les armes à air comprimé; 3. D'abroger immédiatement la proposition d’« expiration » des certificats restreints lors de la reclassification des armes à feu;4. D'affecter des ressources à la sécurité des frontières pour mieux lutter contre la contrebande d’armes;5. D'affecter des ressources à la lutte contre la prévalence de la fabrication d’armes fantômes;6. D'établir des lois sur les armes à feu fondées sur le bon sens, qui protégeront les propriétaires légaux d’armes à feu.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.Canadians deserve to be safe in their communities. That’s why the Government of Canada is taking action on gun violence with a comprehensive plan that gets firearms off our streets and puts more resources into our neighbourhoods, while respecting hunters and law-abiding gun owners. Firearms violence is a complex issue affecting Canadians in both urban and rural settings and implicates various types of firearms. As part of a comprehensive approach to address gun violence and strengthen gun laws in Canada, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and, since its introduction, the Government has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When Bill C-21 was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns in society, and were withdrawn to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.On May 1, 2023, the Government announced re-introducing revised amendments to Bill C-21 in SECU, alongside regulatory and other measures to deliver on its commitment to ban assault-style firearms. The proposed measures would add a new prospective technical definition to the definition of “prohibited firearm” in the Criminal Code; through regulations, require that manufacturers seek a Firearms Reference Table number before being allowed to sell in Canada; address the growing threat of illegally manufactured firearms, otherwise known as “ghost guns”; include a specific provision stating that nothing proposed in Bill C-21 derogates from the rights of Indigenous peoples recognized and affirmed under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982; and, require a parliamentary review of the amendment to the definition of prohibited firearm five years after the coming into force of the new provisions.Despite a long history of handgun regulation in Canada, handgun violence continues to inflict significant damage to Canadians and communities. Handguns are the weapon of choice in most firearm-related crimes, which is why limiting the number of handguns is a critical part of the Government’s plan to protect Canadians from gun violence. In order to strengthen handgun control across Canada, Bill C-21 includes measures that would essentially cap the domestic lawful handgun market in Canada by freezing the sale, purchase, or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada and prevent individuals from bringing newly acquired firearms into Canada. The freeze on the sale, purchase or transfer of handguns by individuals within Canada, and on the importation of newly acquired handguns into Canada, came into force by regulatory amendments pursuant to the Firearms Act on October 21, 2022. Bill C-21 puts the safety of Canadians first by recognizing that handgun use is appropriate in some situations and providing for limited exceptions from the national freeze on handguns. For example, exempted individuals would include those with an Authorization to Carry restricted or prohibited firearms, which includes those who carry firearms for their lawful profession, those who use them in the context of trapping, and a very small number of people who use them for protection of life (where police are too far away or unable to provide protection and the person is in demonstrable danger). Also exempted would be elite sport shooters training for, competing in, or coaching handgun disciplines that are recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Furthermore, freezing the market would not involve a confiscation of the existing stock of handguns. Owners of existing handguns would continue to possess and use their handguns for sports shooting or collecting, but they would not be authorized to import new handguns, transfer their existing handguns (except to businesses or exempted individuals), or acquire new ones.Bill C-21 is only one of the many avenues the Government is pursuing to prevent firearm violence and loss of life. The cross-border smuggling of firearms poses a threat to the safety and security of Canadians. To help address gun smuggling and trafficking, Canada and the United States have formed the Canada-United States Cross Border Firearms Task Force (CBFTF). Both countries have committed to working together, consistent with their respective domestic laws, to identify the primary sources of illicit firearms and to disrupt their flow, and the exchange of illicit commodities for such firearms across the shared border. On April 28, 2023, following the conclusion of the 2023 Canada-United States Cross-Border Crime Forum, it was announced that Canada and the United States plan to deepen cooperation in tackling gun violence in several key areas, including timely and actionable information sharing, investigations and enforcement. Ministers decided to continue advancing both domestic and bilateral efforts to reduce firearms violence, including through the CBFTF, to trace and seize guns used in crime, disrupt cross-border firearms smuggling, and to identify and target shippers and receivers through the coordination of joint operations and investigations. Ministers also decided to advance collaborative work related to stemming the proliferation of privately manufactured firearms (“ghost guns”) and strengthen cooperation with state, provincial, Indigenous and tribal partners. In addition, Ministers highlighted the Memorandum of Understanding between the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), signed in March 2023; as well as a Memorandum of Understanding between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), signed in November 2022. These arrangements will be pivotal in helping both countries interdict firearms and drugs through enhanced information sharing.As part of the Government’s investment of over $356 million over five years, and an anticipated $100 million ongoing, to establish the Initiative to Take Action against Gun and Gang Violence, it provided $125 million to the RCMP and the CBSA to enhance firearms investigations and strengthen controls at the border to prevent illegal firearms from entering the country. This investment enhances the RCMP’s regional firearms intelligence presence and creates a dedicated analytical capacity to develop actionable intelligence reports for law enforcement at the local, regional and provincial/territorial level. For the CBSA, this funding provides them with greater operational capacity to screen passengers and examine commercial shipments, thereby protecting Canadians by preventing firearms and inadmissible people from coming into the country illegally. It also supports CBSA investments in an all-weather detector dog training facility, additional detector dog teams at key highway crossings, expansion of X-ray technology at postal centres and air cargo facilities, and key training in the detection of concealed goods in vehicles crossing our borders. Building on these investments, in Budget 2021, the Government announced an investment of $312 million over five years, starting in 2021–22, and $41.4 million per year ongoing for Public Safety Canada (PS), the CBSA, and the RCMP to enhance Canada’s firearm control framework. This funding includes program measures that will:
  • strengthen services to support the lawful acquisition, ownership and use of firearms by enhancing RCMP Canadian Firearms Program services to Canadians and law enforcement;
  • combat illegal firearm-related activities by increasing RCMP capacity to trace crime guns and to continue to build a national system that allows for the flagging of straw purchasing of firearms, and provide the RCMP and the CBSA with additional resources to target firearms smuggling and trafficking; and,
  • enhance firearms policy advice and promote awareness of firearm programs by establishing capacity for the RCMP to begin the development of a buyback program for those firearms that were prohibited on May 1, 2020; increase PS capacity to support the policy, legislative, regulatory, and program measures to deliver on the Government’s firearms commitments; and continue to develop and advance the firearms social marketing campaign that will raise awareness and educate Canadians on the need to reduce violent crimes through a variety of initiatives.
Illicitly manufactured firearms or “ghost guns” are difficult to detect and trace, and are becoming more prevalent given the increased accessibility of 3D printing technology and the adaptability of certain unregulated components. Through recent government investments, the RCMP is working in a number of key areas to combat firearms trafficking and illicit manufacturing to reduce gun violence, including:
  • expanding its firearms tracing capacity to assist law enforcement in determining the sources of and trafficking routes for firearms used in crimes, as well as, support strategic-level analysis of illegal firearms usage in Canada;
  • bolstering the capacity of the National Weapons Enforcement Support Team to: i) support firearms-related criminal investigations; ii) conduct outreach to police on new technologies and emerging criminal trends in firearms trafficking and illicit manufacturing (i.e. ghost guns); iii) build a national network of firearms trafficking working groups to strengthen information sharing and collaboration to detect bulk/straw purchasing and interdict illicit firearms transfers; and, iv) partner with industry associations to provide education and training to firearms retailers on identifying firearms traffickers; and,
  • continuing to work closely with the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. law enforcement to disrupt smuggling and trafficking networks by enhancing intelligence and analysis partnerships on tracing and sourcing of illegal firearms, including ghost guns.
With these initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to make our country less vulnerable to firearms violence while being fair to responsible firearms owners and businesses.
Contrôle des armes à feu
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01242441-01242 (Justice)LenWebberCalgary ConfederationConservateurAB30 mars 202315 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, sommes des citoyens et des résidents canadiens de la ville de Calgary, en Alberta, et des villes de Victoria et de White Rock, en Colombie Britannique.Nous, soussignés, demandons qu’une loi soit adoptée pour empêcher les individus ayant des antécédents de comportements sexuels inappropriés de résider dans des chambres à proximité de personnes vulnérables dans les maisons de soins du Canada.Nous attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur le fait que :
  • Le 16 avril 2020, Rita a été agressée sexuellement dans son lit dans une maison de soins de Calgary, en Alberta, par un autre résidant, lequel avait des antécédents de longue date de comportements sexuels à l’égard de co résidantes;
  • Rita est une personne vulnérable atteinte de la maladie d’Alzheimer à un stade avancé, dont les mouvements des bras et des jambes sont limités et qui est incapable d’utiliser la sonnette pour appeler à l’aide;
  • Le personnel de Protection for Persons in Care a informé la famille de Rita que le résidant agresseur avait des antécédents d’agression sexuelle dans son dossier et qu’il avait été trouvé dans le lit de deux autres résidantes, le 9 janvier 2020 et le 22 janvier 2020, avant que Rita ne soit agressée.
En conséquence, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi pour empêcher les individus ayant des antécédents de comportements sexuels inappropriés de résider dans des chambres à proximité de personnes vulnérables dans les maisons de soins du Canada.
Response by the Minister of SeniorsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Darren FisherEvery senior in Canada deserves to live in dignity, safety and comfort, regardless of where they live, and the Government of Canada is committed to doing more to support seniors across the country. On January 31, 2023, we welcomed the release of two independent LTC standards from CSA Group and the Health Standards Organization (HSO) that was shaped by the needs and diverse perspectives of thousands of Canadians across the country, including LTC residents, family members, caregivers, and health partners. These standards are an important step in helping to ensure quality care for seniors and will raise the bar for safe and respectful care in LTC homes across Canada.The Criminal Code currently protects seniors against abuse and neglect through numerous offences of general application.It contains a comprehensive set of offences prohibiting various forms of assault, including threats of harm and sexual assault, as well as negligence based offences that prohibit failing to provide necessary care to seniors or providing necessary care in a significantly deficient manner.In addition to the Criminal Code, provinces and territories, including Alberta, each have legislation that address the health, well-being and safety of residents of long-term care homes.The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and the Minister of Seniors’ 2021 Mandate Letters contain three commitments related to elder abuse:
  1. finalizing the national definition of elder abuse;
  2. investing in better data collection;
  3. establishing new offences penalties in the Criminal Code related to elder abuse.
The private member’s Bill C-295, tabled by the Honourable MP of the constituency of Vancouver Centre, was recently referred to the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights for study. This Bill aims to protect vulnerable adults by amending the Criminal Code to create an offence for long-term care facilities, their owners and their managers to fail to provide the necessaries of life to residents of the facilities.We thank MP of the constituency of Calgary for his work and advocacy on this issue.
Agression sexuellePersonnes vulnérablesSoins de longue durée
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01241441-01241 (Justice)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK30 mars 202315 mai 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Attendu que :
  • C’est un fait bien établi que le risque de violence à l’endroit des femmes augmente quand elles sont enceintes;
  • À l’heure actuelle, dans le Code criminel du Canada, le fait de blesser ou de tuer un enfant à naître en commettant un acte criminel n’est pas considéré comme une circonstance aggravante aux fins de la détermination de la peine;
  • Le Canada n’a pas de loi sur l’avortement. Ce vide juridique est tellement extrême que nous ne reconnaissons même pas les enfants à naître en tant que victimes de crimes violents;
  • La justice exige que l’agresseur qui maltraite une femme enceinte et son enfant à naître reçoive une peine en conséquence. La peine doit être proportionnelle au crime.
Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter des mesures législatives pour inscrire dans le Code criminel, parmi les circonstances aggravantes aux fins de la détermination de la peine, la violence envers une femme enceinte ou l’infliction de blessures à un enfant à naître.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government will always defend a woman's right to choose. Women, and women alone, should decide what happens to their bodies. Private Member’s Bill C-311, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), which proposes aggravating factors that would apply to sentencing cases involving pregnant victims, is being used as a stepping stone toward opening the abortion debate in Canada. The sponsor of this legislation has specifically noted she is trying to fill a so-called void on abortion law in Canada. Canadian women fought for decades to ensure they have access to abortion services here in Canada and our Government will prevent the right to choose from being undermined in any way. Any attempts to introduce abortion into the Criminal Code will be vigorously opposed by our Government.Gender-based violence, including intimate partner violence, has no place in Canada and our Government has made it a priority to end it in all its forms. Committing an offence against a pregnant victim is already an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes at common law.The Criminal Code’s sentencing provisions require offenders to receive sentences that are proportionate to the gravity of the offence and to their degree of responsibility, taking into account aggravating factors, including evidence that the offender abused their intimate partner or a member of the victim’s or the offender’s family (paragraph 718.2(a)(ii)), and evidence that the offence had a significant impact on the victim, considering their age and other personal circumstances, including their health and financial situation, which includes consideration of a victim’s pregnancy (subparagraph 718.2(a)(iii.1)).Bill C-311 would actually make pregnant women less safe by narrowing the circumstances in which existing aggravating factors that protect pregnant victims apply. Specifically, the Bill’s first proposed aggravating factor would only apply where there is evidence that the offender knew of the victim’s pregnancy. This could unintentionally result in sentencing courts refusing to treat a victim’s pregnancy as an aggravating factor in cases where there is no such evidence.The legislation is inconsistent with its stated purpose and we have concerns that it is yet another backdoor attempt to re-open the abortion debate in Canada, which should remain firmly closed.
Foetus et embryonSentences pénalesVictimes d'actes criminelsViolence faite aux femmes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-4012e-4012 (Justice)PeterMcNicholL’hon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservateurAB20 mai 2022 à 11 h 07 (HAE)19 juillet 2022 à 11 h 07 (HAE)30 mars 202315 mai 202319 juillet 2022 Pétition au <Addressee type="6" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1"> premier ministre </Addressee> Attendu que : La mesure législative hostile au secteur de l’énergie du premier ministre, le projet de loi C-69, a été déclarée inconstitutionnelle par la plus haute instance de l’Alberta; Pendant des années, le gouvernement fédéral a enfreint la compétence et la souveraineté de la province avec le projet de loi C-69; La province de l’Alberta subit depuis des années des politiques destructrices et idéologiques, qui nuisent intentionnellement à ses industries et qui se traduisent par des licenciements collectifs, des records de chômage et des périodes de récession économique. Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre de respecter la décision de la Cour d’appel de l’Alberta en n’interjetant pas appel, en déclarant le projet de loi C-69 inconstitutionnel et en abrogeant celui-ci sans tarder.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTFormer Bill C-69, now the Impact Assessment Act (the Act), came into force on August 28, 2019. The Act is designed to protect the environment, ensure sustainable projects can move forward safely, and instill public confidence in how the Government of Canada makes decisions concerning major resources projects.This Act delivered on an important promise that the Government of Canada made to Canadians to reform a flawed process. The Government worked with provincial and territorial governments, and Indigenous governments when developing the new legislation to ensure their views were considered and jurisdictional responsibilities were respected while working towards a common goal – meeting the needs of Canadians and preserving their livelihood for years to come.On January 17, 2020, the Attorney General of Alberta submitted a reference question to the Alberta Court of Appeal asking it to opine on the constitutionality of the Act and the Physical Activities Regulations (Project List). On May 10, 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal issued its opinion that both the Act and the Project List intrude on provincial jurisdiction. The opinion of the Alberta Court of Appeal is advisory in nature and as such, the Act and its regulations remain in force.The Government of Canada is confident that the Act and the Project List are constitutional, which is why the Alberta Court of Appeal’s opinion was appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada on June 8, 2022. The Supreme Court of Canada heard arguments on March 21–22, 2023 and reserved its opinion, meaning it will be issued at a later date. The Government looks forward to reviewing the opinion in due course and will consider it carefully. In the meantime, the Government is committed to continuing to work with provinces, Indigenous partners and stakeholders on effective and efficient implementation of the Act and the Project List.           
AlbertaConstitutionnalitéÉvaluation environnementaleLoi édictant la Loi sur l'évaluation d'impact et la Loi sur la Régie canadienne de l'énergie, modifiant la Loi sur la protection de la navigation et apportant des modifications corrélatives à d'autres loisRelations fédérales-provinciales-territoriales
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023e-3969e-3969 (Économie et finance)JestineColistroL’hon.MichelleRempel GarnerCalgary Nose HillConservateurAB25 avril 2022 à 15 h 34 (HAE)24 juillet 2022 à 15 h 34 (HAE)30 mars 202315 mai 202326 juillet 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : Au Canada, le taux d’inflation a atteint un sommet jamais vu depuis des décennies; Le prix des logements a augmenté de près de 30 % au cours de la dernière année seulement; L’augmentation du coût de la vie pousse de nombreux Canadiens au bord du gouffre, et les femmes sont touchées de façon disproportionnée par cette situation; Depuis 2015, le prix moyen des maisons a doublé, notamment en raison des achats réalisés par les investisseurs et de la pénurie de logements; Plus de la moitié des Canadiens disent ne plus être en mesure de suivre l’augmentation du coût de la vie; De nombreux néo-Canadiens cherchent à émigrer vers d’autres pays à cause de la crise de l’abordabilité que traverse actuellement notre pays; Depuis 2005, le rapport entre le prix des maisons et le revenu a crû davantage au Canada que dans tout autre pays du G7; Au Canada, les prix de l’immobilier augmentent 12 fois plus rapidement que les revenus des Canadiens; Le gouvernement actuel n’a pas réussi à apporter une aide immédiate aux Canadiens qui peinent à subvenir à leurs besoins; Le premier ministre continue d’annoncer des hausses d’impôts alors que notre pays est aux prises avec une crise de l’abordabilité. Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de déposer immédiatement un plan pour remédier à la crise de l’abordabilité qui sévit au Canada.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandHigh inflation is a global economic challenge, made even worse by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. To bring inflation down, central banks around the world have sharply raised interest rates in what has been one of the fastest and most synchronized monetary policy tightening cycles since the 1980s. After peaking at 8.1 percent in June 2022, consumer price inflation in Canada has come down meaningfully, to 4.3 percent as recently as March – a level well below the rates seen in many peer countries. The Bank of Canada projects that inflation will continue to fall, declining to around 3 percent this summer, 2.5 percent by the end of the year, and reaching 2 percent by the end of 2024.Amid the challenge of high inflation, Canada’s labour market has been the strongest in decades. From the onset of the pandemic, the government’s relentless focus was on jobs – on keeping Canadians employed, and on keeping their employers afloat. And the government plan has worked – Canada’s economy has made a remarkable recovery from the COVID recession. Canada’s unemployment rate is near its record low, over 865,000 more Canadians are employed compared to when COVID-19 first hit, and Canada’s economic growth was the strongest in the G7 over the last year.Despite an outlook of falling inflation, and Canada’s strong economic fundamentals, inflation is nonetheless high today and that means some Canadians are still struggling to manage the higher cost of living. That is why the government has made it a priority to make targeted investments to support Canadians and grow the economy. Budget 2023 builds on these efforts by providing inflation relief to the most vulnerable, and making investments that will play a meaningful role in Canada’s continued prosperity. In particular, among the many measures, Budget 2023 proposes to:
  • introduce a onetime Grocery Rebate, providing $2.5 billion in targeted inflation relief for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians and families;
  • increase Canada Student Grants by 40 percent, providing up to $4,200 for fulltime students, as well as raise the interest-free Canada Student Loan limit from $210 to $300 per week of study;
  • provide $13.0 billion over five years, starting in 202324, and $4.4 billion ongoing to Health Canada to implement the Canadian Dental Care Plan, providing dental coverage for uninsured Canadians with annual family income of less than $90,000, with no co-pays for those with family incomes under $70,000; and
  • introduce an investment tax credit for clean electricity to help accelerate the investments needed to expand the capacity of Canada’s clean electricity grid and ensure it delivers more sustainable, more secure, and more affordable electricity across Canada.
These measures build on the significant efforts of the Government of Canada since 2015 to make life more affordable, such as introducing the tax-free Canada Child Benefit, reducing fees for regulated child care, and permanently eliminating interest on Canada Student Loans. These efforts are meaningful. For example:
  • a family with one child in Ontario, with income of $85,000, in 2023 could benefit from about $11,300 as a result of reduced childcare costs, the Canada Child Benefit, the Canada Dental Benefit, tax relief from an increased Basic Personal Amount, and increased Climate Action Incentive payments;
  • a single parent with one child in Newfoundland and Labrador, with income of $40,000 in 2023, could benefit from $7,300 as a result of reduced childcare costs, the Canada Child Benefit, enhancements to the Canada Workers Benefit, the Canada Dental Benefit, the proposed Grocery Rebate, tax relief from an increased Basic Personal Amount, and increased Climate Action Incentive payments;
  • a 76year-old senior in British Columbia with a maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) entitlement could receive more than $2,000 in additional support in 2023, thanks to the proposed Grocery Rebate, the GIS top-up increase for single seniors from 2016, and the increase in the Old Age Security pension for seniors aged 75 and older; and
  • a low-income student in Manitoba could receive more than $5,600 in additional support in 2023 thanks to proposed enhancements to Canada Student Grants and Canada Student Loans, the proposed Grocery Rebate, and increased Climate Action Incentive payments. If they have a disability or dependents, they could receive an additional $12,800 in specialized student grants, plus an extra $640 per dependent. After graduating, all of their federal student loans will be interest-free, with repayment assistance if their income is below $40,000 per year.
Budget 2022 announced significant investments to make housing more affordable for Canadians, including by helping people buy their first home, tackling unfair practices that drive up costs, and working with provincial and territorial governments, municipalities, and both the private sector and non-profits to double the number of new homes that Canada will build by 2032. Budget 2023 proposes new measures to build on this plan, such as an additional $4 billion, over seven years, starting in 2024-25, to implement a co-developed Urban, Rural and Northern Indigenous Housing Strategy.
Coût de la vie
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01238441-01238 (Culture et patrimoine)Chrisd'EntremontNova-OuestConservateurNS30 mars 202315 mai 202314 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le phare de l’île Seal a été érigé en 1831 pour servir de guide essentiel au trafic maritime qui entre dans la baie de Fundy et en sort. Depuis plus de trois siècles, et encore de nos jours, les fortes marées, les systèmes météorologiques et les récifs et rochers qui entourent l’île Seal rendent la navigation dans ces eaux très périlleuse;
  • Les premiers colons de l’île, les familles Hichens et Crowell, ont fait pression pour qu’un phare soit construit à cet endroit. Samuel Cunard (fondateur de la compagnie Cunard), à titre de commissaire des phares, a joué un rôle déterminant dans la construction du phare de l’île Seal;
  • L’île Seal abrite le deuxième phare en bois le plus ancien encore en service au Canada et en Amérique du Nord;
  • Sa tour octogonale classique en bois est un modèle colonial de plus en plus rare, avec ses poutres d’origine taillées à la main et ses équerres de support naturellement courbées qui soutiennent la plate-forme du fanal;
  • La tour diffuse une puissante lumière (alimentée par l’énergie solaire) et la station possède l’une des rares grandes cornes de brume électriques encore en service dans la province;
  • L’île Seal est située au milieu d’une zone de pêche au homard très active et à haut risque pour laquelle des centaines de permis de pêche au homard sont délivrés et où se retrouvent plusieurs centaines de pêcheurs en activité dans le secteur. En plus de représenter une solution de rechange essentielle pour les navigateurs locaux en cas de défaillance de leur équipement de navigation moderne, le phare de l’île Seal sert de balise de jour, grâce à ses bandes rouges distinctives. Le phare et sa corne de brume voisine servent également à guider les bateaux de plaisance de passage dans la région;
  • Le phare de l’île Seal est extrêmement important pour les résidents locaux du sud-ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse et pour les habitants saisonniers de l’île, dont beaucoup ont des liens directs avec celui-ci grâce aux générations de gardiens du phare et aux familles qui y ont travaillé de 1831 à 1990;
  • Le phare est un édifice fédéral du patrimoine classé en raison de ses liens avec l’histoire et de sa valeur architecturale et environnementale.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de continuer à assurer l’entretien du phare de l’île Seal érigé en 1831, actuellement géré par la Garde côtière canadienne.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mike KellowayThe Government of Canada recognizes the important role that lighthouses have played in our development as a nation and fully acknowledges that throughout Canada’s history, lighthouses have been a defining element of rural coastal communities.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is a custodian of numerous heritage sites that have been designated under the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office. As such, the Department takes its role seriously in protecting Canada’s cultural heritage and promoting its importance to Canadians.  Designations under the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office are made by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada on the recommendation of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada. Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the national historic significance of places, people, and events that have contributed to Canada's history. Together with Parks Canada, the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance are recognized and these important stories are shared with Canadians.The Department of Fisheries and Oceans recognizes the importance of the Seal Island navigational aid to mariners. In order to provide uninterrupted quality service, the Canadian Coast Guard plans to erect a steel tower that will house a new automatic navigational aid. Funding decisions take into consideration the needs within the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ active portfolio of real property assets and prioritize several obligations including legislated and health and safety responsibilities, as well as deferred maintenance within the department’s core group of assets. The latest assessment of the Seal Island Lighthouse indicates a significant amount of resources is required for repairs. This amount is substantial and Fisheries and Oceans Canada is investigating various options to enable these repairs. The Seal Island Lighthouse, being a classified federal heritage building, is one of the country's most architecturally and historically significant lighthouses. The lighthouse has been nominated under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act that came into force on May 29, 2010. The Act facilitates the transfer of surplus heritage lighthouses to a third party who is committed to adhering to the preservation requirements. The Department is open to working with the municipality or a nonprofit group if the undersigned citizens are willing to create such a group for the purpose of preserving the heritage character of the Seal Island Lighthouse.
Patrimoine maritimePhare de Seal IslandPhares
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée15 mai 2023441-01237441-01237 (Affaires étrangères)CarolHughesAlgoma—Manitoulin—KapuskasingNPDON30 mars 202315 mai 20236 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement Nous soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :Les adeptes du Falun Gong constituent le groupe le plus nombreux et le plus sévèrement persécuté en Chine depuis juillet 1999 pour leur croyance spirituelle au principe de « Vérité, Compassion et Patience », et qu’en 2006, des allégations de meurtre massif d’adeptes du Falun Gong pour prélever leurs organes ont fait surface;Les avocats canadiens David Matas et David Kilgour ont rassemblé plus de 50 éléments de preuve démontrant que le régime et ses agences ont mis à mort un grand nombre de prisonniers de conscience du Falun Gong dans de nombreuses régions de la Chine. Leurs organes vitaux ont été saisis contre leur gré pour être vendus à fort prix;L’association Médecins contre le prélèvement forcé d’organes (DAFOH) a recueilli les signatures d’environ 1,5 million de pétitionnaires dans plus de 50 pays et les a présentées au Haut-Commissariat des Nations Unies aux droits de l’homme en novembre 2013;Le 12 décembre 2013, le Parlement européen a adopté une résolution urgente qui demandait la fin des prélèvements forcés d’organes en Chine;Les nations démocratiques ont la responsabilité de condamner de telles atrocités, où qu’elles se produisent.Par conséquent, les soussignés demandent au gouvernement du Canada de :a) condamner les crimes du Parti communiste chinois, qui assassine systématiquement les adeptes du Falun Gong pour leurs organes;b) Réclamer publiquement la fin de la persécution du Falun Gong en Chine.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights is an integral part of Canadian foreign policy and a priority in our government’s engagement with China. Canada has consistently called on China to respect, protect and promote freedom of expression, assembly and association, and religion or belief for all.Canada has publicly voiced concerns about the intimidation and repression of ethnic minority and religious groups, including Falun Gong practitioners, and will continue to do so at every appropriate opportunity.On December 14, 2022, Bill S-223 regarding organ harvesting and trafficking, which parliamentarians have linked to Uyghurs and Falun Dafa practitioners in China, was adopted unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 324-0. Bill S-223 then received Royal Assent the following day. Bill S-223 makes it a criminal offence for a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to go abroad to receive an organ taken from someone who did not give informed consent to the removal of the organ. Canada joins jurisdictions such as the UK, Italy, Israel, Belgium, Norway, Spain, and South Korea and Taiwan that have passed legislation to combat forced organ harvesting, organ transplant tourism, and organ trafficking.The Government of Canada remains committed to combating all forms of human trafficking, including for the purposes of organ removal. The Government of Canada is actively engaged with other states, including China, to advocate and advance the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime’s Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children. Addressing the illegal organ trade is complex and requires international cooperation. Canada actively participated in the development of the revised World Health Organization’s Guiding Principles on Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation, which Member States, including China, adopted in 2010.Furthermore, Canada continues to work closely with international partners to advance the freedom of persecuted faith and belief communities worldwide. In 2015, Canada established the International Contact Group on Freedom of Religion or Belief, co-Chaired by Canada and the United States. It is an important platform, which has brought together over 30 countries committed to protecting and promoting freedom of religion or belief. It has helped advance coordinated initiatives concerning issues of religious minorities around the world.Canadian engagement on human rights encompasses high level visits, public statements, representations on specific issues and cases of concern bilaterally as well as in multilateral forums, interventions and advocacy by its diplomatic missions, and outreach to civil society.  The Government of Canada also regularly engages with a diverse range of civil society organisations, diaspora and faith and belief communities, and the broader international community to inform its approach in advocating for human rights, including freedom of religion or belief.  This includes regular meetings with Canadian civil society organizations focused on the situation of human rights in China. Global Affairs Canada and Amnesty International Canada most recently held day-long consultations with the 15-member Canadian Coalition on Human Rights in China (CCHRC) on November 21, 2022.The Government’s newly released Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) also directly outlines Canada’s approach to China. China’s rise as a global actor is reshaping the strategic outlook of every state in the region, including Canada. The third pillar of the IPS specifically invests in people, development, and the defense of human rights in the Indo-Pacific region. Canada will never apologize for pursuing its national interests, which includes upholding global rules that govern human rights.
ChineDroits de la personneFalun GongTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humain
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01236441-01236 (Affaires sociales et égalité)MarkGerretsenKingston et les ÎlesLibéralON29 mars 202312 mai 20238 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE :
  • Tous les Canadiens ont le droit d’avoir un logement sûr et abordable;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada a reconnu, par voie législative, que le droit à un logement fait partie des droits de la personne;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada a lancé sa toute première Stratégie nationale sur le logement, qui représente des investissements de plus de 72 milliards de dollars;
  • Le budget de 2022 prévoit un investissement historique de 14 milliards de dollars pour doubler la construction de nouveaux logements au cours de la décennie.
Nous, les soussignés, résidents de Kingston et les Îles, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de continuer à investir dans le logement abordable et d’améliorer les résultats en matière de logement pour tous les Canadiens, y compris les membres de notre communauté.
Response by the Minister of Housing and Diversity and InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Soraya Martinez FerradaThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners from Kingston and the Islands for sharing their concerns about the right to housing as fundamental human right.Our Government strongly believes that all Canadians should have access to safe and affordable housing. That is why we introduced Canada’s first ever National Housing Strategy (NHS) and passed a legislation to make sure future governments do the same. The National Housing Strategy  is an $82-billion plan that sets ambitious targets to ensure that unprecedented investments and new programming deliver results.The National Housing Strategy Act (the Act) that came into force in July 2019 and represents an historic milestone for housing in Canada. The Act sets out a housing policy that recognizes the right to adequate housing as a fundamental human right affirmed in international law.The Act requires the federal government to maintain a national housing strategy to further the housing policy, taking into account key principles of a human rights-based approach to housing. The Act creates a Federal Housing Advocate and establishes a National Housing Council. Together, they will help identify systemic barriers to accessing affordable housing and advise the Government on housing policy in Canada.The National Housing Council provides advice to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, including on the effectiveness of the National Housing Strategy, with the aim of improving housing outcomes. The members of the National Housing Council were appointed on November 22, 2020. For more information on the members and the mandate of the National Housing Council, please visit https://nhc-cnl.ca/.The Federal Housing Advocate monitors the implementation of the government’s housing policy and its progress in meeting goals and timelines set out in the NHS. On February 4, 2022, the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion announced that Marie-Josée Houle will be Canada’s first Federal Housing Advocate for a 3-year term.The NHS Act provides important opportunities for persons experiencing housing needs or homelessness and communities affected by systemic housing issues to have their voices heard through the Federal Housing Advocate, the National Housing Council. Our government is committed to working in collaboration with the National Housing Council and the Federal Housing Advocate to ensure the right to a safe and affordable place to call home becomes a reality for all Canadians.   Rest assured our government is working to ensure that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home by expanding Canada’s housing supply and continuing to advance our investments in affordable housing.
Logement social
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01235441-01235 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC29 mars 202312 mai 20236 février 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous, les soussignés, résidents du Canada, souhaitons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement:Attendu que :
  • Le recyclage des navires présente des risques importants pour les travailleurs et l’environnement en raison de la présence d’une grande variété de matières dangereuses dans les navires en fin de vie;
  • Contrairement à d’autres pays, le Canada n’a pas de normes sur le recyclage des navires et les activités de recyclage des navires ne sont pas réglementées, ce qui met en danger nos océans, nos communautés côtières et nos travailleurs;
  • Le manque de surveillance nationale du recyclage et de l’élimination des navires en fin de vie entrave la capacité du Canada à assurer le respect de ses obligations internationales en vertu de la Convention de Bâle.
Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’appuyer la motion M-68 et :1. D’élaborer des normes fédérales exécutoires visant à réduire les répercussions négatives du recyclage des navires sur le plan environnemental et social, normes qui respectent ou dépassent celles énoncées dans le règlement relatif au recyclage des navires de l’Union européenne;2. De fournir une aide sous forme de prêts ou de subventions aux entreprises de recyclage de navires de longue date et de bonne réputation afin de faciliter la mise en œuvre des nouvelles normes fédérales dans leurs activités;3. D’élaborer une stratégie pour le recyclage des navires en fin de vie appartenant au gouvernement fédéral.
Response by the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast GuardSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Mike KellowayThe Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution. This includes working to improve water quality and our marine environments from coast to coast to coast.There are certain existing federal rules that may apply to ship recycling activities. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the federal government has powers to address any pollution discharge, or mitigate the risk of pollution discharge, from any vessel still in the water. In addition, the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act (subsection 36(3)) prohibit the deposit of any deleterious substance in waters frequented by fish or to any place where it may enter water frequented by fish, unless authorized by federal regulations. Further, any in-water portion of ship recycling activity may require approval under the Canada Navigable Waters Act if it occurs in navigable waters.The European Union (EU) implemented its ship recycling regulations (the EU Ship Recycling Regulation) in 2020. These regulations largely replicate the standards and provisions set out in the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) which Canada endorsed in 2009 but has not ratified.Canada supports the intent of the Hong Kong Convention as it is designed to set a level playing field to improve conditions in ship recycling facilities while diminishing the impact of ship recycling operations on human health, safety, and the environment – particularly in countries that have robust ship recycling operations but lack conditions and systems to keep workers safe and minimize environmental impacts.In 2021 and 2022, Canada engaged four key provinces that currently have, or are considering having, recycling operations for larger ships (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia). This was done because many of the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention fall under provincial jurisdiction – notably around waste management, land-use zoning, and occupational health and safety. Each of these provinces confirmed their existing legislative authorities already adequately embody the intent and objectives of the Convention. Each of these provinces also indicated their willingness to work with the federal government to advance environmentally sustainable ship recycling in Canada.The Government of Canada is currently analyzing if there are opportunities to strengthen federal legislation with respect to the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. This includes examining requirements that are specific to vessels under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong Convention.Provinces and territories are responsible for the protection of workers and occupational health and safety at ship recycling facilities, as well as regulating the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of waste produced when a ship is recycled. This essentially makes most activities related to ship recycling facilities subject to provincial/territories jurisdiction. For this reason, no federal assistance program has been considered at this time.Marine operators across the Federal Government are working to ensure the federal fleet is managed in a sustainable manner that achieves best value for Canadians, which includes value for money, operational readiness, environmental protection and increased collaboration with Indigenous communities. In order to achieve this, a suite of whole-of-government supply tools have been established that support all stages of vessel disposal- from technical assessments, to disposals, to deconstruction and recycling (if/when required). Currently, a supply arrangement for Marine Technical Services Assessments as well as a Supply Arrangement for Small Vessel Disposal are in place.Work is underway to publish the final supply arrangement for Medium and Large Vessel Disposals this Spring. By leveraging these common supply tools the Federal Government is ensuring a common approach to how it procures disposal services. Furthermore, the Government of Canada is moving towards more predictable whole-of-government approach to vessel disposal planning and industry engagement. This June will mark the first Federal Marine Procurement Outlook in which disposals will be included. Industry engagement sessions and workshops are also being planned for spring 2023 to ensure suppliers, communities and organizations understand Canada’s expected program of work and standards for vessel disposals. 
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherMarine operators across the federal government are working to ensure the federal fleet is managed in a sustainable manner that achieves best value for Canadians, which includes value for money, operational readiness, environmental protection and increased collaboration with Indigenous communities. To achieve this, a suite of government-wide procurement instruments have been established to support all stages of vessel disposal, including technical assessments, disposals, and deconstruction and recycling (if/when required). Currently, a supply arrangement for marine technical services and a supply arrangement for small vessel disposal are in place.  Work is underway to establish a supply arrangement for medium and large vessel disposals in late Spring 2023. By leveraging these procurement instruments, the federal government is ensuring a consistent approach to disposal services.To move toward a more predictable approach to vessel disposal planning and engagement, beginning in June 2023, upcoming disposal opportunities will form part of regular Federal Marine Procurement updates at various Marine conferences and events across Canada.  In addition, industry engagement sessions and workshops are being planned for Spring 2023 to ensure suppliers, communities and organizations understand Canada’s planned program of work and standards for disposals. The material presented at these events will be made available on CanadaBuys.canada.ca.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraPart 1: The Government of Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment from the potential risks of marine pollution. This includes working to improve water quality and Canada’s marine environments from coast to coast to coast.There are certain existing federal rules that may apply to ship recycling activities. Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 or the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act, the federal government has powers to address any pollution discharge, or mitigate the risk of pollution discharge, from any vessel still in the water. In addition, the pollution prevention provisions of the Fisheries Act (subsection 36(3)) prohibit the deposit of any deleterious substance in waters frequented by fish or to any place where it may enter water frequented by fish, unless authorized by federal regulations. Further, any in-water portion of ship recycling activity may require approval under the Canada Navigable Waters Act if it occurs in navigable waters.The European Union implemented its ship recycling regulations (the EU Ship Recycling Regulation) in 2020. These regulations largely replicate the standards and provisions set out in the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships (Hong Kong Convention) which Canada endorsed in 2009, but has not ratified.Canada supports the intent of the Hong Kong Convention as it is designed to set a level playing field to improve conditions in ship recycling facilities while diminishing the impact of ship recycling operations on human health, safety, and the environment – particularly in countries that have robust ship recycling operations but lack conditions and systems to keep workers safe and minimize environmental impacts.In 2021 and 2022, Canada engaged four key provinces that currently have, or are considering having, recycling operations for larger ships (British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia). This was done because many of the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention fall under provincial jurisdiction – notably around waste management, land-use zoning, and occupational health and safety. Each of these provinces confirmed their existing legislative authorities already adequately embody the intent and objectives of the Convention. Each of these provinces also indicated their willingness to work with the federal government to advance environmentally sustainable ship recycling in Canada.The Government of Canada is currently analyzing if there are opportunities to strengthen federal legislation with respect to the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships. This includes examining requirements that are specific to vessels under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation and the Hong Kong Convention.Part 2: Provinces and territories are responsible for the protection of workers and occupational health and safety at ship recycling facilities, as well as regulating the handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of waste produced when a ship is recycled. This essentially makes most activities related to ship recycling facilities subject to provincial/territories jurisdiction.For this reason, no federal assistance program has been considered at this time.However, through Bill C-47, tabled on April 20, 2023, the federal government is proposing to create an owner-financed vessel remediation fund that would enable more proactive response to wrecked or abandoned vessels posing hazards, as well as support preventative measures that expand options for owners to comply with the Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act. This would include funding for research and development to enhance vessel recycling and disposal options as well as Indigenous and community capacity building related to vessel recycling, dismantling and disposal. 
Gestion des déchetsIndustrie de la construction navaleM-68Protection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01234441-01234 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC29 mars 202312 mai 20232 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADANous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre sur ce qui suit :ATTENDU QUE :Les insectes pollinisateurs, notamment les abeilles domestiques, sont un élément essentiel de notre système alimentaire et un pilier indispensable de notre écologie;Les avantages que procurent les abeilles domestiques vont bien au-delà de la pollinisation des cultures agricoles commerciales et la valeur pécuniaire de ce seul service est estimée à des centaines de milliards de dollars dans le monde chaque année;Dans les dix dernières années, un déclin extrême des populations d’abeilles a été mesuré en Amérique du Nord et dans toute l’Europe, causant une inquiétude grandissante chez les citoyens, les scientifiques et un grand nombre de gouvernements;De multiples théories ont été mises de l’avant pour expliquer cet effondrement des populations d’abeilles, mais l’une des causes les plus probables du problème est une catégorie de pesticides appelés néonicotinoïdes, qui s’attaquent au système nerveux central des insectes, entraînant la paralysie et la mort, et qui se sont avérés très toxiques en quantités non létales;À la suite d’un important examen scientifique des risques liés à ces pesticides, la Commission européenne a entrepris de mettre en œuvre une interdiction complète de l’utilisation des néonicotinoïdes en 2017.PAR CONSÉQUENT, vos pétitionnaires prient le gouvernement du Canada, dans l’intérêt de nos abeilles et de la sécurité alimentaire, d’emboîter le pas à l’Europe et de souscrire au principe de précaution en interdisant l’utilisation des néonicotinoïdes au Canada.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenHealth Canada is aware of the importance of bees and the beekeeping industry, as well as the issues regarding bee health, including concerns over the potential effect of chronic pesticide exposure. Declines in honeybee and other pollinator populations have generated considerable scientific and public interest both in Canada and internationally. The available science suggests that multiple factors acting in combination may be at play, including loss of habitat and food sources, diseases, viruses and pests, climate, and pesticide exposure. Departmental scientists collaborate with scientists from universities and other organizations to determine whether specific pesticides are contributing to pollinator declines.In Canada, pesticides are regulated federally under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA), which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Our number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment (including pollinator insects).Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when it is used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from up to 200 scientific studies (or in some cases more) may be required to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people, animals (including beneficial insects, such as pollinators like bees), or plants, including organisms in the soil and water.Health Canada must also periodically re-evaluate pesticides that are on the market to determine whether they continue to meet the Department’s current health and environmental standards and hence, whether they should continue to be permitted for use in Canada.Scientific data and information considered during these scientific evaluations may come from a variety of sources, such as from registrants, federal and provincial governments, academia and the research community, other internationally recognized regulatory agencies, as well as a large body of published independent scientific studies. When the science-based assessment indicates that potential risk to human health or the environment is not considered acceptable when risk management measures are applied, Health Canada will cancel either specific uses or all uses of a pesticide, depending on the assessment. When all uses of a pesticide are cancelled, the pesticide would be phased-out from the Canadian market.The PMRA completes a risk assessment on bees for all outdoor and greenhouse use pesticides. This assessment uses the updated pollinator risk assessment framework developed in collaboration with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. The framework incorporates assessment of acute and chronic risks to adult and larval bees, effects to the entire colony, and effects to non-Apis bees such as bumble bees and solitary bees. The assessment also considers how attractive the treated crops are to bees, and how and when the pesticide will be used in Canada.To help ensure agricultural practices across the country protect pollinators, Health Canada actively works with key stakeholders and federal and provincial agriculture and environment ministries. Health Canada is participating in a recently established Industry-Government Honey Bee Sustainability Working Group, launched by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in order to explore solutions to key problems affecting bees. These collaborations help address data gaps and refine risk assessments. Health Canada also cooperates internationally through the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Commission for Plant-Pollinator Relationships (ICPPR) Bee Protection Working Group to develop improvements to pollinator risk assessment and mitigation, including development of test guidelines and guidance documents:
  • OECD Work Related to Bees/Pollinators
  • Bee Protection Group, International Commission for Plant-Pollinator Relationships (ICPPR)
In 2012, Health Canada began receiving large numbers of bee incident reports. Health Canada, in collaboration with many stakeholders, implemented risk reduction measures to minimize exposure to pollinators. In 2014, Health Canada implemented additional restrictions when planting corn and soybean seeds treated with neonicotinoids in order to protect pollinators from dust generated during planting of treated seed. With these risk mitigation measures in place, Health Canada saw a significant decrease in the number of incidents reported. The number of bee incidents in 2014, 2015 and 2016 was 70–80% lower than in 2013 and the number of incident reports remained low from 2017 to present. Health Canada continues to monitor the bee incident reports.In recent years, Health Canada has conducted several post-market reviews of neonicotinoid pesticides. In 2019, Health Canada published pollinator-focused (e.g., bees) re-evaluation decisions for clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. To protect pollinators, Health Canada cancelled several uses of these pesticides and added further restrictions to other uses, such as prohibiting spraying of some crops before or during bloom. It should be noted that these decisions were made following the consideration of a large variety of published independent scientific data, including those reviewed by other internationally recognized regulatory agencies (such as the European Union).On May 19, 2021, Health Canada released the final re-evaluation decision for the neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid. This followed the special review decisions related to aquatic organisms for two neonicotinoid pesticides, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, released by Health Canada on March 31, 2021. Previously, Health Canada had consulted publicly on a proposal to cancel all outdoor uses of these pesticides. Over 47,000 comments were received during neonicotinoid consultations, as well as a substantial amount of new information, including new studies and water monitoring data. To protect the environment, in this final decision, Health Canada cancelled some uses of imidacloprid, and introduced additional mitigation measures and restrictions on some of the uses that remain registered, which is consistent with the Special Review decisions for clothianidin and thiamethoxam.On February 24, 2022 the Special Review Decision SRD2022-02 on the potential environmental risk related to squash bee exposure to clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid used on cucurbits, was published. All comments received on the proposed decision were considered. Based on the comments, an additional environmental risk assessment to address potential risk to squash bees that could be exposed to persistent neonicotinoid residues from seed treatments was conducted as part of the Special Review. Ultimately, the Special Review did not result in a change to the risk conclusions described in the 2019 pollinator re-evaluation decisions of these pesticides, which considered mitigation already in place to reduce exposure to neonicotinoids to bees from the pollinator re-evaluations. Risks are considered acceptable when the products are applied according to the existing mitigation measures. For more information about PMRA’s work on neonicotinoid pesticides, we encourage you to visit Neonicotinoid insecticides - Canada.ca.The full re-evaluations for clothianidin and thiamethoxam have been initiated and the PMRA is targeting to publish the proposed re-evaluation decisions by spring 2023 for a public 90-day consultation, as indicated in the published PMRA Re-evaluation and Special Review Work Plan 2021-2026. The Department will consider all comments received during this consultation period before finalizing its decisions.It should also be noted that provincial/territorial and municipal governments have shared responsibilities in regulating pesticides. Provincial responsibilities for pesticides generally include regulating the sale, use, transportation, storage and disposal of pesticides. Furthermore, the provinces conduct compliance monitoring that complements federal compliance programs, and issue spray licences and/or permits to pesticide applicators, operators and vendors.The PMRA is taking measures to strengthen environmental protection for people, plants, and animals (including beneficial insects, such as pollinators like bees), and to improve the transparency of review processes for pesticides like neonicotinoids. For instance, the PMRA has created a  Science Advisory Committee on Pest Control Products (SAC-PCP), which provides Health Canada with independent scientific advice to support evidence-based decision making on pesticide health and environmental risk and value assessments as well as development of risk management options. The PMRA has also diversified the sources and increased the volume of information used to make decisions on pesticides by creating a water sampling program that collects real-world data from rivers, streams, wetlands, and lakes across Canada. The data from this program is available here. Further, the PMRA is incorporating plain language communications in key pesticide regulatory decisions to support more meaningful public participation in the regulatory process. This work to strength the pesticide review process is a key priority for the PMRA and a mandate commitment for the Minister of Health.Health Canada remains committed to ensuring that the PMRA can implement the changes required to improve program delivery and maintain the public’s confidence as a credible and effective regulator that is protective of health and the environment. Science has always been, and will continue to be, at the forefront of our processes. As such, please be assured that Health Canada continues to monitor for new information related to all pesticides (including concerns for pollinator insects) and will take appropriate action if there are reasonable grounds to believe that use of the products is resulting in risks of concern to human health or the environment (e.g., bees). For more information on how Health Canada protects pollinators, please visit Canada.ca/pollinators.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPPest control products are regulated in Canada through a federal and provincial regulatory network that delivers a program of pre-market scientific assessment, enforcement, education, and information dissemination. The registration and regulation of pesticides in Canada falls under the responsibility of Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) via the authority of the Pest Control Products Act.Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) works closely with PMRA to help ensure that pesticides, when used according to directions, do not pose any unacceptable risks to humans and beneficial insects such as bees and other insect pollinators. AAFC supports the PMRA’s rigorous, science-based evaluations of pesticides.Following the August 4th, 2021 announcement to strengthen the capacity and transparency of review process for pesticides, $7 million has been invested for AAFC scientists to accelerate the research, development, and adoption of alternative pest management solutions. These funds support the Minister of Agriculture’ s 2021 Mandate Letter commitment to “support food producers who choose alternative pest management approaches that reduce the need for chemical pesticides.”Limiting the negative impacts of pesticidesOn December 12, 2022, I announced the launch of consultations to develop a Sustainable Agriculture Strategy (SAS). The SAS will help set a shared direction for collective action to improve environmental performance in the sector over the long-term, support farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the business vitality of the Canadian  agricultural industry.Focus areas of the SAS include the preservation of biodiversity and pollinator health. To reach these goals, the SAS will look into innovations in biotechnology and precision agriculture and promote pesticides with less impact on non-target organisms. The SAS will also seek to implement integrated pest management systems  that make use of natural controls.Also in December 2022, Parties to the UN Convention of Biological Diversity, including Canada, concluded the 15th Conference of the Parties with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework to halt and reverse the loss of nature around the world. This new framework commits Parties to 23 targets, including a  target to reduce risk and negative impacts of pollution, including reducing by half the risks to biodiversity and ecosystem functions of pesticides and excess loss of  nutrients. The Government of Canada is leading Canada’s process to update Canada’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan to reflect intended contributions to meeting each of the global commitments.Protecting Pollinator HealthFederal and provincial governments have made investments to better understand and maintain healthy bee populations, including programs that support beekeepers, research geared towards maintaining healthy bee populations, and a national surveillance project to document the health profile of honeybee colonies in Canada:
  • Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AAFC works with the provinces to co-fund activities that support environmental sustainability, including bee health. For example, Ontario’s Honey Bee Health Management initiative funds beekeeper operational improvements to reduce biosecurity risks, overwinter loss and the spread of pests and disease for honey bees.
  • Among other projects, AAFC scientists are currently engaged in a Large Scale Applied Genomics Research Project along with several Canadian Universities to develop a new real-time bee health assessment and diagnosis platform using stressor-specific bio-markers. Valued at almost $10 million, this project is known as “BeeCSI” and measures gene expression in bees subjected to various pests, parasites and pesticides in both laboratory and field settings, in order to detect unique and detectable signatures of stress. By discovering expression biomarkers specifically related to pesticide exposure, including those from neonicotinoid insecticides, AAFC scientists are developing tools to more rapidly detect the effects of pesticides on honey bees thereby enabling more proactive management of bee health.
  • The Beekeepers Commission of Alberta in collaboration with the Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association had undertaken the National Honey Bee Health Survey project and worked closely with colleagues in other provinces as the project progressed, utilizing the National Bee Diagnostic Centre for sample analysis. The goal of the National Honey Bee Health Survey was to establish a bee health database in Canada to document the prevalence, intensity and distribution of pests, pathogens and chemical residues in Canadian honey bee colonies. Phase I of the project has been completed (2014-2017), while Phase II plans are underway. Prior to initiation of the National Honey Bee Health Survey in Canada, surveillance of this nature had only been done at the regional level; the sector is seeking to expand co-ordination and identify issues that present challenges to bee health across the country.
In each province, a provincial beekeeper collects relevant data on beekeeping and honey production, including the population of honeybee colonies and the number of  beekeepers. In 2022, Canada had 13,850 beekeepers keeping 764,829 honey bee colonies, representing an increase of sixty three percent in the number of beekeepers and fifteen percent in the number of colonies over the last ten years.The federal government is committed to protecting the health of the Canadian bee population and will continue to support Canadian beekeepers as they work diligently to grow their operations while addressing the challenges facing the sector.
AbeillesNéonicotinoïdes
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01233441-01233 (Affaires et commerce)PaulChiangMarkham—UnionvilleLibéralON29 mars 202312 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01232441-01232 (Affaires et commerce)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservateurON29 mars 202312 mai 20238 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01231441-01231 (Justice)MarilynGladuSarnia—LambtonConservateurON29 mars 202312 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • 1. Les enfants et les jeunes ont le droit de participer à toute activité sportive au Canada sans subir de maltraitance, d’abus ou de préjudice;
  • 2. L’approche actuelle dans le système sportif porte atteinte aux droits de la personne des athlètes en raison de l’absence d’un mécanisme transparent entièrement indépendant afin de traiter les plaintes pour maltraitance;
  • 3. Un précédent a déjà été établi en 1989 lors de la création de la commission Dubin.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement de :
  • demander une enquête judiciaire sur le système sportif canadien.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Pascale St-OngeThe Government of Canada would like to thank the petitioners for their call for a judicial inquiry into the Canadian sport system.The Government recognizes that this is a challenging time within the Canadian sport system and changes are needed.? Reports of maltreatment, including harassment, abuse, and discrimination, have come to light recently and there have been consistent calls for greater protections, liability and accountability within the sport system. We take this issue seriously and we are committed to ensuring that all sport participants, including children and youth, experience a safe and inclusive sport environment.While driving change in the sport system involves many stakeholders, including Federal, Provincial, and Territorial (FPT) governments, National Sport Organizations (NSOs), National Multisport Service organizations (MSOs), Canadian Sport Centres and Institutes, and the private sector, the Government of Canada has made strong, concerted efforts to promote safe sport, especially in recent years. We have worked to ensure safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments for all sport participants, bolstered by investments in Budgets 2019, 2022, and 2023.With support from Sport Canada, the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS) was developed by and for the sport community. It sets harmonized rules and common principles to be adopted by sport organizations that receive funding from the Government of Canada to advance a respectful sport culture that delivers quality, inclusive, accessible, welcoming, and safe sport experiences. This code provides the Canadian sport community with a foundational and significant tool for preventing and effectively responding to maltreatment in sport.In July 2021, following a call for proposals to identify the most appropriate and qualified organization to accomplish this work, the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada (SDRCC) was selected to administer the UCCMS and establish an independent safe sport mechanism. In June 2022, the SDRCC launched the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC).As Canada’s new independent third-party mechanism, the OSIC receives and manages allegations of maltreatment in sport. It receives reports about violations of the UCCMS, initiates scoping for Sport Environment Assessments, and offers education, prevention tools and resources, including mental health and legal aid referrals. All NSOs are now required to become Program Signatories to the Abuse-Free Sport program, including OSIC services, to access funding from Sport Canada. The OSIC is an important step to challenge the culture of silence and to provide an independent channel for all sport participants to report maltreatment, be heard, and receive support.In June 2022, the Government of Canada announced the creation of the Sport Canada Athlete Advisory Committee (SCAAC) to increase the representation of athletes in the sport system. The SCAAC aims to provide advice and guidance to Sport Canada that reflect Canadian athletes’ realities. This dialogue, which demonstrates the Government’s commitment to amplifying athletes’ voices, will inform Sport Canada’s policies and programs moving forward.Announced in March 2023, Budget 2023 provides $13.8 million over three years to the Department of Canadian Heritage to enhance accountability and support efforts to build a safe and accountable sport system. The Government recognizes that ensuring accountability is critical to building a sport system that promotes the safety and well-being of athletes across Canada.Ensuring a safe and inclusive sport environment is a joint responsibility. In February 2019, FPT Ministers Responsible for Sport, Physical Activity, and Recreation endorsed the Red Deer Declaration for the Prevention of Harassment, Abuse and Discrimination in Sport. Ministers committed to developing a collaborative approach to address harassment, abuse and discrimination in sport in the areas of awareness, policy, prevention, reporting, management, and monitoring.In February 2023, FPT Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work together to have every athlete and participant in Canada protected by an independent third-party mechanism, such as the OSIC, by the end of 2023. To that end, some provinces are currently in discussions with the OSIC.Amidst all these efforts, FPT governments also continue to work together on the renewal of the Canadian Sport Policy (CSP). The CSP, which sets priorities and provides guidance in advancing sport, will include a focus on safe sport experiences for all participants.The Government of Canada recognizes that much work remains to be done. We greatly anticipate the forthcoming reports from the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage and Standing Committee on the Status of Women’s studies on safe sport and women and girls in sport (respectively). The Government commits to carefully reviewing each recommendation and exploring opportunities for further action. We thank each committee for its work and attention on this important matter.Furthermore, the Government thanks the petitioners for their continued efforts to create a safer and more inclusive sport system in Canada. We will continue to work with the sport community, especially athletes, to address these serious issues and to ensure that everyone in Canada has the opportunity to participate and flourish in sport regardless of age, ability, background, gender or sexual orientation in an environment free from maltreatment.
Enquêtes judiciairesJeunes gensSports
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01230441-01230 (Environnement)Lisa MarieBarronNanaimo—LadysmithNPDBC29 mars 202312 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit répondre à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des lois pour une transition équitable, qui :
  • Réduiront les émissions d’au moins 60 % par rapport aux niveaux de 2005 et contribueront de manière importante à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Mettront fin à l’industrie des combustibles fossiles, aux infrastructures connexes ainsi qu’aux subventions pour les combustibles fossiles, et assureront la transition vers une économie décarbonisée;
  • Créeront de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et étatiseront une plus grande part des services publics dans tous les secteurs de l’économie pour mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créeront de bons emplois verts et favoriseront le perfectionnement de la main-d’oeuvre de manière inclusive, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs et des collectivités concernés, et garantiront un emploi décent et à faible émission de carbone à tous les travailleurs;
  • Protégeront et consolideront les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respecteront les droits, la souveraineté et les connaissances des Autochtones en les impliquant dans la création et l’application de ces lois, assureront la justice envers les migrants et mettront l’accent sur le soutien des communautés traditionnellement marginalisées;
  • Étendront le filet de sécurité sociale grâce à de nouvelles mesures de soutien au revenu, à des logements sociaux carboneutres et à un financement opérationnel visant à rendre les transports collectifs abordables et accessibles dans tout le pays;
  • Financeront la transition en augmentant les impôts des plus riches et des entreprises et en recourant à une banque nationale publique.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.As part of this effort, Canada joined other countries at COP26 and committed to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so to this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required – including legislation – to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero future.  This is why the Government released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan in February of this year. This Plan is complementary to – and in fact a part of – Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth. In drafting this Plan, the Government consulted widely with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society.This Plan also lays out the Government’s proposed approach to sustainable jobs legislation, which will create a framework for accountability, engagement and transparency that will ensure we empower workers and communities while building economic opportunities in ways that give confidence to Canadians.In addition to outlining the Government’s approach to legislation, the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan also describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that they can realize their comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has also earmarked $120 billion in investments to support emissions reductions and the low-carbon economy. In addition to these investments, the Government has developed targeted tax measures that similarly work to support the creation of sustainable jobs. For example, new Investment Tax Credits for Clean Hydrogen and Clean Technologies were announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and they would provide a refundable tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the capital cost of investments in clean energy technologies for claimants that meet certain labour conditions (20 per cent rate for those who do not). The Fall Economic Statement also unveiled details of the Canada Growth Fund, which seeks to attract billions of dollars in private capital to reduce Canada’s emissions, grow the economy and create good jobs.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a net-zero world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTOver the past six years, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce emissions rapidly by 2030, and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Canada has invested more than $100 billion to address climate change since 2015 and has recently announced $9.1 billion in new investments that builds on the foundation set by Canada’s existing climate actions.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (ERP)in Parliament and released the plan. The 2030 Plan is the Government’s next major step in taking action to Canada’s climate objectives and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Net-Zero Advisory Body.The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, and Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, released in 2020. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
    • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
    • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
    • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
    • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a Clean Electricity Standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
    • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
    • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy. 
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Irek KusmierczykOn February 17, 2023 the Government of Canada released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to sustainable jobs legislation.The Government is preparing to introduce this legislation in 2023. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand; 
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and, 
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone.    
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023e-3899e-3899 (Affaires étrangères)AdilAl-SerriIqraKhalidMississauga—Erin MillsLibéralON15 mars 2022 à 9 h 51 (HAE)14 mai 2022 à 9 h 51 (HAE)29 mars 202312 mai 202316 mai 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Les Nations Unies ont déclaré que l’état d’urgence humanitaire au Yémen était l’une des pires crises humanitaires du monde;L’UNICEF a annoncé que le conflit au Yémen venait de franchir un autre tournant lamentable : 10 000 enfants ont été tués ou mutilés depuis le début du conflit en mars 2015, ce qui équivaut à quatre enfants par jour;Près de 80 % de la population a désespérément besoin d’aide, de nourriture, de fournitures médicales, de carburant et d’un accès à des zones sûres;Les médias n’ont pas assuré une couverture juste du conflit au Yémen, et la situation dans le pays n’est pas moins grave que celles en Iraq, en Syrie et en Afghanistan;Amnistie internationale a recensé de nombreuses violations des droits de la personne commises par les différentes parties rivales contre les civils;Le 19 octobre 2012, le gouvernement du Canada a temporairement exempté les Syriens et les Iraquiens fuyant les conflits locaux de l’obligation d’obtenir le statut de réfugié auprès de l'Agence des Nations Unies pour les réfugiés;Les Ukrainiens et les Afghans ont récemment été reconnus comme étant des réfugiés et autorisés à venir au Canada;La position du gouvernement du Canada à l’égard des réfugiés venant de l’Ukraine, de l’Afghanistan, de la Syrie et de l’Iraq est un exemple de compassion et d’humanité dans le monde.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’accepter les citoyens yéménites en tant que réfugiés en leur accordant le même soutien qu’aux Ukrainiens, aux Afghans, aux Syriens et aux Iraquiens.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.Canada remains committed to assisting the people of Yemen and remains deeply concerned by the deteriorating food security situation in Yemen, and the scale of this ongoing humanitarian crisis. Canada has provided over $410M in humanitarian assistance in Yemen since 2015, with over $46M provided to date in 2023. Canada continues to support the ongoing efforts of the U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to help bring durable peace in the country. Since 2018, Canada has contributed over $22M in peace and security assistance.Canada has a long and proud humanitarian tradition of protecting the world’s most vulnerable people, and continues to provide resettlement protection to those in need, including those who have fled persecution in their home countries. Each humanitarian crisis is unique, and Canada’s intent is always to provide the best support possible to those at risk, given their particular circumstances.We evaluate how Canada can best help by looking at the solutions required for those at risk. Further, we look at the neighbouring countries the individuals affected are fleeing to, whether they have temporary safe harbor in those countries, and whether those countries offer long-term durable solutions. Where crises lead to internally displaced persons who cannot flee, we work with international organizations and partners to determine the most appropriate response. For example, in response to the Afghanistan and Ukraine crises, the Government chose courses of action believed to be most effective in helping those fleeing violence, within the context of coordinating our actions with our international allies.Canada does not have specific programs available to assist Yemenis who are internally displaced as a result of the conflict. However, there are refugee resettlement options available for those who have fled and are living outside Yemen. Yemenis outside of Yemen may be eligible for resettlement through Canada’s Resettlement Program. This program is designed to both offer protection to the world’s most at-risk refugees around the world, and to provide Canadians with the opportunity to identify and sponsor refugees who lack a durable solution. Refugees can access Canada’s protection through the Government-Assisted Refugees Program (GAR), the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program (PSR), or the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program (BVOR). Under the GAR and the BVOR programs, Canada relies on the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to identify refugees who are the most in need of a permanent resettlement solution. Refugees who may not qualify for resettlement through the UNHCR can also access protection through the PSR Program, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to identify refugees whom they wish to sponsor for resettlement to Canada. As of February 28, 2023, Canada has resettled 532 refugees from Yemen since 2017.   Canada will continue to closely monitor the humanitarian crisis in Yemen and remains committed to resettling refugees at risk from around the world.
RéfugiésRépublique du Yémen
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01228441-01228 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202315 décembre 2021Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01227441-01227 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202325 janvier 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01226441-01226 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01225441-01225 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01224441-01224 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01223441-01223 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01222441-01222 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01221441-01221 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01220441-01220 (Affaires et commerce)StephanieKusieCalgary MidnaporeConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023e-4151e-4151 (Affaires étrangères)CurtisSmecherRandallGarrisonEsquimalt—Saanich—SookeNPDBC31 octobre 2022 à 10 h 24 (HAE)30 novembre 2022 à 10 h 24 (HAE)29 mars 202312 mai 20237 décembre 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Le Code criminel reconnaît que l’enlèvement international d’enfants par le père ou la mère (EIEPM) constitue un acte criminel préjudiciable aux enfants enlevés;En 1997, un comité fédéral a entrepris une série d’audiences sur l’EIEPM et que celles-ci ont abouti à des recommandations détaillées remises au gouvernement sous la forme du rapport n° 4 du comité FAIT (36-1);25 ans plus tard, les questions soulevées dans ce rapport ne sont toujours pas résolues, le gouvernement fédéral ne fournissant pas de soutien adéquat ni de solutions efficaces aux victimes d’EIEPM;Puisque le gouvernement canadien ne défend pas efficacement leurs intérêts, des parents canadiens d’enfants enlevés ont créé une organisation appelée Return Our Children Home Canada;Les objectifs de cette organisation sont de soutenir les parents victimes, d’inciter le gouvernement à agir pour que la situation change, de demander justice pour les enfants canadiens enlevés et de prévenir les enlèvements futurs.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada 1. De donner un mandat renouvelé aux comités compétents pour mettre à jour le rapport du comité FAIT de 1997 et obliger le gouvernement à y donner suite entièrement;2. D'exiger que des représentants de parents d’enfants enlevés participent à ce processus;3. De désigner une personne-ressource au sein des comités compétents qui sera disponible pour engager des discussions avec les parents victimes à un niveau stratégique;4. De désigner le 25 avril comme la journée des victimes d’EIEPM; 5. D'élaborer une politique claire en faveur des droits des enfants enlevés pour les cas où des mécanismes comme la Convention de La Haye sur les aspects civils de l’enlèvement international d’enfants ne sont pas applicables ou ne sont pas respectés.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada takes very seriously its obligation to protect children from harm, including by preventing and addressing international parental child abduction (IPCA). Canada is committed to respecting and promoting the rights of children in accordance with international treaties, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child – which recognizes the right of every child to maintain contact with both parents, unless this is contrary to the child's best interests; and which provides that States shall take measures to combat the illicit transfer and non-return of children abroad, notably through the conclusion of bilateral or multilateral agreements or accession to existing agreements.Canada is a party to the 1980 Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction (Hague Convention), which provides a tool that can help parents of children abducted internationally. It allows parents to ask for an order for the return of their child from the courts of the Contracting State to which their child was abducted. The Hague Convention also creates a system of cooperation between the authorities of Contracting States, through designated Central Authorities.In Canada, the provinces and territories are responsible for the operation of this Convention and there is a Central Authority in each jurisdiction responsible for managing applications under the Convention. At the federal level, Justice Canada leads on policy work related to the Convention and the Minister of Justice acts as the Federal Central Authority under the Convention. Canada engages actively with other Contracting States, either bilaterally or multilaterally, through the activities held at the regional and international levels to promote greater consistency in the interpretation and application of the Convention globally.  When there are concerns about the operation of the Hague Convention, Canada engages in constructive dialogue with the State(s) involved bilaterally or jointly with a small group of States sharing the same concern. IPCA is a criminal offence in Canada and a complex situation that affects many Canadian children every year.  Canada provides assistance and guidance to parents whose children have been abducted or are at risk of being abducted abroad through various resources. This includes a guidebook for affected parents, International Child Abductions, with guidance on how to prevent or stop an abduction, or to find and recover an abducted child. Global Affairs Canada operates the Emergency Watch and Response Centre that can be contacted if a child is missing or involved in a custody dispute abroad; and manages a network of consular officers abroad who work closely with authorities in other countries to advocate for the safety and well-being of Canadian children outside Canada.  Federal, provincial and territorial government departments and agencies are also partners in the Our Missing Children program, which aims at intercepting and recovering missing, abducted and exploited children and returning them to their parents and legal guardians.
Canadiens à l'étrangerEnlèvement d'enfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023e-4265e-4265 (Justice)MarcLevasseurAlainRayesRichmond—ArthabaskaIndépendantQC19 janvier 2023 à 12 h 43 (HAE)20 mars 2023 à 12 h 43 (HAE)29 mars 202312 mai 202321 mars 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="2" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement</Addressee>Attendu que :Il est inacceptable qu'en 2023, l’article 43 du Code criminel entré en vigueur en 1892, autorise les parents et leurs représentants à employer la force pour infliger des châtiments corporels pourvu que la force soit raisonnable;La conception de ce qu'est la force raisonnable est une notion subjective et variable;Les lois canadiennes se doivent d'évoluer en fonction des valeurs de la société;Le Canada a aboli l’usage de châtiments corporels envers des adultes en 1972;Les recherches démontrent les effets négatifs des châtiments corporels;Le Canada a ratifié la Convention relative aux droits de l’enfant des Nations Unies, dont l’article 19 exige la protection de l’enfant contre toute forme de violence physique ou mentale, de brutalités ou de mauvais traitements;Le Comité des droits de l’enfant des Nations Unies a recommandé à plusieurs reprises que le Canada interdise les châtiments corporels;92 pays dans le monde ont déjà ou sont en processus d’abolir les châtiments corporels;La longue tradition de châtiments corporels violents notamment dans les pensionnats et externats autochtones ainsi que dans les pensionnats, écoles et orphelinats religieux au travers du Canada, a causé du tort et des séquelles à des centaines de milliers d’enfants;Le gouvernement du Canada s’est engagé à mettre en œuvre les Appels à l’action de la Commission Vérité Réconciliation comprenant l’appel à l’action No 6 demandant l’abrogation de l’article 43.Nous, soussignés, Citoyens et résidents canadiens, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement d'abroger l’article 43 du Code criminel.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government is committed to protecting children from all forms of violence, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Criminal Code contains general criminal offences to protect all persons from violence, including children. Further, the Criminal Code contains a number of offences that specifically protect children. When an offence of any kind is committed against a child, a court must treat this as an aggravating factor for sentencing purposes. This means that the crime is treated more seriously and can result in a longer sentence.It is a crime to assault or threaten to assault someone, no matter their age. Assault is broadly defined in Canadian criminal law to include any intentional use of force against another person without their consent. This includes any non-consensual touching, directly or indirectly, of a person regardless of the amount of force used. Slapping, shaking, punching, pinching, kicking, or any other form of unwanted touching are all examples of actions that constitute an assault. It is also a crime to unlawfully confine a person against their will, for example by restraining them or restricting their movement, either physically or by controlling conduct, such as through fear, intimidation or other similar psychological means.Section 43 of the Criminal Code is a limited defence to criminal liability for parents, persons standing in the place of parents, and teachers for the non-consensual application of reasonable force to a child. This defence is only available in a narrow set of defined circumstances. In 2004, the Supreme Court of Canada limited the availability of that defence to reasonable corrective force that is minor and reasonable under the circumstances. Importantly, the Court also held that teachers may not use force for physical punishment under any circumstances.Parents, persons standing in their place, and teachers have a critical role to play in the daily nurturing, education, care and protection of children.All 94 Calls to Action made by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada are important to the Government and they serve as one of many pathways to reconciliation. While progress has been made, there is more work to do and the Government remains committed to this effort. The Government continues to explore how best to respond to Call to Action #6.The Government opposes the use of physical discipline on children and continues to support parenting education and discourage such practices, including through investments in family violence prevention initiatives and the development of publications such as ChildAbuse is Wrong: What Can I Do? and Criminal Law and Managing Children’s Behaviour.In addition to protections under the Criminal Code, every province and territory has laws to protect children from family violence and abuse. These laws allow the state to take action where a child is in need of protection from physical, emotional or psychological harm or neglect. Many provinces and territories also have laws and policies that prohibit the use of physical punishment of children in foster homes, childcare settings such as daycares, as well as in schools.Our Government will continue to monitor Bill S-251 and Bill C-273 as they make their way through the legislative process.
Abus à l'égard d'un enfantChâtiment corporelCode criminel
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01217441-01217 (Affaires et commerce)FrancescoSorbaraVaughan—WoodbridgeLibéralON29 mars 202312 mai 20236 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée12 mai 2023441-01216441-01216 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB29 mars 202312 mai 20237 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023e-3961e-3961 (Animaux)MaureenBoagNathanielErskine-SmithBeaches—East YorkLibéralON26 avril 2022 à 11 h 36 (HAE)24 août 2022 à 11 h 36 (HAE)28 mars 202311 mai 202330 août 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada </Addressee>Attendu que : Des vidéos filmées en caméra cachée dans des établissements où sont abattus des animaux destinés à la consommation humaine ont révélé des cas de cruauté extrême envers les animaux;De nombreux sondages révèlent que la majorité des Canadiens veulent être mieux renseignés sur la provenance de leurs aliments et qu’il est important pour les Canadiens que les animaux élevés pour la production alimentaire soient traités sans cruauté; La vidéosurveillance dans les abattoirs permettrait de s’assurer que les exigences légales et les normes élevées en matière de bien-être animal sont respectées, tout en fournissant aux Canadiens des renseignements précieux sur la façon dont leurs aliments sont produits;Les ressources dont l’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments (ACIA) dispose pour réglementer les établissements à l’échelle du Canada sont limitées et la vidéosurveillance serait un moyen économique d’améliorer le respect des lois et de s’assurer que les animaux sont traités de façon plus humaine;Tant l’ACIA que le ministère de l’Agriculture ont indiqué qu’ils considèrent la vidéosurveillance comme un complément à la surveillance effectuée sur place en personne qui est actuellement requise; Israël, la France, l’Angleterre, l’Écosse, l’Espagne et le pays de Galles ont adopté des lois qui rendent la vidéosurveillance obligatoire dans tous les abattoirs et que d’autres pays envisagent de mettre en œuvre de telles mesures législatives.Nous soussignés, des représentants des organismes Vancouver Humane Society, SPCA de Montréal, Humane Society International/Canada, Canadian Horse Defence Coalition, Mercy for Animals et Coalition canadienne pour les animaux de ferme, ainsi que des citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de s’engager à établir un plan pour doter les abattoirs sous réglementation fédérale de systèmes de vidéosurveillance dont le flux vidéo est accessible aux agents de l’ACIA de même qu’à une tierce partie.
Response by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-FoodSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, PC, MPThe Government of Canada takes animal welfare very seriously. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is always open to exploring ways to further enhance its  practices for enforcing the humane treatment laws for which it is responsible.Laws for animal welfare at federally inspected slaughter facilities and CFIA regulatory compliance surveillance activitiesCanada’s laws for the humane slaughter of food animals at federally inspected abattoirs are found in the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR). CFIA drafted  these laws based on current international animal welfare research as well as feedback provided by Canadians and other stakeholders during one of the broadest  consultations ever conducted by the Government of Canada.In the same way that citizens are responsible for following applicable laws, federally inspected facilities are responsible for following the humane treatment requirements  found in the SFCR. CFIA’s role is to verify compliance.Before receiving a licence to operate a slaughter facility under the federal regime, abattoir owners or operators must have preventive control plans for animal welfare in  place. These plans must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of CFIA, that the facility is meeting all federal humane handling, stunning and slaughter requirements in the  SFCR. In this way, CFIA verification work begins even before an abattoir is permitted to operate at the federal level.Once licensed under the federal system, operators can only run slaughter lines when CFIA inspectors and veterinarians are on-site to verify that operators are meeting  their obligation to fulfill all humane treatment requirements found in the SFCR. CFIA on-site staff take this responsibility seriously, and circulate the facility on an ongoing  basis to verify, to the best of their ability, that animals are protected from unnecessary pain and suffering. It is important to recognize that this system yields high compliance. When instances of non-compliance are identified, inspectors are present to address these promptly and effectively.Reliability of undercover video footage on the internetWhen CFIA receives reports of animal cruelty at federally inspected facilities, it takes them seriously and investigates. However, for various reasons, investigations  occasionally reveal that there is no current animal welfare concern. For example, because information can remain online indefinitely, CFIA sometimes receives reports of  situations that have already been investigated and appropriately dealt with. Slaughter practices vary around the world. There are images on the internet depicting  inhumane slaughter practices taking place in other countries that are not permitted under Canadian law.Video monitoring in federally inspected slaughter facilities in CanadaAny changes CFIA makes to surveillance activities must conform to Canadian legal requirements and be based on the effectiveness of the new measure at improving  compliance. CFIA continually assesses scientific research on best practices for animal welfare. Based on this information, CFIA regularly updates humane slaughter  requirements and activities.At this time, it is not clear that video monitoring would strengthen the existing compliance verification system. As mentioned in the petition, some countries have already  mandated the use of video surveillance in slaughter facilities. Canada, along with the rest of the international community, will be interested in any data that emerges from  these countries. CFIA welcomes the sharing of knowledge, research and data to help inform approaches and policies regarding the humane treatment of animals in  Canada.
AbattoirsEnregistrement vidéoProtection des animaux
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01214441-01214 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 202317 octobre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés résidents du Canada, attirons l'attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit : Attendu que :L'accroissement des craintes quant au trafic international d'organes humains prélevés sur des victimes non consentantes n'a pas mené à une interdiction juridique faite aux Canadiens de voyager à l’étranger afin d'acquérir de tels organes; Des enquêtes internationales ont conclu que le régime communiste de la Chine commet des massacres de prisonniers de conscience du Falun Gong pour en prélever les organes, qui sont ensuite vendus, souvent sur le marché du tourisme international de transplantation, et que des experts juridiques affirment que des crimes contre l’humanité ont lieu; Le projet de loi S-223 proposant d'empêcher le trafic d'organes humains prélevés sans consentement ou résultant d'une transaction financière est actuellement à l’étude au Parlement.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, demandons expressément au Parlement du Canada d'adopter sans tarder le projet de loi proposé afin d’interdire, dans le Code criminel du Canada et dans la Loi sur l'immigration et la protection des réfugiés, aux Canadiens de voyager à l'étranger pour y acquérir des organes prélevés sans consentement ou résultant d'une transaction financière, et d’interdire de territoire tout résident permanent ou étranger ayant participé à cet odieux trafic d'organes humains.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeOur Government was pleased to support Senate Public Bill S-223, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (trafficking in human organs), which received royal assent and came into force on December 15, 2022.In Canada, organ transplantation and donation is governed by a comprehensive legislative framework at both the federal and provincial/territorial level, encompassing health and criminal law. Bill S-223 strengthens that framework.
OrganesTourisme médicalTrafic d'organes ou d'autres parties du corps humainTransplantation médicale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01213441-01213 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 20237 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au procureur général du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • les violences sexuelles à l’égard des enfants ont augmenté de 118 % entre 2010 et 2017, selon le Centre canadien de la statistique juridique;
  • un peu plus du quart (27 %) des Canadiens ont été victimes de telles violences avant l’âge de 15 ans, selon Statistique Canada;
  • en 2016, 11 741 infractions sexuelles ont été commises contre des enfants de moins de 17 ans, d’après Statistique Canada;
  • les données montrent que la Loi sur l’enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels (LERDS) a rarement été utilisée par les services de police pour son objectif déclaré, soit la protection de la société contre les crimes de nature sexuelle au moyen d’enquêtes ou de mesures de prévention efficaces;
  • le 16 septembre 2021, les meurtres horribles et évitables de Mchale Erica Busch (24 ans) et de son fils, Noah Lee McConnell (16 mois), dans leur immeuble d’appartements, à Hinton, en Alberta, auraient été perpétrés par Robert Keith Major, 53 ans, un délinquant sexuel connu et déjà condamné à de multiples reprises;
  • Mchale Busch et son fiancé, Cody McConnell, ignoraient que le présumé meurtrier vivait dans l’appartement voisin du leur, car ils n’avaient emménagé que 10 jours auparavant et n’avaient aucun lien avec l’accusé. L’immeuble est dans un endroit accueillant pour les familles, où résident de nombreux enfants et se trouve à proximité de deux terrains de jeux et d’une école. La police allègue que les meurtres ont eu lieu dans l’immeuble.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons respectueusement que le gouvernement du Canada et le procureur général du Canada apportent immédiatement des modifications législatives au Code criminel du Canada et à la LERDS pour :
  • 1. exiger que les délinquants sexuels condamnés se présentent obligatoirement au poste de police le plus proche de leur domicile lors de tout changement d’adresse;
  • 2. préciser que le défaut de se présenter comme il se doit constitue une infraction pour laquelle un mandat d’arrestation doit être émis;
  • 3. créer une classification spécialement désignée pour les personnes reconnues coupables d’agressions sexuelles contre des enfants lorsqu’une peine de plus de deux ans est imposée ou pour les délinquants reconnus coupables d’au moins deux infractions sexuelles violentes ou d’infractions impliquant l’enlèvement de femmes ou d’enfants; les noms de ces personnes seraient inscrits dans une base de données spéciale que pourrait consulter la police à la demande de locataires, d’éventuels locataires ou de propriétaires de résidences comptant plusieurs logements locatifs, afin de vérifier si un délinquant désigné vit dans la résidence ou a fait une demande dans ce sens; aucun nom ne serait divulgué, mais les demandeurs seraient informés qu’un délinquant spécialement désigné vit dans la résidence ou a présenté une demande pour y être locataire.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeSexual offences, particularly against children, are amongst the most egregious crimes. Protecting Canadians from sexual offenders is a top priority for the Government.Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code,the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, introduced April 26, 2023 in the Senate, responds directly to a Supreme Court of Canada decision and strengthens the National Sex Offender Registry.This legislation would ensure that everyone in Canada – survivors of sexual assault and their families in particular – can feel safe and have confidence in our criminal justice system, knowing that tools are in place for police to prevent and investigate sexual crimes.Under Bill S-12:
  • anyone convicted of a sexual offence against a child, when prosecuted by indictment and sentenced to two years or more in prison, as well as any repeat sexual offender, would be automatically required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry;
  • all other sexual offenders would also be required to register, unless they can demonstrate to a judge that they pose no risk to the community; and,
  • judges would be able to impose lifetime registration for sexual offenders who are found guilty of more than one offence at the same time, if the pattern of offending demonstrates a risk of reoffending.
Bill S-12 would also strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry as a law enforcement tool in many other ways. The Bill proposes to add five new designated offences for which an individual can be added to the Registry, including the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, so called “sextortion”, and aggravated sexual assault of a person under 16.In addition, Bill S-12 would create a compliance warrant scheme authorizing police to seek a warrant to arrest an offender who is non-compliant with their Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) obligation and bring them to a registration center to facilitate compliance. If an offender complies, a charge for non-compliance would be precluded.The Bill also contains a summons provision to permit courts to compel an offender to return to court for a consideration of their SOIRA obligation in situations where this issue was not considered at sentencing. Further, under the Bill, registered offenders would be required to provide law enforcement with at least 14 days’ notice and a specific address of destination when travelling, when possible.Finally, Bill S-12 empowers survivors and victims of crime by giving them greater voice and agency in the criminal justice process, namely through amended publication ban provisions and enhanced access to information.The Government will do everything in its power to protect Canadians, especially the most vulnerable, and to help give a voice to the victims.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam Damoff, M.P.The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) already establishes reporting obligations for a registered sex offender in relation to a change of residence.Under section 4.1(1)(a) of the SOIRA, an offender subject to a SOIRA order is obligated to report to a registration centre any change in their main residence or secondary residence within seven days. If the offender is required to report to a registration centre designated under the National Defence Act, the offender must do so within 15 days.
Code criminelDélinquants sexuelsExploitation et abus sexuel d'enfantsLoi sur l'enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01212441-01212 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 20237 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au procureur général du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • les violences sexuelles à l’égard des enfants ont augmenté de 118 % entre 2010 et 2017, selon le Centre canadien de la statistique juridique;
  • un peu plus du quart (27 %) des Canadiens ont été victimes de telles violences avant l’âge de 15 ans, selon Statistique Canada;
  • en 2016, 11 741 infractions sexuelles ont été commises contre des enfants de moins de 17 ans, d’après Statistique Canada;
  • les données montrent que la Loi sur l’enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels (LERDS) a rarement été utilisée par les services de police pour son objectif déclaré, soit la protection de la société contre les crimes de nature sexuelle au moyen d’enquêtes ou de mesures de prévention efficaces;
  • le 16 septembre 2021, les meurtres horribles et évitables de Mchale Erica Busch (24 ans) et de son fils, Noah Lee McConnell (16 mois), dans leur immeuble d’appartements, à Hinton, en Alberta, auraient été perpétrés par Robert Keith Major, 53 ans, un délinquant sexuel connu et déjà condamné à de multiples reprises;
  • Mchale Busch et son fiancé, Cody McConnell, ignoraient que le présumé meurtrier vivait dans l’appartement voisin du leur, car ils n’avaient emménagé que 10 jours auparavant et n’avaient aucun lien avec l’accusé. L’immeuble est dans un endroit accueillant pour les familles, où résident de nombreux enfants et se trouve à proximité de deux terrains de jeux et d’une école. La police allègue que les meurtres ont eu lieu dans l’immeuble.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons respectueusement que le gouvernement du Canada et le procureur général du Canada apportent immédiatement des modifications législatives au Code criminel du Canada et à la LERDS pour :
  • 1. exiger que les délinquants sexuels condamnés se présentent obligatoirement au poste de police le plus proche de leur domicile lors de tout changement d’adresse;
  • 2. préciser que le défaut de se présenter comme il se doit constitue une infraction pour laquelle un mandat d’arrestation doit être émis;
  • 3. créer une classification spécialement désignée pour les personnes reconnues coupables d’agressions sexuelles contre des enfants lorsqu’une peine de plus de deux ans est imposée ou pour les délinquants reconnus coupables d’au moins deux infractions sexuelles violentes ou d’infractions impliquant l’enlèvement de femmes ou d’enfants; les noms de ces personnes seraient inscrits dans une base de données spéciale que pourrait consulter la police à la demande de locataires, d’éventuels locataires ou de propriétaires de résidences comptant plusieurs logements locatifs, afin de vérifier si un délinquant désigné vit dans la résidence ou a fait une demande dans ce sens; aucun nom ne serait divulgué, mais les demandeurs seraient informés qu’un délinquant spécialement désigné vit dans la résidence ou a présenté une demande pour y être locataire.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeSexual offences, particularly against children, are amongst the most egregious crimes. Protecting Canadians from sexual offenders is a top priority for the Government.Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code,the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, introduced April 26, 2023 in the Senate, responds directly to a Supreme Court of Canada decision and strengthens the National Sex Offender Registry.This legislation would ensure that everyone in Canada – survivors of sexual assault and their families in particular – can feel safe and have confidence in our criminal justice system, knowing that tools are in place for police to prevent and investigate sexual crimes.Under Bill S-12:
  • anyone convicted of a sexual offence against a child, when prosecuted by indictment and sentenced to two years or more in prison, as well as any repeat sexual offender, would be automatically required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry;
  • all other sexual offenders would also be required to register, unless they can demonstrate to a judge that they pose no risk to the community; and,
  • judges would be able to impose lifetime registration for sexual offenders who are found guilty of more than one offence at the same time, if the pattern of offending demonstrates a risk of reoffending.
Bill S-12 would also strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry as a law enforcement tool in many other ways. The Bill proposes to add five new designated offences for which an individual can be added to the Registry, including the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, so called “sextortion”, and aggravated sexual assault of a person under 16.In addition, Bill S-12 would create a compliance warrant scheme authorizing police to seek a warrant to arrest an offender who is non-compliant with their Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) obligation and bring them to a registration center to facilitate compliance. If an offender complies, a charge for non-compliance would be precluded.The Bill also contains a summons provision to permit courts to compel an offender to return to court for a consideration of their SOIRA obligation in situations where this issue was not considered at sentencing. Further, under the Bill, registered offenders would be required to provide law enforcement with at least 14 days’ notice and a specific address of destination when travelling, when possible.Finally, Bill S-12 empowers survivors and victims of crime by giving them greater voice and agency in the criminal justice process, namely through amended publication ban provisions and enhanced access to information.The Government will do everything in its power to protect Canadians, especially the most vulnerable, and to help give a voice to the victims.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam Damoff, M.P.The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) already establishes reporting obligations for a registered sex offender in relation to a change of residence.Under section 4.1(1)(a) of the SOIRA, an offender subject to a SOIRA order is obligated to report to a registration centre any change in their main residence or secondary residence within seven days. If the offender is required to report to a registration centre designated under the National Defence Act, the offender must do so within 15 days.
Code criminelDélinquants sexuelsExploitation et abus sexuel d'enfantsLoi sur l'enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01211441-01211 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 20237 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au procureur général du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • les violences sexuelles à l’égard des enfants ont augmenté de 118 % entre 2010 et 2017, selon le Centre canadien de la statistique juridique;
  • un peu plus du quart (27 %) des Canadiens ont été victimes de telles violences avant l’âge de 15 ans, selon Statistique Canada;
  • en 2016, 11 741 infractions sexuelles ont été commises contre des enfants de moins de 17 ans, d’après Statistique Canada;
  • les données montrent que la Loi sur l’enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels (LERDS) a rarement été utilisée par les services de police pour son objectif déclaré, soit la protection de la société contre les crimes de nature sexuelle au moyen d’enquêtes ou de mesures de prévention efficaces;
  • le 16 septembre 2021, les meurtres horribles et évitables de Mchale Erica Busch (24 ans) et de son fils, Noah Lee McConnell (16 mois), dans leur immeuble d’appartements, à Hinton, en Alberta, auraient été perpétrés par Robert Keith Major, 53 ans, un délinquant sexuel connu et déjà condamné à de multiples reprises;
  • Mchale Busch et son fiancé, Cody McConnell, ignoraient que le présumé meurtrier vivait dans l’appartement voisin du leur, car ils n’avaient emménagé que 10 jours auparavant et n’avaient aucun lien avec l’accusé. L’immeuble est dans un endroit accueillant pour les familles, où résident de nombreux enfants et se trouve à proximité de deux terrains de jeux et d’une école. La police allègue que les meurtres ont eu lieu dans l’immeuble.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons respectueusement que le gouvernement du Canada et le procureur général du Canada apportent immédiatement des modifications législatives au Code criminel du Canada et à la LERDS pour :
  • 1. exiger que les délinquants sexuels condamnés se présentent obligatoirement au poste de police le plus proche de leur domicile lors de tout changement d’adresse;
  • 2. préciser que le défaut de se présenter comme il se doit constitue une infraction pour laquelle un mandat d’arrestation doit être émis;
  • 3. créer une classification spécialement désignée pour les personnes reconnues coupables d’agressions sexuelles contre des enfants lorsqu’une peine de plus de deux ans est imposée ou pour les délinquants reconnus coupables d’au moins deux infractions sexuelles violentes ou d’infractions impliquant l’enlèvement de femmes ou d’enfants; les noms de ces personnes seraient inscrits dans une base de données spéciale que pourrait consulter la police à la demande de locataires, d’éventuels locataires ou de propriétaires de résidences comptant plusieurs logements locatifs, afin de vérifier si un délinquant désigné vit dans la résidence ou a fait une demande dans ce sens; aucun nom ne serait divulgué, mais les demandeurs seraient informés qu’un délinquant spécialement désigné vit dans la résidence ou a présenté une demande pour y être locataire.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeSexual offences, particularly against children, are amongst the most egregious crimes. Protecting Canadians from sexual offenders is a top priority for the Government.Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code,the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, introduced April 26, 2023 in the Senate, responds directly to a Supreme Court of Canada decision and strengthens the National Sex Offender Registry.This legislation would ensure that everyone in Canada – survivors of sexual assault and their families in particular – can feel safe and have confidence in our criminal justice system, knowing that tools are in place for police to prevent and investigate sexual crimes.Under Bill S-12:
  • anyone convicted of a sexual offence against a child, when prosecuted by indictment and sentenced to two years or more in prison, as well as any repeat sexual offender, would be automatically required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry;
  • all other sexual offenders would also be required to register, unless they can demonstrate to a judge that they pose no risk to the community; and,
  • judges would be able to impose lifetime registration for sexual offenders who are found guilty of more than one offence at the same time, if the pattern of offending demonstrates a risk of reoffending.
Bill S-12 would also strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry as a law enforcement tool in many other ways. The Bill proposes to add five new designated offences for which an individual can be added to the Registry, including the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, so called “sextortion”, and aggravated sexual assault of a person under 16.In addition, Bill S-12 would create a compliance warrant scheme authorizing police to seek a warrant to arrest an offender who is non-compliant with their Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) obligation and bring them to a registration center to facilitate compliance. If an offender complies, a charge for non-compliance would be precluded.The Bill also contains a summons provision to permit courts to compel an offender to return to court for a consideration of their SOIRA obligation in situations where this issue was not considered at sentencing. Further, under the Bill, registered offenders would be required to provide law enforcement with at least 14 days’ notice and a specific address of destination when travelling, when possible.Finally, Bill S-12 empowers survivors and victims of crime by giving them greater voice and agency in the criminal justice process, namely through amended publication ban provisions and enhanced access to information.The Government will do everything in its power to protect Canadians, especially the most vulnerable, and to help give a voice to the victims.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam Damoff, M.P.The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) already establishes reporting obligations for a registered sex offender in relation to a change of residence.Under section 4.1(1)(a) of the SOIRA, an offender subject to a SOIRA order is obligated to report to a registration centre any change in their main residence or secondary residence within seven days. If the offender is required to report to a registration centre designated under the National Defence Act, the offender must do so within 15 days.
Code criminelDélinquants sexuelsExploitation et abus sexuel d'enfantsLoi sur l'enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01210441-01210 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 20237 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au procureur général du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • les violences sexuelles à l’égard des enfants ont augmenté de 118 % entre 2010 et 2017, selon le Centre canadien de la statistique juridique;
  • un peu plus du quart (27 %) des Canadiens ont été victimes de telles violences avant l’âge de 15 ans, selon Statistique Canada;
  • en 2016, 11 741 infractions sexuelles ont été commises contre des enfants de moins de 17 ans, d’après Statistique Canada;
  • les données montrent que la Loi sur l’enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels (LERDS) a rarement été utilisée par les services de police pour son objectif déclaré, soit la protection de la société contre les crimes de nature sexuelle au moyen d’enquêtes ou de mesures de prévention efficaces;
  • le 16 septembre 2021, les meurtres horribles et évitables de Mchale Erica Busch (24 ans) et de son fils, Noah Lee McConnell (16 mois), dans leur immeuble d’appartements, à Hinton, en Alberta, auraient été perpétrés par Robert Keith Major, 53 ans, un délinquant sexuel connu et déjà condamné à de multiples reprises;
  • Mchale Busch et son fiancé, Cody McConnell, ignoraient que le présumé meurtrier vivait dans l’appartement voisin du leur, car ils n’avaient emménagé que 10 jours auparavant et n’avaient aucun lien avec l’accusé. L’immeuble est dans un endroit accueillant pour les familles, où résident de nombreux enfants et se trouve à proximité de deux terrains de jeux et d’une école. La police allègue que les meurtres ont eu lieu dans l’immeuble.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons respectueusement que le gouvernement du Canada et le procureur général du Canada apportent immédiatement des modifications législatives au Code criminel du Canada et à la LERDS pour :
  • 1. exiger que les délinquants sexuels condamnés se présentent obligatoirement au poste de police le plus proche de leur domicile lors de tout changement d’adresse;
  • 2. préciser que le défaut de se présenter comme il se doit constitue une infraction pour laquelle un mandat d’arrestation doit être émis;
  • 3. créer une classification spécialement désignée pour les personnes reconnues coupables d’agressions sexuelles contre des enfants lorsqu’une peine de plus de deux ans est imposée ou pour les délinquants reconnus coupables d’au moins deux infractions sexuelles violentes ou d’infractions impliquant l’enlèvement de femmes ou d’enfants; les noms de ces personnes seraient inscrits dans une base de données spéciale que pourrait consulter la police à la demande de locataires, d’éventuels locataires ou de propriétaires de résidences comptant plusieurs logements locatifs, afin de vérifier si un délinquant désigné vit dans la résidence ou a fait une demande dans ce sens; aucun nom ne serait divulgué, mais les demandeurs seraient informés qu’un délinquant spécialement désigné vit dans la résidence ou a présenté une demande pour y être locataire.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeSexual offences, particularly against children, are amongst the most egregious crimes. Protecting Canadians from sexual offenders is a top priority for the Government.Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code,the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, introduced April 26, 2023 in the Senate, responds directly to a Supreme Court of Canada decision and strengthens the National Sex Offender Registry.This legislation would ensure that everyone in Canada – survivors of sexual assault and their families in particular – can feel safe and have confidence in our criminal justice system, knowing that tools are in place for police to prevent and investigate sexual crimes.Under Bill S-12:
  • anyone convicted of a sexual offence against a child, when prosecuted by indictment and sentenced to two years or more in prison, as well as any repeat sexual offender, would be automatically required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry;
  • all other sexual offenders would also be required to register, unless they can demonstrate to a judge that they pose no risk to the community; and,
  • judges would be able to impose lifetime registration for sexual offenders who are found guilty of more than one offence at the same time, if the pattern of offending demonstrates a risk of reoffending.
Bill S-12 would also strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry as a law enforcement tool in many other ways. The Bill proposes to add five new designated offences for which an individual can be added to the Registry, including the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, so called “sextortion”, and aggravated sexual assault of a person under 16.In addition, Bill S-12 would create a compliance warrant scheme authorizing police to seek a warrant to arrest an offender who is non-compliant with their Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) obligation and bring them to a registration center to facilitate compliance. If an offender complies, a charge for non-compliance would be precluded.The Bill also contains a summons provision to permit courts to compel an offender to return to court for a consideration of their SOIRA obligation in situations where this issue was not considered at sentencing. Further, under the Bill, registered offenders would be required to provide law enforcement with at least 14 days’ notice and a specific address of destination when travelling, when possible.Finally, Bill S-12 empowers survivors and victims of crime by giving them greater voice and agency in the criminal justice process, namely through amended publication ban provisions and enhanced access to information.The Government will do everything in its power to protect Canadians, especially the most vulnerable, and to help give a voice to the victims.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam Damoff, M.P.The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) already establishes reporting obligations for a registered sex offender in relation to a change of residence.Under section 4.1(1)(a) of the SOIRA, an offender subject to a SOIRA order is obligated to report to a registration centre any change in their main residence or secondary residence within seven days. If the offender is required to report to a registration centre designated under the National Defence Act, the offender must do so within 15 days.
Code criminelDélinquants sexuelsExploitation et abus sexuel d'enfantsLoi sur l'enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01209441-01209 (Justice)BlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 20237 septembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du Canada et au procureur général du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • les violences sexuelles à l’égard des enfants ont augmenté de 118 % entre 2010 et 2017, selon le Centre canadien de la statistique juridique;
  • un peu plus du quart (27 %) des Canadiens ont été victimes de telles violences avant l’âge de 15 ans, selon Statistique Canada;
  • en 2016, 11 741 infractions sexuelles ont été commises contre des enfants de moins de 17 ans, d’après Statistique Canada;
  • les données montrent que la Loi sur l’enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels (LERDS) a rarement été utilisée par les services de police pour son objectif déclaré, soit la protection de la société contre les crimes de nature sexuelle au moyen d’enquêtes ou de mesures de prévention efficaces;
  • le 16 septembre 2021, les meurtres horribles et évitables de Mchale Erica Busch (24 ans) et de son fils, Noah Lee McConnell (16 mois), dans leur immeuble d’appartements, à Hinton, en Alberta, auraient été perpétrés par Robert Keith Major, 53 ans, un délinquant sexuel connu et déjà condamné à de multiples reprises;
  • Mchale Busch et son fiancé, Cody McConnell, ignoraient que le présumé meurtrier vivait dans l’appartement voisin du leur, car ils n’avaient emménagé que 10 jours auparavant et n’avaient aucun lien avec l’accusé. L’immeuble est dans un endroit accueillant pour les familles, où résident de nombreux enfants et se trouve à proximité de deux terrains de jeux et d’une école. La police allègue que les meurtres ont eu lieu dans l’immeuble.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons respectueusement que le gouvernement du Canada et le procureur général du Canada apportent immédiatement des modifications législatives au Code criminel du Canada et à la LERDS pour :
  • 1. exiger que les délinquants sexuels condamnés se présentent obligatoirement au poste de police le plus proche de leur domicile lors de tout changement d’adresse;
  • 2. préciser que le défaut de se présenter comme il se doit constitue une infraction pour laquelle un mandat d’arrestation doit être émis;
  • 3. créer une classification spécialement désignée pour les personnes reconnues coupables d’agressions sexuelles contre des enfants lorsqu’une peine de plus de deux ans est imposée ou pour les délinquants reconnus coupables d’au moins deux infractions sexuelles violentes ou d’infractions impliquant l’enlèvement de femmes ou d’enfants; les noms de ces personnes seraient inscrits dans une base de données spéciale que pourrait consulter la police à la demande de locataires, d’éventuels locataires ou de propriétaires de résidences comptant plusieurs logements locatifs, afin de vérifier si un délinquant désigné vit dans la résidence ou a fait une demande dans ce sens; aucun nom ne serait divulgué, mais les demandeurs seraient informés qu’un délinquant spécialement désigné vit dans la résidence ou a présenté une demande pour y être locataire.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeSexual offences, particularly against children, are amongst the most egregious crimes. Protecting Canadians from sexual offenders is a top priority for the Government.Bill S-12, An Act to amend the Criminal Code,the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, introduced April 26, 2023 in the Senate, responds directly to a Supreme Court of Canada decision and strengthens the National Sex Offender Registry.This legislation would ensure that everyone in Canada – survivors of sexual assault and their families in particular – can feel safe and have confidence in our criminal justice system, knowing that tools are in place for police to prevent and investigate sexual crimes.Under Bill S-12:
  • anyone convicted of a sexual offence against a child, when prosecuted by indictment and sentenced to two years or more in prison, as well as any repeat sexual offender, would be automatically required to register on the National Sex Offender Registry;
  • all other sexual offenders would also be required to register, unless they can demonstrate to a judge that they pose no risk to the community; and,
  • judges would be able to impose lifetime registration for sexual offenders who are found guilty of more than one offence at the same time, if the pattern of offending demonstrates a risk of reoffending.
Bill S-12 would also strengthen the National Sex Offender Registry as a law enforcement tool in many other ways. The Bill proposes to add five new designated offences for which an individual can be added to the Registry, including the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, so called “sextortion”, and aggravated sexual assault of a person under 16.In addition, Bill S-12 would create a compliance warrant scheme authorizing police to seek a warrant to arrest an offender who is non-compliant with their Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) obligation and bring them to a registration center to facilitate compliance. If an offender complies, a charge for non-compliance would be precluded.The Bill also contains a summons provision to permit courts to compel an offender to return to court for a consideration of their SOIRA obligation in situations where this issue was not considered at sentencing. Further, under the Bill, registered offenders would be required to provide law enforcement with at least 14 days’ notice and a specific address of destination when travelling, when possible.Finally, Bill S-12 empowers survivors and victims of crime by giving them greater voice and agency in the criminal justice process, namely through amended publication ban provisions and enhanced access to information.The Government will do everything in its power to protect Canadians, especially the most vulnerable, and to help give a voice to the victims.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam Damoff, M.P.The Sex Offender Information Registration Act (SOIRA) already establishes reporting obligations for a registered sex offender in relation to a change of residence.Under section 4.1(1)(a) of the SOIRA, an offender subject to a SOIRA order is obligated to report to a registration centre any change in their main residence or secondary residence within seven days. If the offender is required to report to a registration centre designated under the National Defence Act, the offender must do so within 15 days.
Code criminelDélinquants sexuelsExploitation et abus sexuel d'enfantsLoi sur l'enregistrement de renseignements sur les délinquants sexuels
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023e-4040e-4040 (Santé)EricMarneyBlaineCalkinsRed Deer—LacombeConservateurAB15 juin 2022 à 14 h 20 (HAE)14 août 2022 à 14 h 20 (HAE)28 mars 202311 mai 202315 août 2022Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes </Addressee>Attendu que : Nous voulons que le gouvernement s’engage à ne pas signer de traité international sur la prévention et la préparation aux pandémies établi par l’Organisation mondiale de la santé (OMS), à moins qu’il ne soit approuvé par un référendum public; L’Organisation mondiale de la santé prépare actuellement un accord international sur la prévention, la préparation et la réponse aux pandémies;Nous pensons que le public doit être informé de toutes les ramifications de ce qu’un traité sur la pandémie pourrait lui apporter et de la manière dont il pourrait être affecté, et qu’il doit pouvoir voter sur la pertinence de l’adhésion du Canada, avant que le gouvernement canadien n’adhère à ce traité; Trop de décisions ont été prises au cours des 30 derniers mois concernant la réponse à la COVID-19 sans interaction ni consultation des citoyens canadiens; Une facette de la question a été volontairement occultée et des décisions ont été prises au détriment de notre santé et de notre bien-être sans aucun débat; Nous ne croyons pas que le gouvernement libéral serve au mieux nos intérêts.Nous, soussignés, citoyens canadiens , prions la Chambre des communes de ne signer aucun traité de l’OMS sur les pandémies à moins qu’il ne soit approuvé par référendum public.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenProtecting the health and safety of all Canadians is a top priority of the Government of Canada. COVID-19 has demonstrated the need to take bold action to ensure we are better prepared for the next pandemic, which is why Canada is working closely with international partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the global community to strengthen global pandemic prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. This includes actively participating in the development of a pandemic instrument and the IHR (2005) amendment process. The final outcomes of both processes are expected to be presented at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024 for consideration and potential adoption.The development of the pandemic instrument is intended to improve global cooperation, strengthen collective action and accountability and address gaps in pandemic prevention, preparedness and response. More information on Canada’s role in the development of the pandemic instrument can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/emergency-preparedness-response/canada-role-international-pandemic-instrument.html.When negotiating a new international instrument or amendments to existing instruments, the Government of Canada always carefully considers its potential impact on Canada’s domestic laws and policies. Evidence-informed decision-making and respect for national contexts are important principles for Canada. Canada will remain in control of any future domestic decisions about national restrictions or other measures related to pandemics.Canada is committed to transparently and inclusively engaging stakeholders in the pandemic instrument development process, including civil society, academics, Indigenous partners, the private sector, and provincial and territorial partners, with a view of advancing Canadian values and priorities. To date, Canada’s engagement has included a two-day hybrid consultation, virtual meetings, and written correspondence, which continue to inform the development of Canada’s positions. We have also encouraged stakeholders to participate in the WHO’s public consultations on the development of a pandemic instrument.
Organisation mondiale de la SantéPandémiesRéférendums
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023e-3640e-3640 (Affaires étrangères)IsaacSaneyNikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNPDMB29 octobre 2021 à 8 h 31 (HAE)26 février 2022 à 8 h 31 (HAE)28 mars 202311 mai 202328 février 2022Pétition au <Addressee type="3" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">gouvernement du Canada</Addressee>Attendu que :Le gouvernement des États-Unis mène une guerre économique contre Cuba, ce qui est le principal obstacle au développement socioéconomique de Cuba et ce qui cause des dommages supérieurs à 100 milliards de dollars; Le gouvernement des États-Unis exerce une pression et une coercition sur les autres pays pour qu’ils participent à sa guère économique contre Cuba, qui dure depuis plus de 60 ans; Le gouvernement des États-Unis organise, finance et orchestre inlassablement une campagne de désinformation, d’agression et de subversion de l’ordre constitutionnel légitime de Cuba;Les sanctions économiques américaines, qui constituent un blocus économique, et la campagne de subversion contre Cuba enfreignent le droit international, le droit à l’autodétermination et les droits de la personne du peuple cubain; La communauté internationale, dont le Canada, ont rejeté la guerre économique contre Cuba de façon répétée par l’entremise de votes massifs à l’assemblée générale des Nations Unies et sur d’autres tribunes internationales.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de : 1. Demander la levée de toutes les sanctions économiques contre Cuba;2. Demander au gouvernement des États-Unis de mettre fin à sa campagne de subversion, d’hostilité et d’agression contre Cuba;3. Demander au gouvernement des États-Unis de retirer Cuba de la Liste d’États appuyant le terrorisme du Département d’État américain;4. Prendre des mesures et d’agir immédiatement en vue de préserver la souveraineté du Canada, en veillant à ce que les sociétés canadiennes et autres entités ne participent pas aux sanctions économiques des États-Unis contre Cuba, notamment par l’exécution de la Loi sur les mesures extraterritoriales étrangères; 5. Veiller à ce que les relations qu’entretient le Canada avec Cuba soient fondées sur l’égalité et le respect de la souveraineté, de l’indépendance et du droit à l’autodétermination.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Maninder SidhuCanada and Cuba enjoy a constructive relationship based on a long tradition of mutually beneficial partnerships in a range of sectors, commercial relations and close interpersonal ties.Canada has adopted measures to mitigate the extraterritorial effects of the U.S. embargo against Cuba through the enactment of the Foreign Extraterritorial Measures Act (1985) and subsequent orders. Moreover, Canada has consistently voted in favour of Cuba’s annual resolution at the United Nations General Assembly calling for an end to the U.S. embargo.Canada will continue to engage with both countries to promote human rights, democracy and inclusive growth and to address regional challenges.
CubaÉtats-Unis d'AmériqueSanctions économiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01206441-01206 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB28 mars 202311 mai 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of March 24, 2023, we have welcomed 29,325 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01205441-01205 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC28 mars 202311 mai 20237 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du Canada Attendu que :
  • Les Canadiens se préoccupent vivement de la santé de l’océan et comptent sur un écosystème océanique épanoui;
  • En 2019, plus d’un million de passagers sont passés au large de la Colombie-Britannique dans des navires de croisière en route vers l’Alaska;
  • Ces navires génèrent d’énormes quantités de polluants qui sont dommageables pour la santé humaine, les organismes aquatiques et les écosystèmes côtiers;
  • Les règlements canadiens prévus par la Loi sur la marine marchande du Canada concernant le rejet des eaux usées et des eaux grises sont beaucoup moins stricts que ceux des États américains de la côte du Pacifique;
  • Par rapport à l’Alaska, le Canada autorise des rejets d’eaux usées contenant 18 fois plus de coliformes fécaux;
  • Le Canada n’oblige pas les navires construits avant 2013 à traiter leurs rejets d’eaux grises;
  • Sur les 25 navires de croisière étant passés au large de la Colombie-Britannique en 2019, 22 ont été construits avant 2013;
  • La mer des Salish, dans l’État de Washington, est une zone où il est interdit de rejeter des eaux usées, afin de protéger la santé publique, la qualité de l’eau et les ressources marines sensibles;
  • Le Canada n’a aucune zone de rejet interdit au large de la Colombie-Britannique;
  • Le Canada n’exige pas la présence d’observateurs indépendants sur les navires de croisière, contrairement à l’Alaska;
  • Les règlements canadiens moins stricts encouragent les navires de croisière à rejeter leurs eaux usées au large de la Colombie-Britannique.
Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada inquiets, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :1. Fixer des normes sur le rejet d’eaux usées et d’eaux grises par les navires de croisière aussi strictes sinon plus que celles imposées par l’Alaska;2. Désigner des zones de rejet interdit pour faire cesser la pollution dans les zones de protection marine, la totalité de la mer des Salish et de la mer Great Bear, et dans les habitats essentiels pour les espèces menacées et en voie de disparition; 3. Exiger la surveillance régulière par des tiers indépendants des navires de croisière en mouvement pour garantir le respect des normes de rejet.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraPart 1: On April 4, 2022, the Government of Canada announced enhanced environmental measures to strengthen Canada’s existing sewage and greywater discharge requirements for cruise ships operating in Canadian waters. The measures exceed international standards set out in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), including requiring more stringent testing to significantly lower the permitted fecal coliform count per 100 millilitres, as well as requiring greywater be treated with sewage to these same standards. These measures will be made mandatory through amendments to the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations. Amendments to these regulations are ongoing to streamline the process for designating no sewage discharge zones across the country.Transport Canada is currently working to implement the enhanced environmental measures for cruise ships through an Interim Order, which will transition these measures to a mandatory regime, and come into force in alignment with the 2023 cruise season. An Interim Order has the same effect as a regulation; however, it can be brought into force faster than regulatory amendments. In implementing these measures, Transport Canada is permanently exceeding international standards set out by the International Maritime Organization. Further, these enhanced measures provide comparable protection to jurisdictions in the United States that have implemented restrictions, including Alaska, California and Washington State.By banning discharges within 3 nautical miles from shore outright, this will stop discharges near Canada's shores, especially in the Salish Sea. The enhanced environmental measures will also dissuade any further discharges when entering Canadian waters, which was identified as an issue on the West Coast in recent years.Part 2: Some vessels require low levels of discharges of substances arising from normal operations so they can safely pass through Canadian waters. The discharge of these substances that arise from normal operations are in accordance with federal regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001, including the Vessel Pollution and Dangerous Chemical RegulationsAs an additional measure of protection for Canada’s oceans, on February 8, 2023, the Government of Canada unveiled its 2023 Marine Protected Area Protection Standard, which among other things, announced an intent to enhance restrictions on certain vessel discharges that occur within Marine Protected Areas, including those that are located within the Salish Sea and the Great Bear Sea. These measures are subject to further consultations with stakeholders. However, additional limitations or prohibitions are proposed for the following vessel discharges up to 12 nautical miles in existing and new Marine Protected Areas: 
  • oily engine bilge;   
  • sewage (blackwater);   
  • greywater;   
  • food waste; and   
  • scrubber washwater. 
 Voluntary measures for these substances, with the addition of garbage (including food wastes) and noxious liquid substances, will be also pursued in the Exclusive Economic Zone, 12-200 nautical miles from shore, where possible for implementation and compliance.Part 3: Transport Canada marine safety inspectors verify that all vessels, including cruise ships, comply with the requirements outlined in the Vessel, Pollution, and Dangerous Chemicals Regulations during regular formal Port State Control inspections. Inspectors implemented Transport Canada’s robust inspection regime onboard cruise ships during the 2022 season and verified the level of implementation with the enhanced environmental measures as well as compliance with existing regulatory requirements. Transport Canada will work with industry to ensure compliance with the enhanced measures for 2023 and going forward. Oversight activities will be conducted once the new measures are in place and any non-compliances will be the subject of follow-up action.The enhanced environmental measures are an important component of Transport Canada’s world class environmental regime. It is the first step towards addressing concerns raised by the Canadian public and environmental organizations with respect to vessel-sourced pollution in Canada. Moving forward, Transport Canada will continue to engage with industry and interested parties to determine how to further strengthen the marine environmental regime, where needed. This would include consideration towards the compliance and enforcement regime.      
Colombie-BritanniqueNavires de croisièreQualité de l'eauTraitement et évacuation des eaux usées
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée11 mai 2023441-01204441-01204 (Affaires étrangères)RickPerkinsSouth Shore—St. MargaretsConservateurNS28 mars 202311 mai 20238 février 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, portons à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : Attendu que :Malgré la libération récente des Canadiens Micheal Spavor et Micheal Korvig après 1 000 jours de détention injuste en Chine, au moins 115 Canadiens sont toujours emprisonnés en Chine, dont Huseyin Celil, détenu depuis plus de 5 000 jours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien d’origine ouïghoure qui milite pour la défense des droits de la personne et qui est détenu en Chine pour avoir soutenu les droits politiques et religieux des Ouïghours; Huseyin Celil est un citoyen canadien qui a fui la Chine en Ouzbékistan après avoir été injustement emprisonné pendant 48 jours en 2001 et qui, après avoir été reconnu par les Nations Unies comme un réfugié, a immigré au Canada où il a obtenu la citoyenneté canadienne et renoncé à sa citoyenneté chinoise; Le gouvernement chinois a refusé de reconnaître la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui a refusé l’accès à un avocat, à sa famille et aux autorités canadiennes, alors qu’il a été contraint de signer des aveux et qu’il a subi un procès illégal et inéquitable;Il est désormais évident que le traitement des Ouïghours par le gouvernement chinois répond à la plupart, sinon à la totalité des critères relatifs au génocide définis dans la Convention des Nations Unies pour la prévention et la répression du crime de génocide; Le Canada ne peut rester insensible à la souffrance injuste d’un citoyen canadien. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de prendre les mesures suivantes afin de corriger la situation : 1. Exiger que le gouvernement chinois reconnaisse la citoyenneté canadienne de Huseyin Celil et lui fournisse des services consulaires et juridiques conformément au droit international; 2. Déclarer officiellement que la libération de Huseyin Celil de sa détention en Chine et son retour au Canada sont des priorités du gouvernement canadien au même titre que l’étaient la libération de Michael Kovrig et Michael Spavor; 3. Nommer un envoyé spécial chargé d’obtenir la libération de M. Celil; 4. Demander l’aide de l’administration Biden et d’autres alliés à travers le monde pour obtenir la libération de M. Celil.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe case of Mr. Huseyincan Celil is a priority for Canada, as the Government of Canada continues to be deeply concerned with his detention. Canada has repeatedly raised Mr. Celil’s case with the government of China at the highest levels, and will continue to do so. While privacy considerations prevent the sharing of details, the Government of Canada remains actively engaged in his case. The Government of Canada will continue to seek access to Mr. Celil in order to verify his well-being.The safety and well-being of Canadians abroad remain of utmost importance to Canada.
Canadiens à l'étrangerCelil, HuseyincanChineDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée10 mai 2023441-01203441-01203 (Environnement)NikiAshtonChurchill—Keewatinook AskiNPDMB27 mars 202310 mai 202310 juin 2022Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit s’attaquer à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des mesures législatives pour une transition équitable qui :
  • Réduisent les émissions d’au moins 60 % sous les niveaux de 2005 d’ici 2030, et qui apportent une importante contribution à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Réduisent progressivement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et l’infrastructure connexe, mettent un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et prévoient la transition vers une économie décarbonée;
  • Créent de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et développent la propriété publique des services d’utilité publique à l’échelle de l’économie afin de mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créent de bons emplois verts et favorisent le développement d’un effectif diversifié, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs concernés et des communautés, et assurent des emplois convenables et à faibles émissions de carbone pour tous les travailleurs;
  • Protègent et renforcent les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respectent les droits des Autochtones, leur souveraineté et leur savoir en les intégrant dans la création et la mise en oeuvre de ces mesures législatives, assurent la justice pour les migrants et mettent l’accent sur l’aide aux communautés qui vivent une marginalisation de longue date;
  • Élargissent le filet de sécurité sociale avec de nouvelles mesures d’aide au revenu, des logements sociaux décarbonés et des fonds de soutien pour des services de transport en commun abordables et accessibles à l’échelle du pays;
  • Financent la transition en augmentant l’impôt des plus riches et des sociétés et mettant sur pied une banque publique nationale.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.As part of this effort, Canada joined other countries at COP26 and committed to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so to this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required – including legislation – to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero future.  This is why the Government released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan in February of this year. This Plan is complementary to – and in fact a part of – Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth. In drafting this Plan, the Government consulted widely with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society.This Plan also lays out the Government’s proposed approach to sustainable jobs legislation, which will create a framework for accountability, engagement and transparency that will ensure we empower workers and communities while building economic opportunities in ways that give confidence to Canadians.In addition to outlining the Government’s approach to legislation, the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan also describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that they can realize their comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has also earmarked $120 billion in investments to support emissions reductions and the low-carbon economy. In addition to these investments, the Government has developed targeted tax measures that similarly work to support the creation of sustainable jobs. For example, new Investment Tax Credits for Clean Hydrogen and Clean Technologies were announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and they would provide a refundable tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the capital cost of investments in clean energy technologies for claimants that meet certain labour conditions (20 per cent rate for those who do not). The Fall Economic Statement also unveiled details of the Canada Growth Fund, which seeks to attract billions of dollars in private capital to reduce Canada’s emissions, grow the economy and create good jobs.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a net-zero world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy. The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, our current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.   
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): IREK KUSMIERCZYKOn February 17, 2023 the Government of Canada released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to sustainable jobs legislation.The Government is preparing to introduce this legislation in 2023. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand;
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and,
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée10 mai 2023441-01202441-01202 (Affaires étrangères)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB27 mars 202310 mai 202329 novembre 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Les Canadiens sont déterminés à protéger les droits internationaux de la personne; Les Canadiens reconnaissent que les groupes ethniques, religieux et autres groupes minoritaires sont souvent la cible, partout dans le monde, d’individus qui violent leurs droits;Le projet de loi C 281, Loi sur les droits de la personne à l’échelle internationale, prévoit des protections supplémentaires contre les violations des droits de la personne et confère au Parlement un rôle accru dans cette lutte.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter rapidement le projet de loi C 281, Loi sur les droits de la personne à l’échelle internationale.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantCanada is consistently a strong voice for the promotion and protection of human rights which is an integral part of Canada’s foreign policy. Human rights are indivisible, universal and interdependent; they are inherent to everyone regardless of their race, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity, religion or other identifying factors.Canada works with a range of partners, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support other countries in upholding their human rights commitments and advance accountability for human rights violations. Canada also continuously strives to further promote and protect human rights at home, in keeping with fundamental commitments contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its many international obligations.The fight against all forms of systemic racism and discrimination requires ongoing commitment and cooperation. The engagement from members of all parties during the study of Bill C-281 by the House of Commons Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development is a positive sign in that respect. The Government looks forward to continuing to monitor the progress of the bill as it makes its way through Parliament.
C-281, Loi modifiant la Loi sur le ministère des Affaires étrangères, du Commerce et du Développement, la Loi sur la justice pour les victimes de dirigeants étrangers corrompus (loi de Sergueï Magnitski), la Loi sur la radiodiffusion et la Loi interdisant les armes à sous-munitionsDroits de la personne
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée10 mai 2023441-01201441-01201 (Droits de la personne)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB27 mars 202310 mai 202317 mai 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes Nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que : Les Canadiens ont le droit d’être protégés contre la discrimination;Les Canadiens peuvent être exposés à la discrimination politique, et que certains en sont victimes;Le droit de participer aux affaires politiques et d’exprimer ses opinions politiques est un droit fondamental au Canada;Il est dans l’intérêt supérieur de la démocratie canadienne d’entretenir le débat public et l’échange de points de vue opposés;Le projet de loi C-257 vise à ajouter à la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne une mesure de protection contre la discrimination politique.Par conséquent, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de prendre les mesures suivantes :1. Soutenir le projet de loi C-257, qui interdit la discrimination fondée sur la croyance ou les activités politiques; 2. Défendre le droit des Canadiens d’exprimer leurs opinions politiques d’une manière pacifique.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeBill C-257, An Act to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act (protecting against discrimination based on political belief), proposes to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to add “political belief or activity” to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination.The Government believes that all Canadians are deserving of equal respect, consideration and protection from discrimination. In addition, freedom of expression is a fundamental aspect of our democracy and is constitutionally protected in section 2(b) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (the Charter). The ability to express one’s opinions breathes life into such rights and democratic values as freedom of political expression and freedom of association. The Government is firmly committed to respecting and upholding the Charter and its protections, including in respect of political expression.The Bill will follow the legislative process and be debated in accordance with rules governing Private Members Bills.
C-257, Loi modifiant la Loi canadienne sur les droits de la personne (protection contre la discrimination fondée sur la croyance politique)Comportement politiqueDiscrimination
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée10 mai 2023441-01200441-01200 (Environnement)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC27 mars 202310 mai 202318 novembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTNous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, désirons porter à l'attention de la Chambre des communes ce qui suit : ATTENDU QUE :Compte tenu des crises écologiques, sociales et économiques, tous les ordres de gouvernement et les Canadiens doivent prendre des décisions éclairées et responsables à l’égard de l’environnement et du développement durable pour assurer la survie de tous; Nous sommes à une époque où l’activité humaine pousse de nombreux écosystèmes à leur perte en raison de la pollution de l’eau douce et de l’air ainsi que de l’extinction des espèces qu’elle cause; L’éducation au sujet de l’environnement au Canada ne permet à l’heure actuelle ni de régler ces problèmes ni aux citoyens d’acquérir la capacité de comprendre la complexité des enjeux et d’agir concrètement; Le gouvernement du Canada doit exercer un leadership cohérent à l’échelle nationale au regard de l’éducation au sujet de l’environnement et du développement durable et doit reconnaître l’importance des connaissances et pratiques des Autochtones dans le cadre de l’éducation des Autochtones et des non-Autochtones. Par conséquent, vos pétitionnaires demandent à la Chambre des communes de faire preuve de leadership et d’adopter une stratégie canadienne qui permettra aux enseignants, aux communicateurs, aux personnes qui jouent un rôle actif dans leur milieu ainsi qu’aux gouvernements provinciaux et aux municipalités de prendre des mesures qui contribueront à bâtir des communautés saines, durables, florissantes, écologiques et humaines.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Minister of the Environment and Climate Change has a mandate to provide Canadians with environmental information in the public interest and promote and encourage practices and conduct that help to preserve the environment, in cooperation with partners such as provincial governments, Indigenous peoples, not-for-profit organizations, academic institutions and others to advance this mission. Last year, the Minister was also mandated by the Prime Minister to engage with Canadians to better communicate the impact of climate change. Environmental education is critical to tackling the environmental challenges Canada is facing today and will face tomorrow. It is also an important part of our international commitments. Canada is actively engaged in the work of Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). ACE emphasizes the importance of education to address the climate crisis and promote sustainability. Its overarching goal is to empower people to engage in climate action through education, training, public awareness, public participation, public access to information, and international cooperation on these issues. It also emphasizes the importance of youth voices in climate change action.These obligations are taken very seriously, and the Department recognizes that more needs to be done to improve access to climate and environmental education. The views expressed in this petition will be taken under consideration.In Canada, provinces and territories are responsible for organizing, delivering, and assessing all levels of education. The Government of Canada contributes to sustainability knowledge and education through various means including by undertaking and funding critical research that provides the foundation for environmental and sustainability education; working with and providing funding and support to diverse partners across Canada in support of this mission, and leading the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.Information, Research and ScienceThe Government of Canada has conducted a national assessment process of how and why Canada’s climate is changing. This assessment discusses the impacts of these changes on communities, environment, and the economy, and details how Canadians are adapting. A series of reports that followed the national assessment raise awareness of the issues facing the country and provide information to Canadians to support sound decisions and actions that address climate change and adapt to its impacts.The Government of Canada is also implementing the Roadmap for Open Science. This will make the scientific research process more inclusive and accessible to scientists and Canadians by making data and publications open and making research understandable and useful. In addition, the Government of Canada is developing a climate data strategy to ensure that the private sector and communities have access to data to inform planning and infrastructure investments.At Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Canadian Centre for Climate Services provides information to improve Canadians’ understanding of how the climate is changing and how those changes could affect them, as well as guidance and resources to make climate-smart decisions.The Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program publishes high-quality indicators that provide Canadians with information on Canada's performance on environmental sustainability issues including climate change quality, water quality and availability, and species at risk.Research shows that Canadians trust scientists. To leverage its scientific resources, ECCC has developed a pilot program, in French and English, which helps ECCC scientists, researchers and science experts to become better science communicators and harness storytelling and presentation techniques to reach and motivate more Canadians to take environmental and climate action. Once trained, these experts are connected to the Canadian public through a network of schools, museums, science centres as well non-governmental organizations.Working with PartnersThe Program of Applied Research on Climate Action in Canada (PARCA) https://impact.canada.ca/en/behavioural-science/parca is a multi-year program of research on climate change, running from September 2021 to March 2024. It is a partnership between Environment and Climate Change Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and the Privy Council Office’s Impact and Innovation Unit. PARCA is using behavioural science for an evidenced-based, data-driven approach to understanding what drives choices and behaviours and what barriers stand in the way of greater climate and environmental action. This will help point the way to more impactful interventions by factoring in actual behaviour.  Behaviourally informed solutions will be tested online and then in the real world for their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate adaptation at the individual and community levels. This work will generate new insights on a rapid timeframe and use them to inform policy development, program design, and communications. A large network of internal and external partners, including partners at multilateral organizations and an advisory committee of subject matter experts, are guiding the research program to help ensure its relevance, rigour, and impact. PARCA data pointed directly to the need for the kinds of partnerships ECCC is developing to build climate literacy.Youth have an important role to play in climate action. Today’s youth and future generations will face the gravest environmental and climate consequences. The youth population is also particularly susceptible to mis- and dis-information. Meaningful youth engagement and education in environment and climate action is essential in building a more sustainable future. That is why the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council (ECCYC) was formed in August 2022. The ECCYC is a group of young Canadians who are passionate about protecting the environment and taking climate action. They have been selected to advise on key environmental and climate issues to inform decisions by the Government of Canada. The ECCYC is engaged on the Government’s climate communication and education initiatives and plays an important role in connecting with diverse community, national and international networks to help mobilize youth for climate action.The Government of Canada also contributes to sustainability knowledge and education by funding research through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. In addition, ECCC’s EcoAction Community Funding Program provides financial support to non-profit and non-government organizations for Canadian communities to take on local action-based projects that produce measurable and positive effects on the environment and to build their capacity to sustain these activities in the future. EcoAction funds projects that lead to tangible environmental results, engage the community to improve the environment, increase environmental awareness and capacity in communities, and result in sustainable outcomes and engagement following project completion.The Environmental Damages Fund (EDF) is a specified purpose account administered by ECCC, on behalf of the Government of Canada, to direct funds received from fines, court orders and voluntary payments to priority projects that will benefit Canada’s natural environment. EDF funding is available for projects that address one or more of the program’s priority areas. Priority is given to projects that restore the natural environment and conserve wildlife, improve environmental quality, undertake research and development on environmental restoration and improve and/or advance education and awareness on issues affecting the health of the natural environment. This could include, for example, promoting education related to environmental damage restoration, including training for the assessment and restoration of damage, or for increased awareness and compliance with environmental regulations.Federal  Sustainable Development StrategyThe Government of Canada provides federal leadership on environmental and sustainability issues through the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, as detailed in the Federal Sustainable Development Act. Key aspects of this work are openness and transparency in providing information about sustainability in Canada. The Federal Sustainable Development Strategy brings the federal government’s sustainable development priorities, goals, targets and actions together in one place and enables parliamentarians and Canadians to track progress.All federal organizations subject to the Federal Sustainable Development Act are also required to develop a Departmental Sustainable Development Strategy every three years and report on its progress. These documents provide specific details on all departments’ plans and actions that advance sustainable development in Canada. As is stated by the Federal Sustainable Development Act,the Government of Canada recognizes the importance of involving Indigenous peoples in developing the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy given their Traditional Knowledge and unique understanding of, and connection to, Canada’s lands and waters. Indigenous youth will inherit the results of Canada’s sustainable development efforts. It is critical that no future generation of Indigenous youth is “left behind”. 
Collectivités durablesProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée10 mai 2023441-01199441-01199 (Environnement)SophieChatelPontiacLibéralQC27 mars 202310 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesAttendu que :1. Le parc de la Gatineau est l'un des parcs les plus visités du Canada;2. Le parc de la Gatineau abrite environ 90 espèces de plantes et 50 espèces animales en péril;3. Les limites du parc de la Gatineau ne sont reconnus par aucune loi fédérale; 4. Des portions du parc de la Gatineau peuvent êtres retranchées, vendues ou développées sans examen par, ni approbation du Parlement.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions la Chambre des Communes d'adopter une loi qui dotera le parc de la Gatineau des protections légales nécessaires à sa préservation pour les générations futures.
Response by the Minister of Public Services and ProcurementSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Anthony HousefatherGatineau Park is the National Capital Region’s largest and most popular green space. The Park’s varied ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, providing a habitat for over 5,000 species, including rare species found nowhere else in the region, and over 150 species at risk.The National Capital Commission’s (NCC’s) Gatineau Park Master Plan, adopted by the its Board of Directors in January 2021, is a foundational planning document that outlines a comprehensive vision for managing Gatineau Park on a long-term horizon and guiding its planning, use, and management. The Master Plan was the product of a three-year, phased process that included extensive online and in-person consultations, as well as multiple engagements with a public advisory committee, representatives of the Algonquin Nation, local municipalities, elected officials, and stakeholders throughout the National Capital Region. It is structured around four key objectives: (1) conserving nature, (2) providing recreational and cultural experiences in nature, (3) promoting equitable and sustainable access, and (4) fostering engagement and collaboration.Gatineau Park encompasses an area of 36,100 hectares. As part of its conservation mandate the NCC has a policy of acquiring private property in the Park whenever possible, with a view to further consolidating the Park under NCC ownership. In 2008, 600 hectares were under private ownership. Since then, the NCC has acquired 235 hectares, with only 365 hectares of private property remaining in the Park. The NCC continues to actively pursue acquisition of private properties.Land owned by the NCC within Gatineau Park is federal public land and therefore subject to federal legislation, including that relating to conservation and environmental protection. Compliance with these laws is paramount in the NCC’s decisions regarding the Park’s use and management.The results of this emphasis on conservation in Gatineau Park have been positive. The 2016-17 Status Report on Gatineau Park Ecosystems found that the overall condition of the Park is “good”, and that this condition remains stable.The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of Gatineau Park to the National Capital Region and Canadians. The Government will continue to support the NCC’s efforts to protect a critical jewel of the region.
Conservation de la natureParc de la Gatineau
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 mai 2023441-01198441-01198 (Affaires étrangères)TakoVan PoptaLangley—AldergroveConservateurBC23 mars 20238 mai 202316 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, voulons attirer l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :Le gouvernement du Pakistan refuse de protéger et de reconnaître comme légitimes les droits de la communauté chrétienne persécutée, ce qui a profondément ébranlé la communauté chrétienne canadienne d’origine pakistanaise;Les demandeurs d’asile pakistanais fuyant le Pakistan en avion vers la Thaïlande sont systématiquement victimes de persécution et à risque d’être déplacés dans l’attente du traitement de leur demande de visa canadien;Le Canada doit prôner un respect accru du droit humanitaire international.Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. créer un statut spécial pour les demandeurs d’asile pakistanais qui sont toujours victimes de mauvais traitements en Thaïlande afin qu’IRCC simplifie et accélère le traitement de leurs demandes;2. renouveler de manière pressante la recommandation faite en 2016 par le gouvernement du Canada à la Thaïlande durant le second cycle de son Examen périodique universel à la Commission des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies, qui portait sur la nécessité que les demandeurs d’asile aient accès à un statut juridique.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada is concerned with the persecution of minorities around the world and is committed to providing protection to people at risk. This includes those who unacceptably face discrimination on the basis of their religious beliefs and those who face precarious conditions in their countries of asylum, such as Christians of Pakistani origin who have fled to Thailand and other countries. Canada has a strong and longstanding humanitarian tradition of resettling at-risk populations from around the world who have fled persecution in their home countries. This is why the Government has significantly expanded the resettlement program by tens of thousands of annual spaces, providing hope to Pakistani Christians and other populations at risk of finding safety in Canada. The target for the Refugee Resettlement Program has grown from 14,000 people in 2015 to over 51,000 people in 2023, which represents more than 260% growth.Canada’s Refugee Resettlement Program is designed to both provide protection to the most at-risk refugees around the world, and also to provide Canadians with the opportunity to identify and sponsor refugees lacking a durable solution. Refugees can access Canada’s protection through the Government-Assisted Refugees Program, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, or the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program. Under the Government-Assisted Refugees Program and the Blended Visa Office-Referred Program, Canada relies on trusted organizations like the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to identify refugees who are the most in need of resettlement. The UNHCR has a global mandate to identify and prioritize those most in need of resettlement on the basis of their intersectional needs. The identification of resettlement needs is part of ongoing assessments of protection gaps by the UNHCR. Refugees are identified as in need of resettlement when they are at risk in their country of refuge or have particular protection needs. Specifically, the UNHCR identifies and refers the most at-risk refugees for resettlement, with all refugees falling into one or more resettlement submission categories: Legal and/or Physical Protection Needs (this includes those who are persecuted because of their ethnicity, religious beliefs and/or sexual orientation); Survivors of Torture and/or Violence; Medical Needs; Women and Girls at Risk; Family Reunification; Children and Adolescents at Risk; and Lack of Foreseeable Alternative Durable Solutions.Refugees who may not qualify for resettlement through the UNHCR can also access protection in Canada through the Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program, which allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to identify refugees whom they wish to sponsor for resettlement to Canada. Private sponsors refer refugees to IRCC who they deem to be in need of protection, while also demonstrating that they have the capacity to provide the necessary financial and non-financial supports to sponsor a refugee to Canada. Groups of Five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents, or Community Sponsor organizations, associations or corporations can apply to sponsor a refugee who is in possession of a Refugee Status Determination, issued either by UNHCR or a foreign state. Sponsorship Agreement Holders, who sign a sponsorship agreement with the Minister of IRCC, and the Constituent Groups that work with them, can apply to sponsor a refugee. The requirement for a Refugee Status Determination document does not apply to refugees sponsored by Sponsorship Agreement Holders. In 2023, Sponsorship Agreement Holders will be able to sponsor 13,500 refugees – an increase of 1,000 refugees from each of the last three years and a ten-fold increase from when the annual cap on the number of refugees these groups can apply to sponsor annually was introduced in 2012.IRCC recognizes that refugees in countries of asylum may face difficult conditions and strives to process cases as fast as possible. Applicants facing particularly acute risks may be eligible for expedited processing, which is extended on a case-by-case basis, in light of their individual circumstances. Canada’s Refugee Resettlement Program reserves space for the urgent resettlement of refugees facing immediate and imminent threats to their life, liberty or physical safety. The Urgent Protection Program ensures that Canada is able to respond to urgent requests from the UNHCR for resettlement of refugees under threat of being returned home, of expulsion or of facing direct threats to their lives. Refugees at risk, or people aware of such a case, can alert the UNHCR to the danger they face.Canada stands ready to continue to be a steadfast supporter of persecuted minorities all over the world, including through concrete means such as the resettlement of those most at risk.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantDuring its second cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) at the United Nations Human Rights Commission in 2016, Canada recommended that Thailand provide access to legal status for asylum seekers and refugees without discrimination, end arbitrary detention, and implement effective legal safeguards against refoulement consistent with international human rights and refugee law.  While Thailand did not accept the recommendation, Canada has continued to advocate on such issues on an ongoing basis. Canada and other countries provided additional recommendations during Thailand’s third cycle of the UPR in November 2021. These included a recommendation to strengthen efforts to protect the rights of persons who are marginalized and most vulnerable, and encouragement for Thailand's accession to the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees and its optional protocol and for continued efforts to provide safe haven and assistance to those fleeing persecution. Thailand committed to continuing to provide humanitarian assistance to persons of concern in Thailand. Additionally, Thailand pledged to engage with the international community and cooperate with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to enhance the protection and assistance for refugees and asylum seekers.Canada continues to regularly engage Thailand on human rights, including concerning migrants and refugees, and advocates around other UPR recommendations made by Canada at various levels – including by the Prime Minister during his bilateral meeting with Thailand’s Prime Minister in November 2022.
Droit d'asilePakistanRéfugiésThaïlande
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 mai 2023441-01197441-01197 (Santé)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC23 mars 20238 mai 20236 mars 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Les aliments génétiquement modifiés (contenant des OGM, transgéniques ou issus du génie génétique) ne sont pas étiquetés comme tels au Canada;
  • Les sondages montrent régulièrement que plus de 80 % des Canadiens souhaitent un étiquetage obligatoire des aliments génétiquement modifiés;
  • Le Centre international de recherche sur le cancer de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé a déclaré que les herbicides pour cultures génétiquement modifiées – le glyphosate – sont « probablement cancérigènes pour l’humain ». Leur utilisation a fortement augmenté avec le développement de variétés de cultures génétiquement modifiées résistantes au glyphosate.
Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’instaurer l’étiquetage obligatoire de tous les aliments génétiquement modifiés.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam Van KoeverdenThe Government of Canada considers issues of food safety to be of the utmost importance.Under the Food and Drugs Act, Health Canada is responsible for provisions related to public health, food safety and nutrition, through the establishment of science-based policies and standards to ensure that all foods, including those that are genetically modified (GM) or genetically engineered, are safe and nutritious. As part of this mandate, Health Canada conducts a rigorous, science-based assessment of all novel food products, including those produced using genetic modification, using internationally agreed-upon standards and guidelines before they can enter the Canadian marketplace.Assessments of novel foods are conducted under the Food and Drug Regulations (Division 28 – Novel Foods), which prohibit the manufacturers of these products from selling them in Canada until Health Canada has completed a full assessment to confirm the safety of these products.The novel food safety assessment conducted by Health Canada involves a scientific review of how the food was developed, a comparison of its compositional and nutritional profile with conventional counterparts, and the potential for the food to be toxic or to contain a toxin or allergen. Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry, and nutrition conduct a thorough analysis of the data and of the protocols used to ensure the validity of the results. Only when there are no safety concerns is the novel food permitted on the Canadian marketplace. Health Canada has been assessing GM foods for more than 30 years. To date, 160 GM food products have been approved as they were found to be as safe and nutritious as conventional foods.Even after a product has been assessed and found to be safe, Health Canada takes any new information related to such products very seriously. Scientists in the Department routinely review new information, including both independent and peer-reviewed published studies, when these become available. Furthermore, the conclusions of Health Canada are consistent with similar findings and methodologies used by regulatory scientists internationally, including those adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, as well as through independent scientific reviews. Should any risks or concerns be identified from the consumption of any genetically modified food authorized in Canada, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would take immediate and appropriate action to protect the health and safety of Canadians.Mandatory labelling for food products, including genetically modified foods, is required by Health Canada where clear, scientifically established health risks or significant nutritional changes have been identified that can be mitigated through labelling. For example, the presence of a priority allergen in a food must be declared to alert consumers. The Government of Canada’s approach to the labelling of genetically modified food is supported by positions expressed previously by the Royal Society of Canada Expert Panel on the Future of Food Biotechnology; the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee; and, most recently, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. This approach is also consistent with guidance adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the international food standards setting body.The Government of Canada recognizes that voluntary labelling is an important means of communication between industry and consumers for non-health and safety related information. To this end, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency worked with the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors and the Canadian General Standards Board to develop the “Voluntary labelling and advertising of foods that are and are not products of genetic engineering”, which was adopted in 2004 and reaffirmed in 2021. Companies can voluntarily label genetically modified or non-genetically modified foods using the National Standard designed to ensure label information is clear and not misleading. In Canada, pesticides are regulated federally under the Pest Control Products Act, which is administered by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA). Our number one priority is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and their environment.Before a pesticide is allowed to be used or sold in Canada, it must undergo a rigorous scientific assessment process that provides reasonable certainty that no harm to human health and the environment will occur when pesticides are used according to label directions. Depending on the type of pesticide being evaluated, results from up to 200 scientific studies (or in some cases more) may be required to determine whether the pesticide would have any negative effect on people (including chronic effects, such as cancer), animals, or plants, including organisms in the soil and water. This assessment takes into consideration sensitive populations, such as pregnant and nursing individuals, infants, children and seniors.Health Canada must also periodically re-evaluate pesticides that are on the market to assess whether they continue to meet the Department’s health and environmental standards and hence, whether they should continue to be permitted for use in Canada. An extensive scientific re-evaluation of glyphosate, completed in 2017, showed that under the established conditions of use, glyphosate does not pose unacceptable risks to human health or the environment. This re-evaluation considered data not only from manufacturers, but also from a large body of published independent scientific studies, and information from other internationally recognized regulatory agencies. Over 1,300 studies were reviewed, totalling more than 89,000 pages.With respect to health concerns regarding glyphosate, Health Canada also took the findings of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) into consideration but found that the levels at which Canadians are exposed to glyphosate do not cause any harmful effects, including cancer. It is important to note that the level of exposure to the pesticide is not factored into the hazard-based approach used by some organizations (such as IARC), and thus does not constitute a risk assessment. However, it is noteworthy that while IARC (a branch of the World Health Organization, or WHO) categorized glyphosate as a probable carcinogen from a hazard perspective in 2015, the WHO concluded in a Joint Meeting on Pesticide Residues with the Food and Agriculture Organization in May 2016 that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk to humans from exposure through diet. As indicated above, Health Canada takes a comprehensive approach to determining risk by assessing the actual levels at which humans and organisms in the environment are exposed.It should also be noted that Health Canada cannot speak to the decision-making process in other countries with regards to glyphosate, as each country takes into account its own legislative requirements, policies, and scientific analysis before making a decision. However, a number of international regulatory authorities, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) have evaluated the carcinogenicity of glyphosate and have found that glyphosate is unlikely to pose a cancer risk to humans, when used according to label directions. Health Canada’s findings are therefore consistent with those jurisdictions.Nevertheless, please be assured that Health Canada continues to monitor new information related to all pesticides (including glyphosate) and will take appropriate action if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the use of the products is resulting in risks to human health or the environment.
Étiquetage des alimentsOrganismes génétiquement modifiés
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 mai 2023441-01196441-01196 (Environnement)GordJohnsCourtenay—AlberniNPDBC23 mars 20238 mai 202321 mars 2023PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENT Nous, soussignés, résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement sur ce qui suit : Attendu que : Les enfants nés en 2020 seront confrontés en moyenne à 2 à 7 fois plus d’événements climatiques extrêmes que leurs grands-parents;Selon un rapport publié en 2021 dans The Lancet, 83 % des enfants du monde entier pensent que les générations précédentes n’ont pas su prendre soin de la planète;Les personnes les plus touchées par le changement climatique sont les jeunes générations, car ce sont elles qui subiront les pires effets de la crise; Le dialogue avec les jeunes s’est avéré crucial pour lutter efficacement contre le changement climatique et élaborer des politiques;Cependant, des dizaines de décisions liées au climat sont prises sans l’avis des jeunes; Les statistiques du monde entier montrent que si les jeunes prenaient ces décisions, la représentation au Parlement serait différente; Les enfants de moins de 18 ans n’ont pas le droit de vote et n’ont donc pas de voix légale et ne peuvent pas s’exprimer librement. Par conséquent, nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada :1. D’exiger que tous les députés, quel que soit leur allégeance politique, consultent la direction d’une école secondaire ou primaire, un conseil étudiant ou un groupe de jeunes environnementalistes de leur circonscription (c’est-à-dire des représentants de jeunes de moins de 18 ans), avant que le Parlement ne procède à la deuxième lecture de tout projet de loi ayant une incidence directe sur les émissions de gaz à effet de serre du Canada;2. L’objectif de la consultation est d’écouter les points de vue des personnes directement concernées par le projet de loi en question, mais qui ne sont pas encore représentées au Parlement.
Response by the Prime MinisterSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Kevin LamoureuxThank you for raising this important issue. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting our natural environment, fighting climate change, and making Canada more resilient to the threats posed by extreme weather. Canadians depend on our natural environment for jobs, clean air and water, and for a sense of place in the world. However, the risks to our environment have never been greater. Climate change threatens nature, our communities, and our economy.For these reasons, the Government of Canada has taken significant action to protect the environment, conserve nature and biodiversity, and respond to the threat of climate change. The Government has established a federal pollution pricing system, established the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan that outlines a sector-by-sector roadmap to achieve Canada`s 2030 target of 40-45 per cent reduction in emissions, put Canada on a path to planting two billion trees, released its first National Adaptation Strategy, and has worked with provinces and territories towards a goal of zero plastic waste by 2030.The Government of Canada recognizes that youth have a critical role to play in climate action. They are important agents of change, with innovative ways of thinking. Canada’s Youth Policy and the State of the Youth Report identify Environment and Climate Action as a key priority for youth. The Government of Canada considers the youth perspective as vital to ensuring that the country's transition to a prosperous and low-carbon future is sustainable and inclusive. Established in August 2022, the Environment and Climate Change Youth Council is a group of 10 young Canadians who are passionate about protecting the environment and taking climate action. In its first six months, the Youth Council members have contributed to and participated in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP27 in Egypt and the Convention on Biodiversity COP15 in Montreal, and have advised the government on policy issues, including the National Adaptation Strategy and climate communications.Strategic environmental assessments are also a mandatory part of the policy and legislative development process. These assessments help to ensure all public policies and strategic decisions made by the Government of Canada are guided by the potential impact on the environment. In carrying out the assessments, the Government will consider the scope and nature of likely environmental effects, the need for mitigation to reduce or eliminate adverse effects and take into consideration any adverse environmental effects and mitigation that may be required.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteConsultation du publicJeunes gens
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 mai 2023441-01195441-01195 (Fiscalité)PatKellyCalgary Rocky RidgeConservateurAB23 mars 20238 mai 202322 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes ATTENDU QUE :
  • Le Canada produit de la bière, du vin et des spiritueux de qualité qui peuvent être concurrentiels sur les marchés mondiaux lorsqu’ils ne sont pas entravés par des taxes et des droits d’accise excessifs;
  • L’indexation annuelle, ajustée à l’inflation, des droits d’accise sur la bière, le vin et les spiritueux augmente le coût de production des boissons alcoolisées, rendant les produits canadiens moins compétitifs et augmentant les coûts pour les consommateurs;
  • Le coût de la vie a augmenté rapidement en 2021 et 2022, rendant les produits essentiels comme la nourriture, le carburant et le logement plus chers pour la population canadienne;
  • Le Parlement a la responsabilité de voter sur les mesures de revenus et de dépenses, et non de dissimuler les augmentations d’impôts en les liant à l’inflation;
  • L’abrogation de l’indexation de l’accise sur l’alcool aiderait les producteurs canadiens à être concurrentiels, ralentirait l’augmentation du coût de la vie et rétablirait la responsabilité démocratique dans le vote des mesures de revenus.
Nous, soussignés, partisans de l’industrie canadienne, demandons à la Chambre des communes de :
  • voter en faveur du projet de loi C-266 visant à abroger l’indexation sur l’inflation des taux de droits d’accise.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada recognizes the significant contribution that the Canadian wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries make to the national economy through job creation and sales of high-quality products. This is why the government implemented the Wine Sector Support Program, providing up to $166.2 million to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 fiscal years, to support wineries in adapting to ongoing and emerging challenges.The government also recognizes the temporarily increased burden that elevated inflation could have on alcohol producers. As a result, Budget 2023 proposed to cap the annual inflationary adjustment to 2 percent for one year.The adjustments to excise duty rates do not generally represent an increase in real dollar terms – they are intended to preserve the effectiveness of the excise duties over time, to ensure that these duties continue to meet their policy objectives and to help avoid disproportionate ad hoc increases in the future.Indexation to inflation is a common feature of the tax and benefit systems, used in many other taxes, for example: the tobacco excise duties, income tax bracket thresholds, and the key tax credit amounts Canadians use when calculating their tax returns, such as the Basic Personal Amount and the Goods and Services Tax Credit. This practice is in line with many other countries that also annually adjust their alcohol taxes to account for inflation.Small- and medium-sized Canadian brewers also currently benefit from lower excise duty rates on the first 75,000 hectolitres (1 hectolitre equals 100 litres) of beer produced per year. In fiscal year 2023-24, the reduced duty rates would provide support of up to $868,464 for each domestic brewer. The Government of Canada included in Bill C-19 (Budget Implementation Act, 2022, No. 1), which received royal assent on June 23, 2022, the repeal of excise duty on non-alcoholic beer as of July 1, 2022, to encourage growth in this sector of the beer industry.
Boissons alcooliséesC-266, Loi modifiant la Loi sur l'accise et la Loi de 2001 sur l'accise (droits ajustés - bière, liqueur de malt, spiritueux et vin)Taxe d'accise
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée8 mai 2023441-01194441-01194 (Justice)TedFalkProvencherConservateurMB23 mars 20238 mai 20238 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaNous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, attirons l’attention de la Chambre des communes sur ce qui suit :Attendu que :
  • le Dr Louis Roy, du Collège des médecins du Québec, a recommandé d’élargir l’euthanasie aux « bébés de zéro à un an qui viennent au monde avec de graves malformations et des syndromes très graves »;
  • cette proposition visant à légaliser le meurtre de bébés est profondément choquante pour de nombreux Canadiens;
  • l’infanticide est toujours indéfendable.
Nous, les citoyens et résidents du Canada soussignés, appelons le gouvernement du Canada à empêcher toute tentative pour autoriser le meurtre d’enfants.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeCanada’s medical assistance in dying (MAID) regime permits persons who meet all the eligibility criteria in section 241.2 of the Criminal Code to receive MAID. In order to be eligible, a person must be at least 18 years old, make a voluntary request for MAID and consent to receiving it, and, as such, eligibility for MAID cannot be extended to babies under the existing framework. The Government of Canada has no intention of creating exemptions to criminal offences to permit MAID for babies. The Parliamentary Special Joint Committee on MAID (AMAD) recently completed its review of the provisions of the Criminal Code relating to MAID and their application, and of other issues, including those relating to mature minors (i.e., minors who have the capacity to make medical decisions). AMAD’s final report was tabled in Parliament on February 15, 2023. The Government of Canada is reviewing the final report and will table a Government Response, as required, in the coming months.
Aide médicale à mourirEnfants
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 mai 2023441-01193441-01193 (Affaires étrangères)MarioBeaulieuLa Pointe-de-l'ÎleBloc QuébécoisQC22 mars 20234 mai 202313 décembre 2022Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Depuis décembre 2019, des citoyens algériens, plus particulièrement kabyles, subissent de la répression et des arrestations arbitraires pour avoir exprimé publiquement leurs opinions politiques;
  • À ce jour, les organisations des droits humains dénombrent pas moins de cinq cents personnes emprisonnées injustement en Algérie sur la base de fausses allégations et d'appartenance à une organisation terroriste, et ce, depuis que le Mouvement pour l'autodétermination de la Kabylie, pourtant pacifiste, est abusivement classé comme tel par le gouvernement algérien actuel;
  • Parmi ces prisonniers d'opinion figure madame Kamira Nait Sid, co-présidente d'une ONG internationale, le Congrès mondial amazigh, qui avait animé en 2016 une conférence avec la Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal et qui s'est rendue au Parlement canadien d'Ottawa;
  • Ces arrestations arbitraires vont à l'encontre du droit international en matière des droits humains;
  • Des milices appartenant à la police politique algérienne, appelée DRS, ainsi que des agents de sécurité appartenant à l'armée de ce pays, ont même osé terroriser en pleine nuit des villageoises et villageois kabyle parmi eux des enfants voire même des personnes âgées.
Nous, soussignés, citoyennes et citoyens canadiens, prions le gouvernement du Canada de condamner cette situation arbitraire instaurée en Algérie par le gouvernement de ce pays ainsi que ces condamnations et arrestations, toutes aussi arbitraires, dont sont victimes ces centaines de prisonniers d'opinion, particulièrement kabyles, qui croupissent injustement dans des prisons.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights and democratic values have always been at the forefront of Canadian foreign policy, including in Algeria. Canada recognizes the rights of all Algerians to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, opinion and expression. The right to hold opinions without fear of reprisal and the right to freedom of expression are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. No one should be deprived of his or her liberty without lawful authority or without necessary procedural protections such as prompt disclosure of the reason for detention, access to a lawyer and the right to have the lawfulness of the detention reviewed by a court. The issue of preventive detention was raised by Canada at the Universal Periodic Review of Algeria last fall. Canada continues to monitor the situation in Algeria. Through its Embassy in Algeria, Canada continues to work to advance human rights in the country by facilitating contacts between human rights partners, promoting human rights publicly and supporting local initiatives through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Canada regularly raises human rights issues in bilateral discussions with Algerian authorities, and in multilateral forums.
AlgériePrisonniers politiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 mai 2023441-01192441-01192 (Affaires étrangères)MarioBeaulieuLa Pointe-de-l'ÎleBloc QuébécoisQC22 mars 20234 mai 202320 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaAttendu que :
  • Depuis décembre 2019, des citoyens algériens, plus particulièrement kabyles, subissent de la répression et des arrestations arbitraires pour avoir exprimé publiquement leurs opinions politiques;
  • À ce jour, les organisations des droits humains dénombrent pas moins de cinq cents personnes emprisonnées injustement en Algérie sur la base de fausses allégations et d'appartenance à une organisation terroriste, et ce, depuis que le Mouvement pour l'autodétermination de la Kabylie, pourtant pacifiste, est abusivement classé comme tel par le gouvernement algérien actuel;
  • Parmi ces prisonniers d'opinion figure madame Kamira Nait Sid, co-présidente d'une ONG internationale, le Congrès mondial amazigh, qui avait animé en 2016 une conférence avec la Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Montréal et qui s'est rendue au Parlement canadien d'Ottawa;
  • Ces arrestations arbitraires vont à l'encontre du droit international en matière des droits humains;
  • Des milices appartenant à la police politique algérienne, appelée DRS, ainsi que des agents de sécurité appartenant à l'armée de ce pays, ont même osé terroriser en pleine nuit des villageoises et villageois kabyle parmi eux des enfants voire même des personnes âgées.
Nous, soussignés, citoyennes et citoyens canadiens, prions le gouvernement du Canada de condamner cette situation arbitraire instaurée en Algérie par le gouvernement de ce pays ainsi que ces condamnations et arrestations, toutes aussi arbitraires, dont sont victimes ces centaines de prisonniers d'opinion, particulièrement kabyles, qui croupissent injustement dans des prisons.
Response by the Minister of Foreign AffairsSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Rob OliphantThe promotion and protection of human rights and democratic values have always been at the forefront of Canadian foreign policy, including in Algeria. Canada recognizes the rights of all Algerians to freedom of association, peaceful assembly, opinion and expression. The right to hold opinions without fear of reprisal and the right to freedom of expression are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirmed in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. No one should be deprived of his or her liberty without lawful authority or without necessary procedural protections such as prompt disclosure of the reason for detention, access to a lawyer and the right to have the lawfulness of the detention reviewed by a court. The issue of preventive detention was raised by Canada at the Universal Periodic Review of Algeria last fall. Canada continues to monitor the situation in Algeria. Through its Embassy in Algeria, Canada continues to work to advance human rights in the country by facilitating contacts between human rights partners, promoting human rights publicly and supporting local initiatives through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Canada regularly raises human rights issues in bilateral discussions with Algerian authorities, and in multilateral forums.
AlgériePrisonniers politiques
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 mai 2023441-01191441-01191 (Affaires et commerce)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC21 mars 20234 mai 20233 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains.. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 mai 2023441-01190441-01190 (Citoyenneté et immigration)TomKmiecCalgary ShepardConservateurAB21 mars 20234 mai 202315 mars 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementNous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents de Calgary, en Alberta, au Canada, portons ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre :Attendu que :
  • Depuis 130 ans, l’ethnie hazara est victime de génocide et de nettoyage ethnique en Afghanistan;
  • Vu la chute du gouvernement de l’Afghanistan en août 2021 et la prise du pouvoir par les Talibans, les Hazaras se retrouvent, comme de 1998 à 2001, exposés aux massacres, aux arrestations, aux déplacements forcés de masse et à la confiscation de leurs terres;
  • Le régime des Talibans est responsable du massacre et du génocide des Hazaras. Des soldats talibans ont pris une part directe à l’exécution de Hazaras et à leur expulsion de leur territoire ancestral;
  • Le gouvernement du Canada, membre de la communauté internationale, a l’obligation d’œuvrer à ce que l’ethnie hazara en Afghanistan soit traitée avec justice.
En conséquence, nous, les soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de :Reconnaître le génocide et la persécution dont sont victimes les Hazaras et de prioriser les Hazaras parmi les 40 000 réfugiés afghans que le gouvernement souhaite accueillir au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and CitizenshipSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Marie-France Lalonde, M.P.The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan refugees by the end of 2023. Our commitment to resettle vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada is being fulfilled through several pathways, including a humanitarian program focused on resettling women leaders, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists and members of religious and ethnic minorities. As of March 16, 2023, we have welcomed 29,010 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.The Government of Canada takes the protection and promotion of human rights seriously and is deeply concerned with the discrimination and violence that has affected Hazaras and other religious and ethnic communities in Afghanistan. We strongly condemn the attacks against these communities and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims.Through the commitment, the Government of Canada has created public policies to resettle persecuted Hazaras including: the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the minister of IRCC under Operation Afghan Safety on November 22, 2021 and the public policy for the resettlement of certain Afghan nationals selected by the Minister of IRCC – Hazara Afghan nationals on December 23, 2021.We are working with our partners, both internationally and within the Government of Canada, to find comprehensive solutions, as we know many persecuted minorities remain in Afghanistan. There are operational challenges due to the rapidly evolving situation in Afghanistan that compromise our ability to ensure the safety and security of our clients and our staff. Protection and promotion of human rights both at home and abroad remain a priority for the Government of Canada, and we will continue to facilitate refugee resettlement and honour our international humanitarian commitments.All key statistics, updated regularly, may be found on the Departmental website at #WelcomeAfghans: Key figures - Canada.caThe Department’s public policies may be consulted on the Departmental website at Public policies - Canada.ca
AfghanistanDroit d'asileHazarasLiberté de conscience et de religion
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée4 mai 2023e-4213e-4213 (Transport)KarenWolfeScotDavidsonYork—SimcoeConservateurON13 décembre 2022 à 15 h 37 (HAE)13 mars 2023 à 15 h 37 (HAE)21 mars 20234 mai 202315 mars 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="271245" mp-riding-display="1">ministre des Transports</Addressee>Attendu que :La construction de l’aérodrome de Baldwin Est dans la ville de Georgina, sur le chemin Old Homestead, a été approuvée par Transports Canada et la ministre des Transports;De nombreuses inquiétudes ont été soulevées quant aux conséquences environnementales et aux contraintes opérationnelles de la transformation du site en aérodrome;97 % des répondants ayant participé au processus de consultation – des habitants de la ville de Georgina et de la région de York ainsi que des Chippewas de Georgina Island – se sont opposés au projet;Même s’il est construit sur des terres humides importantes pour la province, une zone d’alimentation d’une nappe souterraine ainsi que des aquifères et des terres humides extrêmement fragiles, le projet d’aérodrome est conçu expressément pour éviter l’évaluation exigée par l’Agence d’évaluation d’impact du Canada;Les administrateurs de l’aérodrome de Baldwin Est œuvrent dans le secteur de l’élimination des déchets et ont été accusés par le ministère de l’Environnement de l’Ontario d’avoir déversé illégalement des matériaux de remblayage contaminés;Les promoteurs prévoient de déverser 1,2 million de mètres cubes de matériaux de remblayage (120 000 chargements de camions) sur le site, sans être soumis à des contraintes ni à des tests; De nombreuses entreprises prétexte la construction d’aérodrome sous réglementation fédérale pour y déverser des matériaux de remblayage et ne sont ainsi soumis à aucune surveillance par les autorités municipales et provinciales.Nous soussignés, habitants de la ville de Georgina et citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada d’annuler sa décision d’approuver la construction de l’aérodrome Baldwin Est et de modifier les règlements de Transports Canada pour que la construction d’un aérodrome ne serve pas de prétexte pour déverser illégalement des matériaux de remblayage sur le site.
Response by the Minister of TransportSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Omar AlghabraTransport Canada is aware of the concerns raised by those who have signed the petition.Transport Canada and the Minister of Transport do not grant approvals with respect to the building of aerodromes. No permission from the department or the Minister of Transport are required under the current regulatory regime therefore, the aerodrome has not been approved by Transport Canada nor the Minister of Transport, as stated in the petition. Rather, Transport Canada ensures that specific regulatory requirements, including those related to the consultation requirements set out in the Canadian Aviation Regulations Part III, Subpart VII (307), have been met.An aerodrome proponent is not absolved from complying with provincial or municipal laws that do not conflict with the federal aeronautics regime. In practical terms, this means a municipality or province can apply its laws with respect to the use of fill to an aerodrome project, so long as doing so does not have the effect of negatively impacting the viability or the operations of the proposed aerodrome.A formal request to the Minister of Transport to prohibit the development of the aerodrome under subsection 4.32(1) of the Aeronautics Act has been received from Member of Parliament for York-Simcoe, Ontario Minister of Transportation and Member of Provincial Parliament for York-Simcoe, Mayor of the Town of Georgina, Chief of Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, and Advocacy Chair for the Pefferlaw Ratepayers Association. The decision to make an order to restrict or prohibit the development of an aerodrome under subsection 4.32(1) of the Aeronautics Act requires that the objectives and purposes of the Act be weighed against the particular facts of each case so that the Minister can determine whether a given aerodrome development project is likely to adversely affect aviation safety or is not in the public interest.  Transport Canada is also aware that a formal request has been made to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to designate the project under subsection 9(1) of the Impact Assessment Act.The aforementioned processes will unfold in due course. 
AéroportsGeorginaSites d'enfouissement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 mai 2023441-01188441-01188 (Affaires et commerce)KarenVecchioElgin—Middlesex—LondonConservateurON20 mars 20233 mai 20236 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communes Attendu que :
  • des entreprises ayant leur siège social au Canada contribuent à des violations des droits de la personne et à la détérioration de l’environnement partout dans le monde;
  • les personnes qui protestent contre ces violations et qui défendent leurs droits sont souvent harcelées, attaquées ou tuées. Les peuples autochtones, les femmes et les groupes marginalisés sont tout particulièrement visés par ces menaces;
  • Le Canada encourage les entreprises à prévenir de tels préjudices dans le contexte de leurs activités et de leurs chaînes d’approvisionnement internationales, mais ne les oblige pas à le faire.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes d’adopter une loi sur la diligence raisonnable en matière de droits de la personne et de l’environnement, laquelle :
  • exigerait que les entreprises préviennent toute répercussion négative sur les droits de la personne ainsi que tout dommage environnemental dans l’ensemble de leurs activités et chaînes d’approvisionnement mondiales;
  • exigerait que les entreprises fassent preuve de diligence raisonnable, et notamment qu’elles évaluent rigoureusement leur rôle éventuel dans des violations des droits de la personne ou des dommages environnementaux à l’étranger et qu’elles donnent accès à un mécanisme de recours en cas de préjudice;
  • prévoirait des conséquences sérieuses pour les entreprises qui ne font pas preuve d’une diligence raisonnable adéquate ou qui omettent de produire des rapports à cet égard;
  • accorderait aux personnes lésées le droit d’obtenir justice devant les tribunaux canadiens.
Response by the Minister of LabourSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): TERRY SHEEHANThe Government of Canada is committed to upholding human rights as well as labour and environmental standards. The Minister of Labour, with support from the Ministers of Public Safety, Public Services and Procurement, as well as International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, remains committed to introducing legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains, while also ensuring that Canadian businesses operating abroad do not contribute to human rights abuses.In March 2022, the Government of Canada published the Labour exploitation in global supply chains: What We Heard Report, which provides a summary of past consultations on possible measures to address labour exploitation in supply chains. Stakeholders were invited to review the Report and to share feedback. Submissions were received from a range of organizations and individuals, and the Government continues to consider the results of consultations.Members of Parliament unanimously voted to have Bill S-211, An Act to enact the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, studied by Committee.Bill S-211 has sparked important dialogue and helped advance the issue of forced labour in supply chains.. However, some stakeholders expressed concern that the bill does not go far enough to address the issue of forced labour in supply chains, and others noted some operational considerations, including time needed to prepare for implementation. Irrespective of the outcome of the parliamentary process regarding Bill S-211, the Government of Canada committed, as part of the 2023 federal budget, to introduce legislation to eradicate forced labour from Canadian supply chains and to strengthen the import ban on goods produced using forced labour by 2024. This is an important but complex issue, and we will continue to work together with stakeholders and international partners to make sure we get it right.Supply chain legislation is just one tool, among many, needed to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation. The Government of Canada also has in place a variety of other initiatives to prevent and address exploitation in global supply chains and to promote responsible business conduct abroad. For example, Canada is part of a number of conventions aimed at protecting human rights and works to negotiate into Canada’s free trade agreements enforceable obligations to address child and forced labour. Trade sanctions or financial penalties can also be imposed on free trade partners that do not live up to these obligations.In addition, the Government of Canada introduced the prohibition on the importation of goods produced in whole or in part by forced labour, which came into force under the Customs Tariff on July 1, 2020. This implemented an obligation in the Labour Chapter of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and applies to all goods regardless of country of origin.Furthermore, the Government’s National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking enhances Canada’s efforts to combat human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and forced labour, both domestically and internationally. It is a multi-department horizontal initiative centred on prevention, protection, prosecutions, partnerships, and survivors’ empowerment. Within the National Strategy, the Government of Canada committed to promoting ethical corporate practices by encouraging industry partners to implement changes in their supply chains to prevent and reduce the risk of forced labour.On the public procurement front, Canada has strengthened its contracting regime to ensure that federal suppliers adhere to the highest ethical standards and treat their workers with dignity. To this end, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has updated its Code of Conduct for Procurement to include expectations for suppliers and their subcontractors on human and labour rights. In addition, PSPC has implemented new anti-forced labour contract clauses to ensure that they can terminate contracts where there is credible information that goods have been produced in whole or in part by forced labour or human trafficking. The clauses also enable contract termination if goods do not clear customs because of breaches under the prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour in the Customs Tariff. PSPC also recently awarded a contract to map international due diligence obligations for businesses to report on actions taken to address the risks of forced labour, human trafficking, and human rights violations in their supply chains. This research will inform ongoing activities designed to ensure that suppliers of goods and services apply the highest ethical and sustainability standards across their supply chains.At the September 2022 G7 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, G7 partners committed to strengthen cooperation and collective efforts towards eradicating the use of all forms of forced labour and child labour in global supply chains. This commitment includes measures that promote corporate due diligence, as well as working to further enhance predictability and certainty for businesses.The Government of Canada expects Canadian companies operating abroad to abide by all relevant laws, to respect human rights in all their activities abroad, and to adopt best practices and internationally respected guidelines, such as the United Nations (UN) Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises, and the International Labour Organization Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy. To this end, Global Affairs Canada released its RBC Strategy in April 2022, which sets out priorities for the Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses active abroad – no matter their size, sector, or scope – to integrate leading responsible business practices into their operations, including throughout their supply chains and to help them mitigate risks. The Strategy strengthens Canada’s balanced approach to RBC, which includes preventative measures, legislation in select areas, and access to dispute resolution.In terms of access to dispute resolution, the Government of Canada supports Canada’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE). The NCP is mandated to offer facilitated dialogue and mediation to all sectors on issues covered by the OECD Guidelines, including disclosure, labour issues, human rights, environmental issues, and bribery. The NCP can address complaints directed at the activities of multinational enterprises in Canada and the operations of Canadian multinational enterprises operating abroad. The CORE can review complaints of alleged human rights abuses by Canadian companies operating abroad in the mining, oil and gas, and garment sectors. The CORE also has the ability to receive complaints and undertake a review at its own initiative.Canada expects that Canadian companies will participate in good faith in these dispute resolution processes. If a Canadian company has not acted in good faith during the course of or follow-up to a review process, both the NCP and the CORE can recommend the withdrawal of Trade Commissioner Service support and that Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation also withdraw future support. The CORE and the NCP work with complainants and companies to find a solution through fact-finding, discussion and mediation. The two mechanisms can offer effective and accessible alternatives to judicial processes, although they do not preclude a party from addressing the issues in other fora. The Government believes that a whole-of-government approach, including supply chain legislation, will be essential in addressing labour exploitation in Canadian supply chains. We look forward to working closely with Parliamentarians, stakeholders and international partners to strengthen Canada’s approach and global efforts to address forced labour and other forms of exploitation.
Droits de la personneEntreprises canadiennesResponsabilité sociale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 mai 2023e-4217e-4217 (Défense nationale et opérations militaires)SarahRohlederLindsayMathyssenLondon—FanshaweNPDON5 janvier 2023 à 13 h 38 (HAE)6 mars 2023 à 13 h 38 (HAE)20 mars 20233 mai 20237 mars 2023Pétition à la <Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1">Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Le gouvernement fédéral prévoit acheter 88 nouveaux chasseurs furtifs F 35 de Lockheed Martin pour 19 milliards de dollars et un coût du cycle de vie de 77 milliards de dollars;Le F-35 représente un risque financier lié à des coûts d’exploitation non viables et que plus de 800 déficiences techniques et opérationnelles non réglées ont été répertoriées selon le Bureau de la responsabilité gouvernementale des États Unis;Le F-35 est un avion de combat conçu pour l’attaque et non pour la défense;Le F-35 est en outre un avion à double capacité, apte à transporter une bombe nucléaire de type B61-12, ce qui placerait le Canada en situation de violation de ses engagements au titre du Traité sur la non-prolifération des armes nucléaires;L’acquisition de ces avions de combat va à l’encontre de la politique étrangère féministe et détourne les fonds publics de programmes sociaux nécessaires comme les soins de santé, l’éducation et le logement;Les F-35 utilisent des combustibles fossiles, émettront des gaz à effet de serre et aggraveront la crise climatique; etCes avions de combat auront également des effets cumulatifs préjudiciables sur les collectivités autochtones, du fait d’un bruit extrême, d’émissions de carbone excessives et de dommages à leurs territoires traditionnels résultant d’essais d’armes et de la présence de bases aériennes.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes de :1. Mener et rendre publique une étude exhaustive sur les coûts et risques financiers, climatiques, environnementaux et sociaux liés aux avions de combat F 35; 2. Rendre publics les résultats de l’analyse comparative entre les sexes ainsi que l’évaluation environnementale liés à la nouvelle flotte de F-35, de même que les conséquences de cette flotte sur le climat et ses répercussions sur les collectivités autochtones; 3. Annuler l’achat prévu d’avions de combat F 35 et investir dans des mesures climatiques et dans le bien être des Canadiennes et des Canadiens.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayThrough Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is acquiring modern military equipment to keep Canadians safe and protected, and to support the security of our international allies and partners. This includes the purchase of a new fleet of 88 advanced fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force.National Defence takes seriously its responsibility as a steward of public funds seriously and has carried out various financial, Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), and environmental assessments, and has also considered the adverse climate and environmental impacts associated with the new fighter jets, as required by the federal regulations, and in line with related departmental policies and procedures.More details on the analyses competed thus far, or activities undertaken under each element, are provided below.Financial AnalysisAs part of the evaluation of Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) bidders’ proposals, the Life Cycle Cost (LCC) Evaluation included an assessment of the financial risks associated with each bidder’s LCC Offer. Furthermore, National Defence considered multiple risk elements including foreign exchange, inflation, schedule, development, and Canada-unique requirements, as well as the potential for variation in equipment costs. These risks were analyzed for probability of occurrence and impacts to various cost elements; the result of this assessment established the overall contingency envelope for the project. The overall project cost, including contingency, remains within the estimated $19B for this procurement.Gender-Based AnalysisThere exist potential differential impacts for women and other diverse groups from elements of the project such as equipment design, training, and facility construction, which will be explored during implementation. Consultations have resulted in the following gender-based considerations being incorporated into the design of the infrastructure requirements, noting that the design of these rooms has taken into consideration issues of safety by having well-lit areas and reducing isolated spaces:
  • A lactation room, multi-faith room, and an area for Indigenous Smudging ceremonies have been incorporated into the design of the facilities.
  • The facilities will be accessible for persons with disabilities and to personnel requiring assistance.
  • Respectful gender inclusive washrooms, showers, and change rooms have been incorporated into the design of the infrastructure.
National Defence also continues to work with the United States Government, Lockheed Martin, and Pratt & Whitney to examine the potential differential impacts of aircrew and maintenance personnel training and incorporate GBA+ considerations into training courseware and simulators (such as ensuring that the images depicted in training courseware depict a range of GBA+ community demographics).Environmental AssessmentNational Defence assigns a high priority to its environmental programs, and is committed to meeting the objectives of the Greening Government Strategy, the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, the Treasury Board Policy on Green Procurement, and the Defence Energy and Environmental Strategy (DEES) throughout the lifecycle of the FFCP.Examples of environmental considerations under the FFCP include:
  • Emissions from the new aircraft flight and maintenance activities are anticipated to be similar to those of the existing aircraft and may, in fact, be reduced as a result of reduced use of hazardous materials and planned capture of emissions from solvent baths and other sources of emissions.
  • Existing noise control measures will be updated in implementation, in consultation with local authorities, to minimize the noise impact of the new fighter on the community.
  • Infrastructure designed in support of the FFCP at CFB Cold Lake and CFB Bagotville has been developed to sustainable design standards to minimize the impact on the environment. The design and construction of infrastructure will be in accordance with relevant policies and directives, aimed at reducing the environmental impacts associated with buildings, including water and energy consumption. These guidelines also favor the use of sustainable and regional materials where practical and support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the construction, operations, and maintenance processes.
With a focus on improving energy efficiency, integrating climate change adaptation into departmental programs, maintaining sustainable property, as well as strengthening green procurement processes, National Defence continues to seek opportunities to maintain the health of the environment into the future.Climate ImpactsFor both the Cold Lake and Bagotville Fighter Squadron Facilities (FSFs), the Modified-Design-Build contractor conducted Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments to assess the vulnerabilities of public infrastructure to the impacts of climate change. Recommendations will be considered in the development of detailed designs for the new infrastructure, and recommended policy-related adaptation measures, such as routine building inspections, may also be adopted as mitigation measures. The National Defence Green Building Directive requirements, including the goal to divert construction and demolition waste from landfill by 90% in weight, are included in the Sustainable Design Strategy of the Modified-Design-Build Contractors’ Statement of Work.Indigenous ConsiderationsIn accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Federal Approach to Modern Treaty Implementation, an Assessment of Modern Treaty Implications (AMTI) was conducted. Examination of the geographical scope of the project in relation to modern treaties in effect did not identify any potential modern treaty implications for the infrastructure work to be completed under the FFCP. In addition, the Comprehensive Land Claims Agreements do not apply to the procurement at this time, as no work will be performed, and no goods will be delivered within a land claim settlement area.The FFCP is committed to working to promote opportunities for Indigenous community involvement throughout the implementation of the project. The FFCP will leverage the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business, Indigenous Benefit Plans, and other innovative solutions that promote knowledge sharing, learning opportunities, capacity building, and employment which will simultaneously benefit Indigenous communities, National Defence, and Canada at large.Ultimately, as the rules-based international order is challenged around the world, the F-35 will be essential for protecting Canadians, enhancing Arctic security and national sovereignty, and enabling Canada to meet its NATO, NORAD, and other obligations well into the future.This procurement will deliver the capability needed for the Royal Canadian Air Force, while providing high-value economic benefits for Canada's aerospace and defence sector for decades to come.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTAs announced in March 2022 in the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, the Government of Canada is fully committed to meeting Canada’s emissions reductions targets, achieving net-zero by 2050, and in ensuring a successful transition to a prosperous, healthy and equitable low-carbon future.As part of Canada’s commitment to net-zero by 2050, the Government of Canada will ensure that Canada is a global leader in government operations that are net-zero, resilient and green. Led by the Centre for Greening Government of the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the Greening Government Strategy: A Government of Canada Directive - Canada.ca is a set of government-approved commitments that apply to all core government departments and agencies, for our National Safety and Security (NSS) fleets it commits that:
  • The Government of Canada’s operations will be net-zero emissions by 2050 including NSS operations
  • By 2023, NSS fleet departments will develop and regularly update Operational Fleet Decarbonization Plans that outline how they will reduce their emissions from operations in line with the overall 2050 target.
  • In addition, NSS departments will adopt best practices to improve efficiency and reduce emissions and environmental impacts in the areas of:
    • fuel procurement, including low-carbon fuels
    • fleet procurement, including purchasing energy-efficient platforms
    • operational efficiency and net-zero research and innovation
A key part of these commitments is the purchase of drop-in low-carbon-intensity liquid fuels for our federal air and marine fleets. The Low-carbon Fuel Procurement Program - Canada.ca will support the purchase of more than 300 million litres of neat drop-in-low-carbon-intensity fuels by the end of fiscal year 2030–31.The purchase of the F-35s, announced in January 2023, complies with the greening government commitments stated above, was conducted in open, fair and transparent competitive procurement process, and supports Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged.  By acquiring modern military equipment such as the F-35s, the Government of Canada will continue to keep Canadians safe and protected, and to support the security of our international allies and partners.   
Avions de chasseChangements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteImputabilité du gouvernementMinistère de la Défense nationale
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 mai 2023441-01186441-01186 (Santé)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC20 mars 20233 mai 202318 novembre 2022PÉTITION À LA CHAMBRE DES COMMUNES RÉUNIE EN PARLEMENTAttendu que :
  • La crise de surdoses qui sévit au Canada est une situation d’urgence sanitaire, comme l’ont déjà déclaré le directeur de la santé publique de la Colombie-Britannique et plusieurs municipalités du Canada;
  • Depuis 2016, on compte plus de 13 900 décès liés aux opioïdes au Canada et 17 050 hospitalisations pour intoxication aux opioïdes;
  • Les Autochtones sont surreprésentés parmi les personnes touchées par la crise des surdoses;
  • L’Association canadienne de santé publique, la Global Commission on Drug Policy, l’Organisation mondiale de la santé et les Nations Unies recommandent de décriminaliser les drogues.
Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes réunie en Parlement, de :
  • Déclarer l’état d’urgence sanitaire en raison des décès par surdose qui se produisent au Canada;
  • Redéfinir la crises des surdoses aux Canada comme un enjeu sanitaire plutôt que comme un problème de criminalité;
  • Adopter une stratégie globale et multidimensionnelle face à la crise des surdoses en s’attaquant aux problèmes de toxicomanie, de pauvreté, de logement, de soins de santé, de discrimination raciale, d’inégalité des conditions économiques et d’incertitude économique;
  • Accueillir, en vue d’y donner suite, les recommandations des travailleurs sociaux, des travailleurs de première ligne, des infirmières, des médecins, des consommateurs de drogues et des personnes intervenant directement auprès des toxicomanes;
  • Décriminaliser les drogues au Canada.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreThe toxic drug and overdose crisis is one of the most serious and unprecedented public health threats in Canada’s recent history, which is having devastating impacts on individuals, friends and families, and communities across the country. The Government recognizes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to a public health approach to address the crisis.The Government of Canada also recognizes that the crisis has only become more complex due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This had led to a more uncertain and toxic illegal drug supply, resulting in tragic increases in overdose-related deaths across the country, as well as reduced access to health and social services due to COVID-related health measures (such as social distancing requirements, isolation requirements, etc.) and staff shortages, such as life-saving harm reduction, pharmaceutical-grade alternatives and treatment services. Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada have been working with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities and other partners, including researchers, advocates and people with lived and living experience (PWLLE), to ensure that people who use drugs can continue to access the treatment, harm reduction and other services they need.The Government of Canada remains fully committed to addressing the overdose crisis as a health issue and is working with partners across all provinces and territories to save lives. Provinces and territories have a range of tools and authorities to address the ongoing overdose crisis in their respective jurisdictions. For example, provinces and territories fund and deliver the majority of direct social and health interventions, such as naloxone distribution and supervised consumption sites, which are shown to effectively reduce overdoses deaths and harms. Provinces, territories and municipalities also have the power to declare a public health emergency in response to a significant increase in overdose-related deaths, as was the case for British Columbia in April 2016 and Alberta declaring a public health crisis in May 2017. More recently, Yukon declared a substance use health emergency in January 2022. The declaration of a provincial and territorial public health emergency allows a provincial and territorial government to access and exercise extraordinary powers to address a crisis. In addition to provincial and territorial emergency declarations, some First Nations communities have also declared emergencies in response to rising substance use-related harms and deaths, including Ehattesaht First Nation in British Columbia, and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation in Manitoba.The Emergencies Act is not an appropriate mechanism to address the ongoing overdose crisis, which requires a longer-term, sustained, and multi-jurisdictional effort to address the complex, interrelated health, social and economic factors driving opioid-related deaths and harms. At the federal level, we have taken action by: reducing legislative and regulatory barriers; developing new prescription guidelines and marketing restrictions; launching a public awareness campaign; improving the knowledge base; supporting treatment, safer supply and harm reduction initiatives across Canada; working with domestic and international partners to reduce the illegal drug supply; and, providing emergency funding to provinces and territories.The Government of Canada recognizes that substance use is a public health issue, not an issue for the criminal justice system. We are committed to a public health approach to address the crisis. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $800 million to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Nearly $350 million to the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) between 2017-2022 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 $1.3 million in remaining amortization to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the SUAP to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada; and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $24 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, through SUAP, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of April 2023, Health Canada has supported 31 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through the SUAP representing total funding commitments of over $100 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites (SCS) offering services grew from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The Government recognizes that social determinants of health, such as poverty, discrimination, and trauma, can place individuals at an increased risk of substance use harms and that the approaches to reduce these harms require sustained efforts and supports from diverse systems. We continue to work closely across federal departments to ensure that federal actions on mental health and addictions, homelessness and housing, poverty, and reconciliation are coordinated and synergistic. We are also committed to engaging collaboratively with provinces and territories, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and other stakeholders to advance whole-of-society approaches to these issues.The Government of Canada is also working closely with provinces and territories to change the way our healthcare system delivers mental health and substance use services to Canadians. It is important for Canadians to have timely access to trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, quality mental health and substance use services that meet their needs, including underserved and equity-deserving individuals. That is why, on February 7, 2023, the Prime Minister announced that the federal government will invest $198.6 billion over ten years to bolster the health care system, notably: top-ups to the Canada Health Transfer to address immediate health care pressures; and $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.In response to substance use harms and the opioid overdose crisis, the Government of Canada is regularly consulting with stakeholders and has convened several expert advisory groups, including people directly impacted by substance use. The Government regularly engages with PWLLE and organizations that represent them, including; regular bi-lateral meetings with key organizations; participation on projects teams; facilitating PWLLE engagement in government and ministerial events and meaningful consultations in order to better understand their perspectives of substance use; and, on-the- ground realities (e.g., roundtables, Knowledge Exchange Series, etc.).Health Canada established the PWLLE Council, the Expert Advisory Group on Safer Supply and the Expert Task Force on Substance Use as part of this engagement strategy. We have established federal, provincial and territorial governance tables, including the Special Advisory Committee on the Epidemic of Opioid Overdoses, the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Committee on Substance Use (formerly Problematic Substance Use & Harms), and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Assistant Deputy Minister Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use to facilitate ongoing collaboration and consultation with provincial and territorial partners.The Government of Canada continues collaboration between jurisdictions, health providers, researchers, people with lived and living experience, stakeholders and partners such as community-based organizations to reduce the harms associated with substance use and providing people with the culturally appropriate and trauma-informed support they need.Some stakeholders have reported that the criminalization of personal drug possession can, increase risks of overdose and other harms, increase barriers to care and perpetuate stigma. Canada recognizes that stigma can prevent people who use substances from accessing the health and social services that they need and contributes to negative health outcomes. To help reduce stigma in police interactions with people who use drugs and to avoid causing more harm, Public Safety Canada launched an online training module specifically designed for law enforcement members in September 2020. The training raises awareness of the harms associated with substance use stigma and provides law enforcement members with practical tools to support their interactions with people who use drugs.The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.In May 2022, at the request of the Province of British Columbia, the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health granted a time-limited exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) so that adults 18 years of age and older in the province will not be subject to criminal charges for personal possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs. Instead, where appropriate, individuals may be provided with information regarding local health and social services. Upon request, they could also receive assistance to connect with those services. British Columbia requested this exemption, and it is an additional way that the federal government is supporting the province’s comprehensive approach to the overdose crisis. This time-limited exemption will be supported by rigorous monitoring and a third-party evaluation to gather evidence and data on its impacts and outcomes. The results will help inform Canada’s comprehensive approach to addressing substance use harms. We have also received a request from Toronto Public Health, and we are working in close partnership to ensure both public health and public safety considerations are included. We will continue to work with willing jurisdictions to use all the tools at our disposal, including approaches related to decriminalization, to respond to this crisis.Moving forward, under the mandate of the new Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, Health Canada will continue working with its partners and stakeholders to advance a comprehensive federal strategy to address substance use in Canada, including the toxic drug and overdose crisis. Canada will continue to support provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to improve access to a full range of evidence-based treatment and harm reduction services, in addition to leading efforts to reduce stigma and create national standards for substance use treatment programs. The Government of Canada believes that substance use is a health issue and is committed to examining all options and evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country.
Consommation et abus de droguesDécriminalisationOpiacés et opioïdesSanté publique
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 mai 2023441-01185441-01185 (Environnement)AlexRuffBruce—Grey—Owen SoundConservateurON20 mars 20233 mai 202320 mars 2023Pétition au député de Bruce—Grey—Owen SoundAttendu que :Le projet de TC Énergie aura des répercussions néfastes sur nos eaux pures, les paysages et l’environnement locaux, la collectivité, les valeurs immobilières et le bien-être psychologique des gens et qu’il faut agir.Nous soussignés, résidents inquiets de la municipalité de Meaford et des villes voisines, prions les administrations municipales, la province et le gouvernement fédéral d’empêcher TC Énergie de construire une centrale à réserve pompée sur les rives de la baie Georgienne et à proximité des résidents du Centre d’instruction de la 4e Division du Canada.
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable STEVEN GUILBEAULTThe Impact Assessment Agency of Canada conducts federal impact assessments of major projects pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act (the IAA). The federal process for assessments includes the assessment of positive and negative environmental, economic, health and social effects.The Agency understands that TC Energy’s proposed hydroelectric pumped-storage plant would be subject to the IAA. The Agency is awaiting the submission of an acceptable initial description of the project by the proponent.Assessments by the Agency involve consultation with the public, Indigenous peoples, federal authorities and all other interested participants including provincial officials.Further information on the Agency is available online at https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency.html.Questions on the Agency’s process can be directed to the Agency’s Ontario Region office via email at ontarioregion-regiondontario@iaac-aeic.ca.
Response by the Minister of National DefenceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Bryan MayNational Defence manages more than 2,000,000 hectares of land and over 20,000 buildings across Canada. As a custodian of Crown land, National Defence is responsible for considering third-party access to its real property upon request.Situated on 7,685 hectares of land next to Georgian Bay, the 4th Canadian Division Training Centre Meaford (4 CDTC) is a training facility for the Regular and Reserve Forces. TC Energy has proposed the construction of a hydroelectric facility in the area, and subsequently requested access to 200 hectares of National Defence’s land in Meaford. The electricity generated by the proposed hydroelectric facility would be sold to the Ontario power grid.In July 2021, National Defence signed an Agreement in Principle with TC Energy which determined that the project can be operationally accommodated at 4 CDTC subject to assurances that its construction and operation will not cause negative impacts on Canadian Armed Forces operations, and that all necessary provincial and federal assessments are completed. The Agreement In Principle allows TC Energy to pursue an Impact Assessment under the federal Impact Assessment Act. The Impact Assessment will evaluate a wide range of potential issues including environmental, health, social, and economic impacts and benefits, as well as potential impacts on Indigenous peoples.Consultation and engagement will continue as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals.National Defence has undertaken the following steps as part of its decision making process:
  • Initial feasibility testing and review:
    • In August 2020, National Defence approved a temporary access agreement to allow TC Energy to complete its engineering and environmental feasibility testing and studies at 4 CDTC Meaford. This follows a temporary access agreement that National Defence issued to TC Energy in May 2019.
    • In June 2019 and July 2021, National Defence notified local Indigenous groups that the temporary access agreement may be extended for further study, and that a review of TC Energy’s testing results will be conducted as a part of National Defence’s decision making process.
  • Internal Assessment and Public Consultations:
    • From May 2019 to September 2020, National Defence consulted Indigenous groups, municipalities, the provincial government, and external stakeholders. These consultations included an online forum and participation at three TC Energy town halls. During these consultations, National Defence heard concerns regarding the possible impact on the environment, the economy, community safety, health, as well as the importance of the land and its historical ties to community members. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada will assess and review these concerns under the Impact Assessment process.
    • From 2019 to 2021, National Defence conducted its own comprehensive internal assessment to determine the project’s potential impact on operational readiness, personnel training, the environment, and Indigenous groups. The assessment raised potential concerns regarding the impact of the project on training and operations conducted at 4 CDTC. National Defence will continue to assess and update these concerns as the project evolves, and as results from the Impact Assessment are received.
    • In July 2021, following National Defence’s internal assessment, the department signed an Agreement In Principle with TC Energy, allowing the company to proceed to an Impact Assessment.
    • National Defence will also conduct an Environmental Effects Determination, as stipulated in the Impact Assessment Act, related to the proposed relocation of Base infrastructure. Wildlife at risk studies to support this determination have begun, and additional support studies are anticipated to commence in May 2023. The Agreement in Principle commits TC Energy to pay all costs associated with this work.
National Defence anticipates that TC Energy will pursue Impact and Environmental Assessment processes with both the federal and provincial governments. Should these assessments be positive, TC Energy may then seek a licence for the project under the Dominion Water Power Act. The project will not move forward unless it is approved by provincial and federal regulatory agencies, and National Defence determines that the project will not negatively impact the conduct of operations and training at 4 CDTC Meaford.National Defence and TC Energy will continue consultation and engagement as the project proceeds through further assessments and regulatory approvals. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the project through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, as well as through relevant federal and provincial government stakeholders.National Defence will continue to remain open and transparent as the department, Government of Canada, and TC Energy conduct these assessments, and will continue to provide updates, when available, at: http://Canada.ca/Meaford-energy-consultation.
Baie GeorgienneÉnergie et combustibles renouvelablesProtection de l'environnement
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée3 mai 2023e-4172e-4172 (Sécurité publique)Tsz LokChanMelissaLantsmanThornhillConservateurON16 novembre 2022 à 14 h 23 (HAE)15 janvier 2023 à 14 h 23 (HAE)20 mars 20233 mai 202317 janvier 2023Pétition au <Addressee type="4" affiliationId="278921" mp-riding-display="1">ministre de la Sécurité publique</Addressee>Attendu que :Un rapport publié par Safeguard Defenders allègue que la police chinoise exploite trois postes de police extrajudiciaires à Toronto, en Ontario;Au cours de la dernière année, on a convaincu quelque 230 000 citoyens chinois de retourner en Chine pour des crimes allégués;Les postes de police extrajudiciaires sont contraires au droit international et nuisent à la souveraineté du Canada; De telles opérations menacent la sécurité publique et les libertés fondamentales des personnes en sol canadien.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le ministre de la Sécurité publique :1. D'ordonner à la GRC et au SCRS de mener des enquêtes sur ces opérations et, si on constate qu’elles vont à l’encontre du droit canadien ou du droit international, ordonner leur fermeture immédiate et l’expulsion de leur personnel du Canada. Les personnes sans immunité devraient faire l’objet d’une enquête, de manière à déterminer si leurs actions contreviennent aux lois canadiennes et donc à pouvoir les condamner en vertu du droit canadien;2. De protéger la souveraineté du Canada et prendre des mesures lorsqu’un gouvernement étranger l’affaiblit;3. D'agir de manière proactive afin de protéger la sécurité publique, y compris celle des dissidents et des combattants de la liberté qui sont ciblés par des régimes étrangers en sol canadien. Des mesures comme un registre des agents étrangers devraient être mises en œuvre afin de lutter contre les activités d’influence étrangère malveillante.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Pam Damoff, M.P.Our government is aware that some foreign governments have attempted to interfere not just in our democracy, but in our country in general, whether it’s our institutions, our businesses, our research facilities, or in the daily lives of our citizens. This is not a new problem, and not unique to Canada. We share your concern about being proactive in addressing this threat and since 2015, following a lack of action by previous governments, we have taken concrete steps to address this ever-evolving phenomenon.In recent years, Canada has seen an increase in the frequency and sophistication of foreign interference including by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran and others seeking to advance their political, economic and security interests to the detriment of Canada’s own interests. Foreign interference can include harassment and intimidation of Canadian communities, as well as malicious cyber activities, disinformation campaigns, and other disruptive actions.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) responds to criminal threats stemming from foreign interference where there is concrete and solid evidence. In relation to the allegations of overseas police stations allegedly affiliated with the PRC, the RCMP has taken a number of steps, including a visible presence at these locations; translating news releases in order to reach a broader audience; and continuing to urge anyone who believes they have been threatened, in person or online, to contact them. The nature of the ongoing investigation is such that no additional information can be shared at this time.Additionally, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) investigates threats which may, on reasonable grounds, be suspected of posing a threat to the security of Canada. This includes foreign influenced activities within or relating to Canada that are detrimental to the interests of Canada and are clandestine or deceptive or involve a threat to any person. CSIS may take measures to reduce threats to the security of Canada in accordance with well-defined legal requirements and Ministerial direction. CSIS also delivers briefings to protect against foreign interference threats, with the aim of promoting awareness of foreign interference and strengthening security practices.Our security and intelligence agencies are using all available tools to combat this threat, and are considering new measures to keep Canada’s national security apparatus nimble and responsive to new and evolving threats. Recently, we have taken several steps to improve our capacity and increase transparency with Canadians on the threat of foreign interference. We are also. We announced the creation of a new national counter foreign interference coordinator within Public Safety Canada. We announced a $48.9 million investment for the RCMP to protect Canadians against harassment and intimidation from foreign actors and we announced the launch of public consultations to inform the creation and implementation of a foreign influence transparency registry in Canada.  Our security and intelligence agencies are working tirelessly to combat the threat of foreign interference, and will use the full extent of their mandates to respond to these evolving threats.
Activités influencées par l'étrangerCanadiens d'origine chinoiseChineIntimidationServices policiers
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01183441-01183 (Justice)MarcDaltonPitt Meadows—Maple RidgeConservateurBC9 mars 202324 avril 202323 septembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01182441-01182 (Affaires sociales et égalité)CathayWagantallYorkton—MelvilleConservateurSK9 mars 202324 avril 202321 juin 2022Pétition à la Chambre des communes réunie en ParlementATTENDU QUE le Parti libéral s’est fait élire entre autres en promettant de révoquer le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie, dont les centres d’aide à la grossesse, qui conseillent de jeunes femmes et sauvent un nombre incalculable de vies chaque année ATTENDU QUE la révocation du statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie est une première étape vers des mesures encore plus tyranniques pour enrayer les valeurs et les principes des Canadiens de confession chrétienne, ce qui veut dire que les églises pourraient être la prochaine cible ATTENDU QUE la révocation du statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie provoquera une explosion du nombre d’avortements commis brutalement au Canada tous les ans, tuant des milliers de bébés innocents.PAR CONSÉQUENT, qu'il soit résolu que les soussignés exhortent, par la présente, les députés à faire tout ce qui est en leur pouvoir pour empêcher, bloquer, dénoncer et refuser tout effort fait par le gouvernement pour révoquer le statut d’organisme de bienfaisance des organisations pro vie au Canada.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandCanada's charitable sector is diverse and vibrant. From education to social support services, an estimated 86,000 registered charities engage in public benefit activities that touch almost every aspect of Canadian life. Registered charities are provided important supports under the tax system, including an exemption from income tax and the ability to issue official donation receipts for any gifts that they receive.All Canadians should have the information they need to freely make decisions over their own bodies and have access to the medical care and services that are their legal right. Registered charities that provide reproductive health services are required to provide accurate and evidence-based information to women with respect to their rights and options at all stages of their pregnancy. In this regard, the Government of Canada is committed to taking action to ensure that organizations that provide dishonest counselling to pregnant women are ineligible for charitable registration, while respecting Canadians’ right to freedom of expression and freedom of conscience and religion under the Charter. 
AvortementOeuvres de bienfaisance
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01181441-01181 (Médias et télécommunications)DanMazierDauphin—Swan River—NeepawaConservateurMB9 mars 202324 avril 202320 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesATTENDU QUE :
  • L’accès à un service Internet haute vitesse fiable est essentiel;
  • Bon nombre de Canadiens ne souscrivent des abonnements à des services Internet coûteux que pour s’apercevoir que la qualité et la vitesse auxquelles ils s’attendaient ne correspondent pas au service qui leur est fourni;
  • Les vitesses théoriques et les mesures du rendement des services Internet qui sont mentionnées dans les publicités ne correspondent pas toujours à la qualité des services Internet réellement fournis aux consommateurs;
  • Selon les données publiées par l’Autorité canadienne pour les enregistrements Internet, seulement un tiers des Canadiens croient que le service reçu à leur domicile correspond « tout le temps ou la plupart du temps » à la vitesse « maximale » annoncée pour le forfait Internet souscrit pour leur maisonnée;
  • Les Canadiens méritent d’avoir accès à des renseignements exacts et transparents sur les services à large bande.
Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions la Chambre des communes :
  • D'adopter le projet de loi C 288, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les télécommunications (renseignements transparents et exacts sur les services à large bande).
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their views on the importance of high-speed Internet connectivity. Now more than ever, Canadians are relying on telecommunications services for work, school, finances, health care and staying connected with friends and family.As telecommunications services have become more essential, consumers are demanding accurate, transparent and standardized information about the quality of the telecommunications services they purchase.  The Government of Canada supports a competitive marketplace where consumers are treated fairly and supports efforts to provide Canadians with transparent and accurate information about their telecommunications services. That is why the Government of Canada has launched several initiatives that support this objective and provide important information about broadband performance to Canadians.For example, in 2016, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) launched a voluntary program called Measuring Broadband Canada to conduct broadband performance testing. The testing was carried out by SamKnows, a global leader in broadband performance measurement that has provided similar testing studies for countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.  The approach in Canada was that SamKnows deployed testing equipment to a sample of households across the country. The equipment tested various aspects of the household’s connectivity including download and upload speeds, the impact of peak times, latency, packet loss and webpage loading times for the Internet service plans with the highest subscription rates, therefore representing a majority of Canadian fixed-line broadband users.  In 2019, the CRTC undertook a second phase of SamKnows broadband performance measurement using the same approach. The CRTC published the test results for both studies, which concluded that the major participating service providers were delivering average download speeds that met or exceeded the maximum advertised speeds.However, there is a strong rationale for additional testing, as the first two phases of the SamKnows studies focused on the larger providers in Canada and on the common wireline technologies, like fibre to the home, which are found mostly in urban areas.  While these tests provided important information on the experience of the majority of broadband subscribers, they did not include fixed wireless technology that is commonly used for home Internet in rural and remote areas. Fixed wireless and satellite technologies are a promising and important part of the Government of Canada’s plans of connecting 100% of Canadians to high-speed internet. That is why, with support from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), the CRTC recently launched Phase 3 of Measuring Broadband Canada. This phase will specifically assess the performance of Internet service plans using fixed wireless access technology that advertise as providing ‘up to’ 50/10 Megabits per second download and upload speeds.  The CRTC is currently seeking volunteers to participate in testing and ISED will closely monitor this important project.Meanwhile, the Government of Canada has taken action to require the regular testing of broadband performance as part of a broader proposal to increase competition and consumer rights in the telecommunications market. On February 13, 2023, the government issued a new policy direction to the CRTC on a renewed approach to telecommunications policy. The policy direction is legally binding and requires the CRTC to regulate in a manner consistent with the government’s priorities in telecommunications. The policy direction instructs the CRTC to, among other things, regularly collect, report publicly and make broadband performance information available to consumers. Further, it requires that service providers regularly participate in testing the performance of the broadband Internet services they offer. The policy direction also explicitly instructs the CRTC to include broadband Internet services based on commonly used technologies in rural areas in these tests. The policy direction also has other related requirements. For example, it requires that the CRTC develop and implement a standardized and robust approach for reporting mobile wireless coverage, and it requires the CRTC to take measures to promote clarity and transparency of pricing information and service plan characteristics in service providers’ marketing materials so that consumers can better understand their choices in the Internet market.Further, currently Canadians who are not receiving the internet performance that they are paying for can contact the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services (CCTS) for assistance in resolving the issue. The CCTS is an independent organization that provides consumers with recourse and neutral dispute resolution services when they are unable to resolve disagreements directly with their telecommunications service provider. Complaints about quality of service are already part of the mandate of the CCTS. The Policy Direction also contains measures to strengthen the CCTS by increasing its operational capacity, improving compliance with its rules, and increasing public awareness of its complaint-resolution process to ensure that Canadians know where to turn if they are being treated unfairly by a provider.The Government of Canada supports Bill C-288 as it reinforces the actions underway to improve broadband performance transparency for Canadians. The proposed amendments to the Telecommunications Act would require carriers, or the service providers that own and operate telecommunications networks, to make publicly available service quality metrics regarding the internet services they provide. Additionally, the bill requires the CRTC to hold public hearings to determine other requirements and implementation details based on consultations.The Government of Canada is committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring they have the information they need to make informed decisions about their purchases of telecommunications services.
Accès à l'informationC-288, Loi modifiant la Loi sur les télécommunications (renseignements transparents et exacts sur les services à large bande)Fournisseur d'accès InternetServices Internet à large bande
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01180441-01180 (Fiscalité)ElizabethMaySaanich—Gulf IslandsParti vertBC9 mars 202324 avril 20239 février 2023Pétition au gouvernement du CanadaATTENDU QUE :
  • Le système actuel de l’impôt sur le revenu des personnes âgées offre aux couples de nombreuses possibilités de réduire leurs impôts, alors que les célibataires n’en ont aucune;
  • Les couples de personnes âgées peuvent fractionner leur revenu de pension, ce qui leur permet de payer moins d’impôts, d’être admissibles au crédit d’impôt en fonction de l’âge et d’avoir à rembourser peut ou pas de Sécurité de la vieillesse (SV);
  • Les célibataires âgés ne bénéficient pas de ces avantages, paient plus d’impôts, renoncent souvent au crédit d’impôt en fonction de l’âge et doivent souvent rembourser une partie de la SV;
  • Lorsqu’un partenaire décède dans un couple, son régime enregistré d’épargne-retraite (REER), son fonds enregistré de revenu de retraite (FERR) et son compte d’épargne libre d’impôt (CELI) peuvent être transférés dans le REER, le FERR et le CELI du partenaire survivant;
  • Le REER et le FERR d’une personne célibataire sont encaissés au décès et déclarés comme revenu, ce qui entraîne des impôts plus élevés, souvent de 50 %;
  • Le coût de la vie pour une personne célibataire équivaut aux deux tiers du coût de la vie pour un couple;
  • Selon Statistique Canada, les ménages composés d’une seule personne augmentent plus rapidement que tout autre type de ménage au Canada;
  • Sur les six millions de personnes âgées au Canada, plus d’un tiers sont célibataires, dont beaucoup de femmes, et ce groupe démographique va continuer à croître.
Nous, soussignés, célibataires âgés et autres citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de: Offrir aux célibataires âgés des avantages fiscaux équivalents à ceux qui existent actuellement pour les couples âgés, à savoir: a) Offrir aux personnes âgées célibataires une réduction de 30 % de leur revenu imposable (par exemple, si une personne âgée célibataire a un revenu imposable de 100 000 $, réduire le montant imposable de 30 %, soit 70 000 $); b) Permettre, au décès, aux célibataires âgés titulaires d’un REER, d’un FERR ou d’un CELI de le transférer au REER, au FERR ou au CELI d’un bénéficiaire de leur choix.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of FinanceSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia FreelandThe Government of Canada understands that, after a lifetime of hard work, Canadians have earned a secure and dignified retirement. In this regard, single seniors may benefit from a number of targeted tax relief measures, such as the Age Credit and Pension Income Credit. Seniors, and those who support them, may also benefit from tax credits such as the Disability Tax Credit, the Medical Expense Tax Credit, and the Home Accessibility Tax Credit.Single seniors may also benefit from general tax relief that the government has recently introduced. For example, the government is increasing the amount of money Canadians can earn before paying federal income tax to $15,000 by 2023 for all but the wealthiest Canadians. When the increases are fully implemented in 2023, 4.3 million seniors will benefit, including 465,000 whose federal income tax will be reduced to zero.This measure builds on the success of key initiatives like the middle-class tax cut, which is benefitting over nine million Canadians. Single individuals who benefit from that measure are seeing an average tax reduction of $330 every year.  The tax relief currently available to seniors and pensioners allows a single senior to earn at least $25,396 (assuming at least $2,000 in income eligible for the Pension Income Credit) before paying federal income tax in 2023.Beyond the tax system, single seniors may also be eligible for targeted support. For example, the government has more than doubled the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) top-up benefit for low-income single seniors. As well, single seniors age 75 and older are benefiting from the ten percent increase to the Old Age Security (OAS) Pension that began in July 2022. Notably, the Government reversed the previous government’s decision to move the eligibility age for OAS and GIS from 65 to 67, which will put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of Canadians as they become seniors.The Government of Canada will continue to support the needs of single seniors.
FiscalitéPersonnes âgéesPersonnes seules
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01179441-01179 (Justice)GlenMotzMedicine Hat—Cardston—WarnerConservateurAB9 mars 202324 avril 202323 septembre 2022Pétition au ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada Nous, soussignés, les résidents du Canada, attirons l’attention du ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada sur les points suivants : Attendu que :La Cour suprême du Canada a invalidé, dans l’affaire R. c. Bissonnette, l’article 745.51 du Code criminel, selon lequel les périodes d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle sont purgées consécutivement par les auteurs de tuerie; Bissonnette, l’un des auteurs de tuerie les plus monstrueux du Canada, verra ainsi sa période d’inadmissibilité à la libération conditionnelle réduite et pourra demander sa libération conditionnelle après seulement 25 ans; La décision dans l’affaire Bissonnette est injuste et fait passer les intérêts de certains des pires criminels du Canada avant les droits de leurs victimes; Des audiences de libération conditionnelle répétitives peuvent traumatiser à nouveau la famille des victimes des auteurs de tuerie; Le gouvernement du Canada dispose des moyens pour répondre à Bissonnette, notamment l’invocation de la disposition de dérogation. En conséquence, nous, soussignés, prions le ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada d’invoquer la disposition de dérogation et de l’emporter sur Bissonnette.
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary AnandasangareeThe Government of Canada acknowledges the hurt and anger that the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) decision in R. v. Bissonnette may have rekindled for victims, survivors and their families.Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision changes the fact that all people convicted of murder receive a mandatory life sentence, including Alexandre Bissonnette. The court did not reduce his sentence. He received a life sentence. It’s important to remember that being eligible for parole does not mean that parole will be granted.It is exceedingly rare for multiple murderers to be paroled. Our Government supported the sentencing judge’s discretion to impose a longer period of parole ineligibility when appropriate. The Government is reviewing the decision and exploring all options to respond to the decision.The use of the notwithstanding clause is very serious, since it suspends legal protections guaranteed by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. We believe that the notwithstanding clause should be used as a last resort, and that governments must explain the exceptional circumstances that justify the suspension of legal protections.The Government is committed to ensuring that the criminal justice system is fair and effective at ensuring that Canada is a safe, peaceful and prosperous society.
Clause dérogatoireLibération conditionnelleMeurtres multiplesPeines consécutives
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01178441-01178 (Santé)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC9 mars 202324 avril 202325 janvier 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADAATTENDU QUE :
  • L’accessibilité et la qualité des services et des installations de santé en Colombie Britannique et dans l’ensemble du Canada connaissent depuis des décennies un déclin non seulement rapide, mais aussi constant, dont rien n’annonce la fin;
  • Les patients reçoivent des soins donnés à la hâte et/ou de qualité inférieure en raison du manque d’installations, de médecins, de spécialistes, de fonds et de véritables solutions permettant de résoudre notre crise des soins de santé découlant d’installations surpeuplées, désuètes et en sous-effectifs;
  • Les premiers ministres de l’ensemble du Canada ont maintes fois demandé au gouvernement fédéral d’augmenter immédiatement le Transfert canadien en matière de santé et d’assumer la responsabilité de sa négligence flagrante à l’égard des soins de santé.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents permanents du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada d’augmenter immédiatement le Transfert canadien en matière de santé afin que les provinces puissent s’attaquer aux principales défaillances dans nos systèmes de soins de santé.
Response by the Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Adam van KoeverdenBetter health care for Canadians means supporting our healthcare workers and ensuring patients receive timely access to health services they deserve. Canada’s universal, accessible and publicly funded healthcare is a point of pride for Canadians. However, health workers across Canada are under enormous strain to deliver the care that Canadian patients deserve. Immediate, collaborative, action is needed to deliver better health care for Canadians. On February 7th, our government met with the provincial and territorial Premiers to discuss shared health priorities and the importance of ensuring access to health care is based on need and not ability to pay. Discussions included an investment of $198.6B over 10 years, including an immediate unconditional Canada Health Transfer (CHT) top-up as well as targeted investments and a boost to ongoing CHT funding.Budget 2023 reconfirms our government’s commitment to provide $198.6 billion over ten years in health transfers to provinces and territories, including $46.2 billion in new funding. The funding includes:
  • $2 billion in 2022-23 to address urgent pressures in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and pediatric hospitals, building on $6.5 billion in top-ups provided throughout the pandemic.
  • top-up payments to achieve Canada Health Transfer (CHT) increases of at least five per cent per year for the next five years. The last top-up payment will be rolled into the CHT base at the end of the five-year period, resulting in a permanent funding increase. This represents an estimated $17.1 billion over ten years in additional funding, over and above its regular projected growth of $141.8 billion to be provided over the next ten years, over and above the $45.2 billion provided last fiscal year (2022-23).  Since its creation in 2004-05, the CHT has now roughly tripled in size and is projected to grow by 33% over the next 5 years, and 61% over the next 10 years.
  •  $25 billion over 10 years to support shared health priorities through tailored bilateral agreements.
  • $1.7 billion over 5 years to increase wages for personal support workers and related professions, and $350 million over 10 years for the Territorial Health Investment Fund.
Previously, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government provided provinces and territories (PTs) with $6.5 billion in top-ups to the CHT to help them address health system pressures, particularly the backlog of surgeries, medical procedures, and diagnostics. This is in addition to other significant pandemic-related health system investments, such as those provided to PTs through the $19 billion Safe Restart Agreement, $1 billion to support the vaccine roll-out, as well as $150 million for the rapid deployment of virtual care services. Overall, 8 out of every 10 dollars invested to support Canadians in the fight of COVID-19 came from the federal government.Our government continues to collaborate with PTs on shared priorities, supported by targeted federal investments of $11 billion over 10 years (starting from 2017-18, with $4.8 billion remaining) to improve access to home and community care, and mental health and addiction services. Through this work, our government will continue to work closely with provinces and territories to improve health care and health outcomes for all Canadians, including Indigenous communities, children, equity-seeking communities, older adults, and those in rural and remote communities. Better quality of care means helping Canadians live longer, healthier lives.
Système de soins de santéTransfert canadien en matière de santé
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01177441-01177 (Justice)BradVisMission—Matsqui—Fraser CanyonConservateurBC9 mars 202324 avril 20231 mars 2023PÉTITION AU GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA ATTENDU QUE :
  • Le gouvernement fédéral a présenté le projet de loi C-21, qui comprend des dispositions interdisant la majorité des répliques d’armes à feu, telles que les armes à air comprimé, et qui incorpore dans la loi le décret C.P. 2020-298 du 1er mai 2020, lequel dresse des listes d’armes à feu dont il interdit ou limite la possession;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 criminalisera des centaines de milliers de Canadiens respectueux de la loi qui possèdent des armes à feu obtenues légalement;
  • Le projet de loi C-21 causera un grave préjudice financier à des milliers de Canadiens dont le gagne-pain repose en totalité ou en partie sur la vente d’armes à feu;
  • Au Canada, la chasse fait partie du patrimoine depuis longtemps, tant chez les Autochtones que chez les non-Autochtones, et l’interdiction inutile des armes à feu des citoyens efface et ignore notre histoire et nos traditions;
  • La grande majorité des crimes armés sont commis avec des armes obtenues illégalement, et la confiscation des armes à feu appartenant à des citoyens respectueux de la loi ne contribue en rien à stopper les gangs et les criminels dangereux qui se procurent des armes à feu illégalement.
PAR CONSÉQUENT :Nous soussignés, citoyens du Canada, prions le gouvernement du Canada de ne plus cibler les citoyens respectueux de la loi qui possèdent des armes à feu obtenues légalement, de protéger les droits et les libertés des Canadiens en veillant à ce que les lois sur les armes à feu soient fondées sur des données probantes plutôt que sur des idéologies, et de retirer le projet de loi C-21.
Response by the Minister of Public SafetySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): PAM DAMOFF, M.P.As part of a comprehensive approach to address firearms violence and control, the Government has introduced Bill C-21, which represents the most significant changes to gun control legislation in more than 40 years. The objective and spirit of Bill C-21 is to enhance public safety through targeted firearms control and since its introduction, the Government of Canada has made clear commitments to take further action to protect Canadians and our communities from gun violence.When the Bill was tabled, the Government noted the intention to continue working to ensure a comprehensive ban of assault-style firearms. In November 2022, amendments were proposed to accomplish this. The core intent of the amendments was to prohibit assault-style firearms that are not suitable for civilian use, and not to target firearms that are commonly used for hunting. The proposed amendments generated significant debate and legitimate concerns.On February 3, 2023, the Government withdrew these amendments to create an opportunity to further consult with Canadians.Our Government recognizes the traditional and cultural importance of hunting for Indigenous communities and we are committed to ensuring that laws that are proposed or enacted do not prevent Indigenous Peoples from participating in a certain activity or practice that is integral and distinctive to their culture. The core intent of the amendments is to remove assault style firearms from civilian use and not to target hunting rifles. These amendments are not in any way intended to limit Indigenous rights. The Government will continue to consult and cooperate with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to identify a path forward.The Government recognizes the legal civilian ownership of firearms for hunters, competitive and recreational sport shooters and collectors. We are committed to working with the all Canadians to identify a sensible approach that prioritizes public safety, supports effective police work and community programming and treats everyone in a fair and reasonable manner.
Armes à feuC-21, Loi modifiant certaines lois et d'autres textes en conséquence (armes à feu)
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée24 avril 2023441-01176441-01176 (Santé)GarnettGenuisSherwood Park—Fort SaskatchewanConservateurAB9 mars 202324 avril 20238 février 2023Pétition à la Chambre des communesNous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, désirons porter ce qui suit à l’attention de la Chambre des communes : Attendu que :Les produits pharmaceutiques regroupés sous l’appellation « benzodiazépines » (ou « BZP ») comportent des risques importants associés à leur consommation et à leur sevrage;Une étude diffusée récemment a révélé que plus de la moitié des personnes qui s’étaient vu prescrire des BZP avaient signalé avoir eu des pensées suicidaires ou fait des tentatives de suicide, qu’environ 45 % d’entre elles ont indiqué que leur consommation de BZP avait causé leur perte d’emploi, et que plus de 85 % ont affirmé éprouver des problèmes liés aux interactions sociales ou aux loisirs;D’après le Dr Sam Hickcox, médecin en chef en traitement de la toxicomanie à la Régie de la santé de la Nouvelle-Écosse, il y aurait une épidémie de consommation de benzodiazépine chez les jeunes;La consommation de BZP est aussi associée à un plus grand risque de chutes mortelles chez les personnes âgées; La promotion et la prescription excessives de BZP n’ayant pas fait l’objet d’une évaluation en bonne et due forme des risques, et sans le consentement éclairé des patients, présentent des similitudes avec ce que l’on a vu avec la promotion et la prescription excessives d’opioïdes, qui a mené à la crise des opioïdes;Des rapports, notamment du Bureau du médecin légiste de Nouvelle-Écosse, indiquent que la multitoxicité a joué un rôle clé dans la majorité des décès liés aux opioïdes, et les BZP étaient également en cause;Nous devons tirer des leçons de la crise des opioïdes et ne pas permettre que la même erreur se répète avec les BZP.Nous soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, demandons au gouvernement du Canada de collaborer avec les autorités sanitaires provinciales et territoriales ainsi que des groupes de médecins pour sensibiliser les médecins et les patients aux risques associés aux benzodiazépines et mettre en place des directives claires visant à limiter leur consommation.
Response by the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of HealthSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Élisabeth BrièreBenzodiazepines are a group of medications that can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to sleep. They are also used as a muscle relaxant, to induce sedation for surgery and other medical procedures, and in the treatment of seizures and alcohol withdrawal. Health Canada understands benzodiazepine use can become problematic, which can lead to substance use disorder, overdose and even death.  One way in which we provide information to Canadians about benzodiazepines is on our Government of Canada webpage on benzodiazepines.  Healthcare professionals and patients can also access the official product monographs and relevant patient information for prescription benzodiazepines online from the Drug Product Database.  These documents outline the approved indications (uses) of the drugs, as well as relevant dosing and safety information. The risk of serious falls in elderly patients as well as suicidal ideation in the context of withdrawal are known class risks for benzodiazepines and details are included in the Warnings and Precautions section of updated product monographs.Due to the known risks of benzodiazepines, in Canada, prescription drugs containing benzodiazepines are also scheduled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Activities such as sale, possession and production of benzodiazepines are illegal, unless authorized for medical, scientific or industrial purposes. Benzodiazepines are only legally available by prescription. Canada’s approach to substance use issues is comprehensive, collaborative, and compassionate, guided by our federal drug strategy – the Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy (CDSS). The CDSS takes a public health-focused approach and lays out our framework for evidence-based actions to reduce the harms associated with substance use in Canada. In the context of the worsening overdose crisis, and taking steps to reduce harms and deaths related to substance use, the Government is placing particular focus on:
  • ensuring that harm reduction services are available to Canadians who need them;
  • working with stakeholders to reduce stigma directed at people who use drugs, which acts as a barrier to accessing critical health and social services and often leads to social isolation and further risk of harms;
  • continuing to work with provinces and territories to improve access to evidence-based treatment options;
  • continuing to address illegal production and trafficking, with a focus on organized drug crime; and,
  • implementing additional surveillance and research activities that will further build the evidence base and allow us to pursue innovative solutions to this public health crisis.
Since 2017, the federal government has taken significant actions and made commitments of more than $800 million to address the toxic drug and overdose crisis and substance use-related harms. Recent examples of key federal investments in this area include:
  • Nearly $350 million to the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) between 2017-2022 in support of community-based organizations responding to substance use issues, including investments to help them provide direct services in a COVID-19 context and to scale-up key lifesaving measures and increase access to a safer drug supply as an alternative to the contaminated supply;
  • $150 million through the one-time Emergency Treatment Fund to provinces and territories, which, when cost-matched with the provinces and territories, will result in an investment over $300 million to improve access to evidence-based treatment services;
  • $45 million to develop national standards for mental health and substance use services, in collaboration with provinces and territories, health organizations and key stakeholders, to address long-standing challenges in the delivery of mental health and substance use services and supports across the country; and,
  • $22.8 million in public education through national and targeted advertising, partnerships and experiential marketing on the risks of opioids, overdose awareness, harm reduction and stigma awareness and reduction.
Budget 2023 proposes to provide a total of $359.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $5.7 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to support a renewed Canadian Drugs and Substances Strategy, which would guide the government's work to save lives and protect the health and safety of Canadians. This includes:
  • $144 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Health Canada for the Substance Use and Addictions Program to fund community-based supports, including safer supply, supervised consumption sites, and other evidence-based health interventions;
  • $20.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada for a new community-based program to prevent substance use among young people; 
  • $73.9 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $4.6 million ongoing, to Health Canada to streamline authorizations for supervised consumption sites and drug checking services, scale-up access to safer supply, and evaluate innovative approaches;
  • $50.8 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, with $1.1 million ongoing and $1.3 million in remaining amortization, to Health Canada; and $16 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support vital data collection on substance-related harms and lab-based analysis of the illegal drug supply;
  • $4.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Safety Canada to develop an overdose monitoring app for paramedics and other first responders; and,
  • $42 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police; $6.2 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to Public Services and Procurement Canada; and $1.6 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, sourced from existing resources, to Global Affairs Canada to take further action to work with our partners to tackle drug trafficking and stem the global flow of these devastating substances.
Of note, under SUAP, more than $24 million has been allocated to fund Naloxone distribution, education and training. In addition, through SUAP, the Government of Canada is supporting policies and approaches for greater access to pharmaceutical-grade alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply – a practice often referred to as safer supply. As of March 2023, Health Canada has supported 30 safer supply pilot projects across Canada through the Substance Use and Addictions Program, representing total funding commitments of over $88.3 million. This includes supporting a range of service delivery projects in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick, research/knowledge transfer and exchange projects, and a National Safer Supply Community of Practice to help share knowledge amongst stakeholders.Health Canada has supported the rapid expansion of supervised consumption services across Canada. Since January 2016, the number of federally approved supervised consumption sites (SCS) offering services grew from 1 to 40. Health Canada also proactively issued exemptions that allows provinces and territories to establish new temporary Urgent Public Health Need Sites – also known as overdose prevention sites – within existing supervised consumption sites, shelters or other temporary sites, as needed. Urgent Public Health Need Sites, unlike supervised consumption sites, are temporary locations that can be set up rapidly to address the overdose crisis. Both share the goal of reducing overdose deaths.We have also made a number of regulatory changes at the federal level to help improve access to medications used in drug treatment and safer supply programs, including:
  • issuing a class exemption (an exemption authorized to a group of people, such as pharmacists, to conduct specific activities with controlled substances) to make it easier for patients to access the medications they need;
  • approving injectable hydromorphone as a treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder;
  • approving injectable diacetylmorphine as a new treatment option for patients with severe opioid use disorder; as well facilitating the prescribing and dispensing of methadone and diacetylmorphine; and  
  • authorizing nurses who provide health care services at a community health facility to conduct certain activities with controlled substances.
The federal government is committed to using every tool at its disposal and examining all evidence to respond to the tragic increase in overdoses and to help save lives, while also ensuring the safety of communities across the country. The Government is working to divert people who use drugs away from criminal justice systems and toward supportive and trusted relationships in health services and social supports, when needed. For example, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act was passed into law in May 2017, providing some legal protection from simple drug possession charges for individuals who seek emergency help during an overdose.Furthermore, Bill C-5, which received Royal Assent on November 17, 2022, made legislative amendments to the Criminal Code and to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Among other measures, the amendments encourage police and prosecutors to consider alternative measures – including diverting individuals to treatment programs – instead of laying a criminal charge or prosecuting individuals for personal drug possession. These amendments also repealed mandatory minimum penalties for certain offences in the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to reflect the Government’s public-health-focused approach to substance use. These measures are consistent with the August 2020 Guidelines issued by the Public Prosecution Service of Canada directing prosecutors that alternatives to prosecution should be considered for the personal possession of drugs, except where public safety concerns arise.Health Canada regularly engages with stakeholders to better understand concerns and values the input of all actors within the health system, including healthcare practitioners and patient groups. While Health Canada oversees the regulation of drugs, it has no jurisdiction over how health care professionals prescribe drugs once they are authorized. The prescribing, dispensing and administration of marketed drugs falls under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial governments, their medical colleges, as well as physicians.Canada has also taken action on the broader issue of predatory practices of pharmaceutical companies, including significantly increasing the maximum financial penalties. We will continue to explore all options to ensure that companies are held accountable for their role in the overdose crisis if they acted inappropriately in the marketing and distribution of opioids. For example, there is significant cooperation in BC’s litigation between all Canadian governments, as we work together to address the overdose crisis. At our request, in November 2022, the BC government amended their legislation which reinforced the federal government’s participation in BC’s proposed Class Action against opioid manufacturers and distributors who allegedly acted inappropriately in the sale and distribution of opioids. Participating in the Purdue settlement is another example of the significant cooperation that exists in this litigation between all Canadian Governments. Canada is also part of BC’s proposed class action against McKinsey & Company that allegedly acted in appropriately in the course of providing consulting services to opioid manufacturers and distributors.
BenzodiazépineConsommation et abus de drogues
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 avril 2023441-01175441-01175 (Environnement)MichelleFerreriPeterborough—KawarthaConservateurON8 mars 202321 avril 20238 mars 2023Pétition au premier ministre et au gouvernement du Canada ATTENDU QUE le Canada doit s’attaquer à l’urgence climatique.Nous, soussignés, citoyens et résidents du Canada, prions le premier ministre et le gouvernement du Canada d’adopter des mesures législatives pour une transition équitable qui :
  • Réduisent les émissions d’au moins 60 % sous les niveaux de 2005 d’ici 2030, et qui apportent une importante contribution à la réduction des émissions dans les pays du Sud;
  • Réduisent progressivement l’industrie des combustibles fossiles et l’infrastructure connexe, mettent un terme aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et prévoient la transition vers une économie décarbonée;
  • Créent de nouvelles institutions économiques publiques et développent la propriété publique des services d’utilité publique à l’échelle de l’économie afin de mettre en oeuvre la transition;
  • Créent de bons emplois verts et favorisent le développement d’un effectif diversifié, sous la direction et avec la participation des travailleurs concernés et des communautés, et assurent des emplois convenables et à faibles émissions de carbone pour tous les travailleurs;
  • Protègent et renforcent les droits de la personne et les droits des travailleurs, respectent les droits des Autochtones, leur souveraineté et leur savoir en les intégrant dans la création et la mise en oeuvre de ces mesures législatives, assurent la justice pour les migrants et mettent l’accent sur l’aide aux communautés qui vivent une marginalisation de longue date;
  • Élargissent le filet de sécurité sociale avec de nouvelles mesures d’aide au revenu, des logements sociaux décarbonés et des fonds de soutien pour des services de transport en commun abordables et accessibles à l’échelle du pays;
  • Financent la transition en augmentant l’impôt des plus riches et des sociétés et mettant sur pied une banque publique nationale.
Response by the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability InclusionSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): IREK KUSMIERCZYKOn February 17, 2023 the Government of Canada released the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan 2023-2025, which included 10 concrete actions being taken to support the creation of sustainable jobs and help workers in every part of Canada.This interim plan is informed by over two years of consultations and conversations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, workers and unions, industry, environmental and civil society organizations and interested Canadians. This interim plan defines the federal government’s commitment to make progress on implementing the 10 key action areas, including a high-level summary of the approach to sustainable jobs legislation.The Government is preparing to introduce this legislation in 2023. It will lay out a framework for federal governance, accountability, and engagement that will help ensure a coherent and coordinated federal approach for implementing measures that support sustainable job creation.The Government of Canada has also been working to move forward on a path to a net-zero emissions economy for several years. Since 2015, the Government has earmarked $120 billion to help achieve climate and environment objectives, accelerate economic growth, and support the creation of sustainable jobs.For example, Budget 2021 announced a new Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program(SWSP), to support key sectors of the economy, including those linked to the clean economy, to implement solutions to address current and emerging workforce needs. The program will help employers and connect Canadians with the training they need to access good jobs in sectors where employers are looking for skilled workers, such as the renewable energy sector. It will also place priority on supporting equity-deserving groups and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce.The Government of Canada has also announced in Budget 2021 a new Community Workforce Development Program that will fund projects at a national and regional level to:
  • Support community workforce planning by bringing together organizations from across public, private, labour and not-for-profit sectors to match local sources of labour with employer demand;
  • Train displaced workers to acquire the skills, knowledge and experience that would enable them to meet employers’ on-the-job expectations; and,
  • Employ workers in new jobs contributing to stimulating economic growth.
Budget 2022 proposed to provide $2.5 million in 2022-23 for Employment and Social Development Canada to launch a new union-led advisory table to advise the Government on priorities for helping workers navigate the changing labour market.The 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) further proposes to provide $250 million over five years, starting in 2023-24, to help ensure Canadian workers can thrive in a changing global economy. Specific measures include: a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program and a new Sustainable Jobs Secretariat.The Sustainable Jobs Training Centre will bring together workers, unions, employers, and training institutions across the country to examine the skills of the labour force today, forecast future skills requirements, and develop curriculum, micro-credentials, and on-site learning to help 15,000 workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.The FES also proposes to put in place a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program to support unions in leading the development of green skills training for works in the trades. It is expected that 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons would benefit from this investment.To effectively support workers on the road to sustainable, good-paying jobs, the FES also proposes to launch the Sustainable Jobs Secretariat to offer a one-stop shop for workers and employers. It will provide the most up to date information on federal programs, funding, and services across government departments as Canada works to build a low-carbon economy with opportunities for everyone. 
Response by the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Steven GuilbeaultSince 2015, the Government of Canada has demonstrated its leadership on climate change and clean growth, at home and abroad. We understand that accelerated efforts are crucial to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions rapidly by 2030, achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.In 2021, Canada adopted an enhanced 2030 emissions reduction target of 40-45% below 2005 levels, and passed legislation to enshrine its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 in law. The Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act provides a durable framework of accountability and transparency to deliver on this commitment. On March 29, 2022, Canada tabled the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan: Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy (2030 ERP) in Parliament. The 2030 ERP is the Government’s most recent, major step to take action to meet Canada’s climate objectives, and create good, sustainable jobs in Canada.Achieving Canada's climate goals requires all sectors of the economy to pursue decarbonization in ways that make cleaner initiatives more affordable and create new, sustainable job opportunities for workers. In addition, the 2030 ERP reflects input received from thousands of Canadians, businesses and communities, as well as submissions from Indigenous partners, provinces and territories and the Net Zero Advisory Body.Investments in Indigenous-led climate action are critical to enabling Indigenous peoples to advance their self-determined priorities. Since the release of Canada’s strengthened climate plan, A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, in December 2020, the federal government has committed more than $2 billion in targeted investments to support Indigenous communities, including initiatives to facilitate the transition to clean energy, advance nature-based solutions, build new or retrofit green community buildings, promote resilience and adaptation, and undertake major disaster mitigation projects, among others. These investments supplement more than $425 million over 12 years committed under the 2016 Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change (PCF), as well as funding provided to Indigenous proponents through general climate programs for which they are eligible recipients. In the 2030 ERP and Budget 2022, the Government of Canada committed $29.6 million to co-develop and implement a model of climate partnership that empowers self-determined climate action; leverages the transition to a net-zero economy to support efforts toward self-determination and the alleviation of socio-economic inequalities; and supports the expression of Indigenous science and knowledge systems in national climate policy.The 2030 ERP builds on significant progress Canada has already made to address climate change, including the actions outlined in the PCF and Canada’s strengthened climate plan. With the 2030 ERP, the Government of Canada is taking action by:
  • working with industry, stakeholders, provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples and others to develop the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector. Following consultations, the cap will be designed to lower emissions at a pace and scale needed to achieve net-zero by 2050, reduce oil and gas methane by at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030, support clean technologies to further decarbonize the sector, and work to create sustainable jobs;
  • developing a national net-zero by 2050 buildings strategy, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy;
  • investing in nature and natural climate solutions through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to deliver additional emission reductions from nature-based climate solutions;
  • working with provinces, territories, industry, and other stakeholders on the design of a clean electricity standard to achieve a net-zero electricity grid by 2035;
  • helping industries decarbonize by adopting clean technology in their journey to net-zero emissions by committing to develop a carbon capture, utilization and storage strategy; and
  • ensuring that workers and communities are able to benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low-carbon economy presents, including by making significant investments in skills training and continuing consultations on the development of sustainable jobs and skills legislation.
The 2030 ERP is designed to be evergreen—a comprehensive roadmap that reflects levels of ambition to guide emissions reduction efforts in each sector. As governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities across the country work together to reach these targets, Canada will identify and respond to new opportunities.Canada has also committed to phase out or rationalize inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2023. It has already taken actions to phase out or rationalize eight tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector. Addressing inefficient fossil fuel subsidies supports Canada’s efforts to take action on climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.Canada also contributes to emissions reduction in developing countries through its climate finance. Initiatives under Canada’s previous $2.65 billion climate finance commitment led to significant emissions reduced or avoided. In addition, our current $5.3 billion commitment (2021-2026) features Clean Energy Transition and Coal Phase-Out as a focus area.Under this focus area, Canada supports efforts to reduce GHG emissions in developing countries by investing in initiatives that phase out coal-powered emissions, foster equitable access to clean energy solutions, promote energy efficient technologies, and support the clean energy sector enabling environment in key coal-dependent regions. In line with this, Canada has recently dedicated $43 million to energy transition programming, including a $5 million contribution to the South East Asia Energy Transition Partnership, and an $8 million contribution to the International Energy Agency’s Clean Energy Transitions Programme. With G7 partners, Canada is also providing support to new Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETP) with countries such as South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam, including through its $1 billion commitment to the Climate Investment Funds Accelerating Coal Transitions Program among other sources of support. JETPs are a new model of international energy, climate, and economic assistance for emerging and developing countries to accelerate their transitions to cleaner, more climate resilient economies, while also including the perspectives and needs of workers and communities.This priority complements Canada’s leadership through the Powering Past Coal Alliance. This initiative, which Canada co-leads with the United Kingdom, works to increase global ambition on coal phase-out and supports developing countries by sharing expertise and best practices. Canada’s public climate finance also helps mobilize private capital, which is a key component of climate action, including for clean energy transition.
Response by the Minister of Natural ResourcesSigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, P.C., M.P.The Government of Canada is investing to build a prosperous economy in line with Canada’s ambitious emissions reductions targets. This includes taking a whole-of-government approach to seizing the generational economic opportunities that a net zero future represents – by making investments in renewable energy and clean technology as well as decarbonisation technology in the conventional energy sector.As part of this effort, Canada joined other countries at COP26 and committed to end new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector by the end of 2022. On December 8, 2022, the Government announced the implementation of this commitment with the release of the policy guidelines that lay the foundation for federal departments and agencies to put in place the measures set out in this commitment. By ending new direct public support for the international unabated fossil fuel energy sector, Canada will ensure its investments abroad are aligned with its domestic and international climate goals, which means investing in clean energy and renewables.In addition, Canada committed to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, and recently accelerated the timeline to do so to this year. To date, Canada has phased out or rationalized nine tax preferences supporting the fossil fuel sector and has committed to take part in a peer review of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies under the G20 process.The Government also announced that it will cap and cut emissions from the oil and gas sector in line with Canada’s climate targets. This commitment was reiterated in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan and reaffirmed at COP27. As a result, companies are actively investing in the development and deployment of emissions-reduction technologies, such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), hydrogen and electrification. These efforts will help lead to a cleaner energy future.With a highly skilled and educated workforce, and with the abundant natural resources and energy sources critical for a net-zero future, Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit from a low-carbon economy. The Government is committed to moving forward with comprehensive action required – including legislation – to support Canadian workers and communities as they meet the challenges and realize the opportunities of a net-zero future.  This is why the Government released its interim Sustainable Jobs Plan in February of this year. This Plan is complementary to – and in fact a part of – Canada’s broader economic plan for clean growth. In drafting this Plan, the Government consulted widely with provinces, territories, union and labour organizations, Indigenous partners, industry, and civil society.This Plan also lays out the Government’s proposed approach to sustainable jobs legislation, which will create a framework for accountability, engagement and transparency that will ensure we empower workers and communities while building economic opportunities in ways that give confidence to Canadians.In addition to outlining the Government’s approach to legislation, the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan also describes the Government’s current and planned action to support the creation of good, well-paying jobs for Canadians. These opportunities exist in every region of the country and every sector of the economy. From critical minerals to hydrogen, electric cars and buses, batteries, renewable energy, low-carbon building products, carbon capture, utilization and storage, and small modular reactors, Canada has a major opportunity to build a net-zero future that works for everyone. There are also significant opportunities for sustainable jobs in conventional energy industries that are working to lower their emissions in line with Canada’s climate policy, enabling producers to be low-emissions suppliers of products to a world in transition.The Regional Energy and Resource Tables are a key initiative to drive this work. The Regional Tables were created to accelerate Canada’s economic growth opportunities by taking into account each region’s unique advantages and ability to meet the demands of new and emerging markets. These regional processes are being undertaken in partnership with individual provincial and territorial governments, and through engagement with Indigenous partners, as well as experts, labour organizations, industry, and other stakeholders. The Regional Tables will form the basis for comprehensive and transformative place-based economic strategies for every region of Canada so that they can realize their comparative advantages in a net-zero emissions economy. The federal government has jointly launched nine such Regional Tables already, with British Columbia, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.Since 2016, the Government of Canada has also earmarked $120 billion in investments to support emissions reductions and the low-carbon economy. In addition to these investments, the Government has developed targeted tax measures that similarly work to support the creation of sustainable jobs. For example, new Investment Tax Credits for Clean Hydrogen and Clean Technologies were announced in the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, and they would provide a refundable tax credit equal to 30 per cent of the capital cost of investments in clean energy technologies for claimants that meet certain labour conditions (20 per cent rate for those who do not). The Fall Economic Statement also unveiled details of the Canada Growth Fund, which seeks to attract billions of dollars in private capital to reduce Canada’s emissions, grow the economy and create good jobs.Recognizing the importance of helping Canadians access job training for the net-zero future, the Government has also made historic investments in skills programming, including for sustainable jobs. This includes $1.5 billion in new investments that will deliver almost 500,000 new training and work opportunities for Canadians, which will help workers transition to and take advantage of new opportunities, including in clean energy. Furthermore, the Fall Economic Statement announced funding to create a Sustainable Jobs Secretariat, establish a new sustainable jobs stream under the Union Training and Innovation Program, and launch a new Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.Canada has what it takes to be a clean energy and technology supplier of choice in a net-zero world; the Government remains committed to realizing that potential.
Changements climatiques et réchauffement de la planèteÉconomie verte
44e législature223Réponse du gouvernement déposée21 avril 2023e-4244e-4244 (Affaires et commerce)HaruunAliBlakeDesjarlaisEdmonton GriesbachNPDAB12 janvier 2023 à 10 h 54 (HAE)11 février 2023 à 10 h 54 (HAE)8 mars 202321 avril 202313 février 2023Pétition à la<Addressee type="1" affiliationId="" mp-riding-display="1"> Chambre des communes</Addressee>Attendu que :Loblaws/Provigo possède actuellement une épicerie dans un rayon de 10 km autour de la résidence de 90 % des Canadiens;Loblaws/Provigo affiche des profits records pendant que de nombreux Canadiens peinent à se nourrir; Loblaws/Provigo a monopolisé les produits de première nécessité sur lesquels comptent les Canadiens;Loblaws/Provigo a commencé à geler les prix, mais n’a pas réussi à honorer sa promesse à cet égard;Le coût du panier d’épicerie ne cesse d’augmenter et les Canadiens sont de plus en plus nombreux à se tourner vers les banques alimentaires pour nourrir leur famille; En pleine pandémie, Loblaws/Provigo a réduit la prime liée à la pandémie versée à ses travailleurs.Nous, soussignés, citoyens du Canada, demandons à la Chambre des communes de : 1. Lancer une enquête parlementaire au sujet des profits de Loblaws/Provigo pendant la pandémie, de sa cupidité et des prix abusifs que l’entreprise continue de faire payer aux Canadiens;2. Lancer une enquête sur le monopole exercé par les grandes épiceries canadiennes, et d’adopter une loi pour empêcher que cela ne se reproduise.
Response by the Minister of Innovation, Science and IndustrySigned by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): THE HON. FRANÇOIS-PHILIPPE CHAMPAGNEThe high grocery prices that have put pressure on Canadian consumers and families over the past two years have been top of mind for the Government. While the current inflationary period has global root causes – including war, weather events, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumption habits and shipping capacity – Canada’s grocery sector is relatively concentrated, which means that we must remaining vigilant and ready to respond to any threats to competition. The Government has been proactive in this regard by maintaining a sustained focus on improving our country’s competition law and enforcement framework.Budget 2021 significantly increased funding for the Competition Bureau, providing $96 million over five years, and $27.5 million ongoing, to enhance its capacity and ensure it is equipped with the necessary digital tools for today’s economy.Through Budget 2022, the Government bolstered the Competition Act through a series of amendments to fill gaps and better align Canada with our international partners. Notably, in the wake of concerns over potential wage-fixing coordination in the grocery industry during the early stages of the pandemic, the Act was amended to ensure that agreements between different employers to collude on wages or conditions of work, thus harming competition for labour, were treated the same way that harmful price-fixing agreements were.Other amendments updated maximum penalties to make them proportionate to the benefit derived from anti-competitive or deceptive conduct, ensuring sure that penalties are meaningful and not simply the cost of doing business. The consumer-unfriendly practice of drip pricing, that is hiding mandatory fees to make it harder to do accurate comparison shopping, was clarified as a deceptive practice. Numerous other targeted, but important, updates were made to the law for shorter-term improvement.In May 2022, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry wrote to the Commissioner of Competition to encourage him to do everything in his power to ensure grocery stores are not profiteering during a time of rising prices. A few months later, the Bureau launched a market study to evaluate the extent to which higher grocery prices are driven by changing competitive dynamics, what can be learned from steps that other countries have taken to increase competition in the sector, and what can be done to lower barriers to entry and expansion to stimulate competition for consumers. The Bureau is expected to issue a report on its findings in June 2023.Finally, last November, the Government launched comprehensive public consultations on how the Competition Act should be modernized to best serve Canadians in the evolving economic landscape. The consultation builds on recent amendments to the law, and is designed to consider broader, open-ended questions, including whether Canada has the right legal tests in place to prevent clearly harmful conduct and mergers; whether the Competition Bureau has the authority it needs to identify threats to competition and take timely and effective action; whether new or stronger tools are needed to promote compliance with the Act; and much more. All of this is in an effort to make sure that our marketplaces, including in the ever-important food sector, operate in ways that best serve Canadians.
ConcurrenceCoût de la vieLes Compagnies Loblaw limitéeProfitsSupermarchés
Response by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Parliamentary Secretary Gary Anandasangaree1. Bill C-5, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code and Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, received Royal Assent and came into force on November 17, 2022. The Bill aims to ensure that responses to criminal offences are fair and effective, while ensuring that public safety is maintained. The amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) reinforce the Government’s commitment to address the ongoing opioid crisis by providing space to treat substance use as a health issue, rather than as a criminal one. The law now requires police and prosecutors to consider options  such as issuing a warning, or divert people to treatment programs or other supportive services instead of proceeding with charges for simple drug possession, and enacts for the first time in the CDSA a declaration of principles to guide them in exercising discretion.2. Bill C-5 further addresses the stigma associated with having a criminal record by: (1) limiting the kind of information that may be kept in the police record of warning or referrals and the use that can be made of such records, as well as to whom these records may be disclosed; and, (2) providing that past and future records of convictions for this offence be kept separate and apart from other records of convictions after a certain period of time.3. The 2018 Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act provides that the Governor in Council may list an offence as eligible for expungement if the activity no longer constitutes an offence, and the criminalization of the activity was a historical injustice. Bill C-5 did not repeal the offence of simple drug possession.